The James B. McClatchy Foundation

06/01/2026

The future of California's Central Valley is being shaped by community-rooted organizations that are building power, preserving culture, expanding opportunity, and strengthening civic participation.

Today, we're spotlighting several of our AANHPI community partners whose work is helping create a more inclusive and vibrant region for current and future generations:
🔹Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
🔹Asian American Liberation Network
🔹Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP)
🔹Chinese for Affirmative Action
🔹EMAC Empowering Marginalized Asian Communities

From journalism and storytelling to leadership development, education, advocacy, and community organizing, these organizations demonstrate the power of local leadership and collective action.

Which AANHPI-led organizations are making an impact in your community?

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05/07/2026

This month, we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by reflecting on the histories that have shaped the Central Valley.

From early migration during the Gold Rush to the contributions of Filipino farmworkers and the lasting impact of exclusionary policies, this timeline highlights both the resilience and complexity of AAPI history in our region.

These stories are not distant: they are deeply rooted in the communities that continue to shape the Valley today.

Honoring this history is one step toward ensuring these contributions are recognized, preserved, and carried forward.

04/29/2026

📚 National Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month: Did You Know?

Students in Modesto City Schools are making steady gains in literacy.

Over the past three years, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards in English Language Arts has increased by 5.5 percentage points.

Today, more than 1 in 3 students (37.2%) are meeting or exceeding ELA standards — the district’s highest performance since statewide testing began.

Progress like this shows what’s possible when communities invest in strong literacy instruction and support multilingual learners.

🔗 Read the full report here:https://gopublicschools.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2025/12/2025-MCS-Kids-Grow-English-2.pdf

04/21/2026

Get to know the educators bringing Sunrise Futures: Weaving Together the Tapestry of Community to life.

Their story is rooted in the Central Valley and in a belief that community wisdom, relationship, and care are essential to shaping a more connected future.

Their vision—and commitment to multilingual students and families—is at the heart of Weaving Together the Tapestry of Community: Multilingual Learner Family Night.

Read Juventina and Ashlee’s story at:
https://jbmcclatchyfoundation.org/stories/multilingual-learner-family-night/

03/21/2026

This movement calls for reflection and truth-telling about the history of California’s Central Valley.

JBMF stands firmly with the women whose leadership helped shape and sustain the farmworker movement across California. These women were organizers, caregivers, strategists, and advocates who contributed to every milestone achieved, yet were too often pushed into the shadows.

It is never too late to shine a light on the courageous women whose leadership, labor, and vision propelled the movement forward.

Read JBMF’s Solidarity Statement: https://jbmcclatchyfoundation.org/standing-in-solidarity-with-the-women-who-shaped-the-farmworker-movement/

03/16/2026

03/11/2026

A new report, “Dignity in the Fields,” sheds light on the growing legal, economic, and housing challenges facing Indigenous and non-Indigenous farmworkers in California.

Developed by the UCSC Institute for Social Transformation and the Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indígena Oaxaqueño (CBDIO), the report documents how low wages, unsafe working conditions, immigration enforcement, and housing instability continue to shape the lives of farmworker families.

Report Launch Press Conference
🗓️ March 12, 2026
⏱️ 9:00–9:30 AM
📍 National Steinbeck Center — Salinas, CA

Read the full report here: https://transform.ucsc.edu/publication/dignity-in-the-fields/

02/27/2026

As part of Black History Month, JBMF is proud to spotlight Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, a visionary leader whose work continues to strengthen journalism across California.

As publisher of Black Voice News, Dr. Brown-Hinds has long championed community-rooted reporting that elevates voices too often left out of mainstream media. Her leadership reflects the vital role Black journalists and publishers play in filling gaps in the local news ecosystem and ensuring communities see themselves represented with dignity and truth.

JBMF is honored to be in relationship with Dr. Brown-Hinds and grateful for her continued partnership in advancing journalism that informs, empowers, and serves.

Learn more about her work and Black Voice News here: https://blackvoicenews.com/

02/17/2026

The Lunar New Year begins today!

As communities around the world welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, the James B. McClatchy Foundation reflects on the values at the heart of this season: renewal, resilience, and collective hope for the year ahead.

Lunar New Year is a time to honor tradition, family, and the generations who carry culture forward. JBMF extends warm wishes to all who are celebrating across California’s Central Valley and beyond.

Wishing health, strength, and prosperity in the year ahead!

02/13/2026

Last night, the James B. McClatchy Foundation joined local journalism leaders to celebrate the launch of The Modesto Focus, a new nonprofit newsroom serving Modesto and the Central Valley.

JBMF is proud to support The Modesto Focus and its commitment to nonpartisan, community-centered local news. As part of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, the outlet is helping strengthen local journalism through collaboration and shared accountability across the region.

Local news is essential, especially when it is rooted in community and built for the public good.

Learn more about The Modesto Focus and sign up for their newsletter here: https://themodestofocus.org/the-modesto-focus-newsletter/