Ending Racism USA Is Closing; Here’s Why

On August 21, 2025, Ending Racism USA’s Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close Ending Racism USA with thanks and appreciation to the board members, staff members, special advisors, and donors who all made the work possible.

The rationale for closing Ending Racism USA

The staff of Ending Racism USA discussed how we are spending our time and what is needed during the emergence of a full-blown dictatorship with all the characteristics of tyrannies in the present and past. At this point, we are not confident in our understanding of the steps “From Dictatorship to Democracy” (see Gene Sharp’s excellent book with that title). What we do know from “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder is that the methods of organizing in an emerging democracy, like the United States was when Ending Racism USA was established, do not stop an emerging tyranny like that described in “Project 2025.”

In fact, encouraging people to engage in activities that were effective under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s leadership may put people in danger as the regime becomes more aggressive in identifying people who oppose them. Every staff member wants to be part of a resistance to tyranny and the establishment of a democracy in America that is not based on racism. We also want to be intentional and wise in our engagement, and we don’t want to subject other people to danger they have not intentionally chosen.

We all came together during an emerging democracy in the United States, committed to transforming it into a democracy without racism. The strategies we developed were appropriate for an emerging democracy that, over the course of history, had expanded participation to all white men, given white women the vote, eliminated institutional slavery, expanded suffrage to all citizens, expanded suffrage to 18 year-olds, and more through people movements (which often resulted in terrible violence perpetrated by those who opposed the changes).

Developing resources for the movement, inviting individuals to engage with us regarding the importance of the anti-racism movement, and seeking partnerships with related organizing efforts are proven strategies in emerging democracies. We worked hard to apply our analysis of social change, belief in the goodness of humanity, and faith in the ultimate triumph of the goal of ending racism. But we have run out of time.

We have an organizational structure with a strong and dedicated staff (on our website, we look amazing), creative structures to support the movement (such as our local organizations directory), innovative resources (like our online and print anti-racism calendar), cooperative partnerships to create programing (like events with Grace and Race and formation of the group Friends of Elaine), other partnerships to support important anti-racism organizations (like the Arlington House project), and more.

However, our small audience has not grown, few people engage with the newsletters and social media, and despite considerable effort, we find potential grantors reluctant to fund organizations advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and working toward a nation without racism. And we have run out of time.

The traditional methods of movement-organizing are no longer effective. Today we live under an emerging dictatorship. Resistance to tyranny requires very different commitments and strategies. By closing Ending Racism USA, we free each other to find new ways each of us will participate in resistance to the tyranny and find other communities for mutual support. Some of us may reconfigure the way we engage with each other. The Ending Racism USA staff is already investigating ways we can continue to be a support group for each other. Some will find other organizations to join. Some may have responsibilities that mean being true to our highest values requires avoiding conflicts with the dictator and the regime.

Given the new realities of the world in which we live, the staff of Ending Racism USA has come to the unfortunate conclusion that we have, indeed, run out of time. Therefore, we recommend closing the organization and redirecting our individual efforts to address the current crisis.

Next steps

The Board gave Brenda Girton-Mitchell, executive director, the authority to take all necessary steps to close Ending Racism USA in an orderly manner. Staff will continue working with her to wind down the organization over the next several months. After all debts are paid, the remaining funds will be distributed equally between Repairers of the Breach and Grace and Race Ministries.

We will continue to keep you informed as we move through the final closing. Watch for suggestions of other organizations you can participate in to continue working toward a multicultural nation without racism. We also invite you to send us your suggestions. You can reply to this email to send us the names and contact information for the organizations you recommend, along with two or three sentences about their work, and we will share them in an upcoming newsletter.

While Ending Racism USA is closing, as individuals the staff remains committed to the goal of ending racism.