Out of Many, One
What We Know
Our nation’s founding motto, E Pluribus Unum, reminds us that from many, we are one—interconnected and interdependent. It is a profound statement of hope and shared humanity. Yet, throughout our history, we have often fallen short of this ideal, allowing fear, division, and mistrust to undermine our collective potential. These fractures carry a deep cost—not just to individuals but to the promise of America itself. We cannot achieve the prosperity and fairness that all deserve if we remain divided. The path to a brighter future for everyone begins with recognizing our shared humanity—seeing the power in our collective identity that grows from the richness of our individual stories and experiences. From this foundation, we can build opportunity, foster belonging, and work toward a vision of the common good.
What We Do
E Pluribus Unum was founded in 2018 by former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu with a mission rooted in the belief that facing what divides us is essential to building a more united future. EPU tackles the deep-rooted systemic challenges of persistent economic exclusion, social fragmentation, and a lack of trust in institutions across the American South. We work across 13 states to strengthen local leadership, shift public narratives, and advance policies that create pathways to economic mobility and shared prosperity. We believe that sustainable change must start at the community level, where people are closest to both the problems and the solutions. By helping local changemakers break down barriers and build inclusive systems, we are forging stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive.
How We Measure Impact
What sets EPU apart is our deep, data-driven understanding of the region, combined with our commitment to applying behavioral science in ways that drive measurable change and action. We measure success by how well communities are building the foundation for shared prosperity—where more people have a real shot at upward mobility and everyone feels they belong. Our work supports the growth of local ecosystems that are resilient in the face of division, fear, and mistrust—places where collaboration is strong, trust is rebuilt, and progress is owned by the community. We track increases in local leadership capacity, more productive and unifying public dialogue, and stronger connections across sectors and identities. Over time, we aim to help communities shift from reacting to crisis to shaping a future where opportunity is widely shared, and no one is left on the sidelines.
“E Pluribus Unum” is Latin, meaning “out of many, one.” A long-held motto for the United States, the phrase was first included in a sketch for a national seal in 1776. Since 1782, it’s been included in the official Great Seal of the United States, which is affixed on formal State Department documents. It is most often depicted alongside the bald eagle, as it was in Charles Thomson’s 1782 seal. The motto describes the concept of forming a new nation through the union of the 13 original colonies. Some scholars believe that the nation’s founders likely saw the motto on the title page of a reader’s digest called “Gentlemen’s Magazine”, published in London. In 1786, the U.S. Mint produced the first coins marked with “E Pluribus Unum.” Today, the motto can be found on U.S. currency, on official documents, and across federal buildings. In a broader context, “E Pluribus Unum” connotes the many cultures of the melting pot of America coming together to form one union.