Stand with Kali Akuno

written by | April 20, 2026

Reposted from Chuffed

Kali Akuno—co-founder of Cooperation Jackson and a lifelong movement builder—is facing a serious and urgent health crisis. He needs immediate access to specialized cardiac care that he simply cannot get in Mississippi.

For decades, Kali has shown up for our movements. It’s our turn to show up for him!

The Situation

Kali is currently facing urgent new health challenges. Many of you know that he has struggled with significant health issues for years. He has a serious blood clotting disorder and has had 3 heart attacks between 2008 and 2011.

He now has a blood clot in his left ventricle—a potential ticking time bomb that requires constant monitoring. He is facing chronic heart failure and a significant decline in heart function.

Sadly, it has become clear that he cannot get the care he needs in Mississippi, and must travel to access the specialized care needed to stabilize his condition and begin recovery. Decisions about next steps are happening now.

Kali is not just a public figure—he is a father, friend, mentor, and comrade to so many of us. His loss or long-term disability would be profound across the communities he has helped build.

The Ask

We are asking his friends, allies, and everyone inspired by his work to promote our effort to secure the funds he needs for the care he needs.

We are setting an initial goal of $80,000 to support Kali’s medical and holistic care and recovery, knowing the full need may exceed this.

These funds will cover urgent travel to specialized cardiac centers, the cost of privately paid for advanced testing and treatment, and the living expenses he will face while focusing fully on recovery.

How Funds will be Used

  • Immediate specialized medical care and advanced testing
  • Ongoing treatment and monitoring
  • Rehabilitation and long-term recovery
  • Travel and related living expenses during recovery

All funds raised will go to Kali directly, and will be managed by him. 

Kali in his own Words

This is hard for me to write, and I am grateful to my friends and comrades who encouraged me to make this public appeal. 

I’ve always believed that our strength comes from how we show up for one another.I’m deeply appreciative of the care, love, and solidarity people have already shown. I’m committed to doing everything I can to slow down, focus on healing, strengthening my body and recovery—and your support makes that possible.

Call to action

If you’ve been impacted by Kali’s work—or believe in the world he has fought to build—this is the moment to show your support.

Please donate what you can today, and share this campaign widely.

Thank you from the Support Team:

Ajamu Baraka 

Blair Evans 

Boots Riley 

Brian Drolet 

Brooke Lehman 

Cindy Weisner 

David Cobb

Emily Kawano 

Firoze Manji 

Hakima Abbass

Joshua Dedmond 

Kamau Franklin 

Matt Meyer

Michelle Eddleman McCormick

Monadel Herzallah 

Nadine Naber

Rick Wolff

Sara Kershnar 

Tom Goldtooth