The article discusses Tash Nguyen's work as an abolitionist and leader of Restore Oakland, emphasizing the importance of interdependence in activism. It critiques the concept of 'passing the mic,' noting that while it provides a platform for marginalized voices, it's often insufficient and can reinforce existing power dynamics. The piece highlights Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò's perspective from "Elite Capture," arguing that deference politics merely amplify less powerful voices without addressing deeper systemic issues within nonprofit spaces, where leadership remains predominantly White.
You're not winning any victories alone. I don't think any nonprofit is actually doing any of their work by themselves.
Passing the mic is at best a first step in building a transformative politics that is rooted in interdependence and collective power.
At face value, the 'pass the mic' prompt is well-intended, particularly considering that 79 percent of nonprofit leadership is White.
Deference politics ask us to amplify voices and people with less positional power.
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