Greenlining in the Trump 2.0 Era: The Path Ahead
In fewer than 100 days, President Trump has unleashed a torrent of violent policies designed to erase communities that are integral to the fabric of America. His administration’s openly hostile agenda towards our communities is undeniable. Immigrant communities. Trans and LGBTQ+ communities. Black and Brown communities. Low-income communities. Women and non-binary communities. The list goes on.
For those of us living at the intersections of these identities, the threat is not just political—it is personal, pervasive, and deeply dangerous. But here’s what Trump and his allies fail to understand: our communities are not erasable. You cannot write or will us out of existence. The rich identities, histories, skills, and knowledge we bring to this nation are not fleeting—they are foundational. Time and again, our communities have shown extraordinary resilience.
Our political system did not become unjust overnight. The system we navigate today is the same one that enabled racist policies like redlining to thrive. If our progress depended on the President, equity would be on a four-year timer, vulnerable to every political whim. But we know better.
We will not allow a broken political system to dictate our fate. Instead, we are forging ahead on our own path, grounded in collective power, strategic action, and unshakable resolve. We will never back down from demanding justice and unapologetically centering race in our conversations and solutions.
At Greenlining, our mission has always been clear: to transform systems so communities of color can thrive. We practice Greenlining as a verb: actively deconstructing systemic discrimination and channeling investments and opportunities into formerly redlined communities.
We advocate for policies and programs that do more than recognize historic injustices—they demand transparency, accountability, and real, measurable outcomes. We are building power and capacity in communities marginalized by historic inequities and advancing an economy that is cooperative, sustainable, fair, participatory, and healthy.
The magnitude of our mission demands collective power. That’s why Greenlining is both contributing to and drawing strength from the diverse and expansive movements for racial, economic, and climate justice in California and across the nation. Our three decades in this movement has taught us that the fight for racial justice is inseparable from the fight for economic and climate justice. The same systems that uphold racial inequity also drive economic exploitation and environmental racism, particularly in communities of color.
That’s why we are proud to stand alongside allies, partners, and community leaders who share our vision for a just and inclusive future. By engaging in coalitions and networks, we are weaving ourselves into the rich tapestry of activism and advocacy thriving across the country.
While this administration attempts to destabilize federal agencies and dismantle hard-won protections, we are building resilience at every level, investing in community-led transformation, expanding networks, and mobilizing resources to prove that our communities can thrive despite federal disinvestment and neglect. Programs like Greenlining the Block demonstrate that progress is not only possible but already happening—in our neighborhoods, by our people, for our future.
We refuse to accept a future where our communities live in fear and uncertainty. Instead, we are claiming ownership of the solutions that drive equity, justice, and opportunity.
To our communities: Stay engaged. Stay strong. Know that we are not going anywhere. We see you. We hear you. We are standing with you—fighting alongside you—every step of the way.
This is our time. This is our movement. And together, we will create the just and equitable world our communities deserve.
