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Black Leaders Detroit - BLD

 

AN EQUITABLE SOLUTION FOR DETROIT

In Detroit, 80% of the population is Black, while only a chosen few have been funded to lead the city’s “comeback.” Black Leaders Detroit will change that by challenging 1 million people to give at least $1/week to elevate

Black changemakers in the city.

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Donate to become a member that supports Black-led businesses and builds community.

$1,123,000

distributed to black-led businesses and organizations.

Events
Group Economics

Group Economics

By pooling our resources together, we can help fund Black-led businesses and non-profits that support our local economy.

Stable Neighborhood

Stable Neighborhoods

When funded projects become successful, the return on investment ultimately leads to neighborhood stabilization.

Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself and the things that are important to you. We will control our narrative by strengthening the economic foundation of our communities.

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LAUNCH MAY 21ST @ 8AM
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About
ABOUT US

Fully aware that Detroiters of African descent have never lacked creativity, viable economic strategies, entrepreneurial zeal, or innovative business

models, Black Leaders Detroit aims to diminish the disparities by providing the one thing that has been lacking: financial support.

Black Entrepreneurs
OUR VISION

A model and thriving city of fully empowered, responsive leaders and entrepreneurs reflective of its demographics.

Black Female Entrepreneurs
OUR PLAN

We want 1 million members to contribute $1/week to fund our plan to change lives and impact black residents and communities in Detroit.

Black Woman Business Owner
OUR MISSION

To provide financial support for diverse social and community impact projects originated and led by Detroiters of African descent.

WHY BLACK LEADERS DETROIT?
OUR CORE VALUES
Cultivating Shared Power

Shared Power

When it comes to achieving true equity, the solutions that members of the community bring to the table are equally as valuable as funding.

Championing Transparency

Transparency 

We believe trust is earned not given. We are transparent in our practices,  processes, and decision making.

Black Excellence

We celebrate Black creativity and innovation. We take risks to establish a fair playing field. 

We Are All Heroes

We recognize that everyone’s contribution has value and together is the ONLY way to save the day.

Why

OUR TEAM

Dwan Dandridge

Dwan Dandridge

CEO/Founder

Ken Elkins

Ken Elkins

COO/Co-Founder

Sharea Ayers

Sharea Ayers

Director of Membership & Events 

Jarod Pratt

Jarod Pratt

Development and Communications

Coordinator 

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Larenz Studavent

Loan Officer

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Tiana London

Loan & Administrative 

Specialist

DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kim Uhuru

Kim Uhuru

Deputy Administrator Michigan Attorney

Grievance Commission

Quan Neloms

Quan Neloms

Career Counselor

Wayne RESA

Shannon Gaston

Shannon Gaston

Director

Spirit of Detroit Project

Duan'te Anderson

Duan’te Anderson

Area Manager
Ford Motor Company

Dominique Campbell

Dominique Campbell

Founder
Rise Up Higher

FUNDING BOARD

FUNDING BOARD

Rachael Allen

Rachael Allen

COO
Marygrove Conservancy

Verne Perigord

Verne Perigord

Partner
PWC Consulting

Aprila Ringo

Aprila Ringo

Education Assistant
Central Detroit Christian

Danielle North

Danielle North

Founder 

Dream Studio Detroit   

Katherine Morgan

Kathy Morgan

Community Engagement Director
Flagstar Foundation

Leon Petty

Leon Petty

Owner
Go Green

April Anderson

April Anderson

Owner
Good Cakes and Bakes

Jason Barnett

Jason Barnett

Senior Vice President
Invest Detroit

LaTrice McClendon

LaTrice McClendon

 Community President

Huntington Bank

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Sarida Scott

Tosha Tabron

Assistant Professor

University of Detroit Mercy

Investment Officer

The Kresge Foundation

ALLY COUNCIL

Danielle North

Executive Director
Degree Forward

Kathy Morgan

Corporate Engagement Specialist
Flagstar Bank

Leon Petty

Owner
Go Green

ALLY COUNCIL

Though the group that we are looking to provide financial support for is very specific, the supporters of the work come from varied backgrounds. We are glad to have committed allies that are invested in the work that we are doing. We have asked some of them to serve on an ally council. This council will serve as a vital piece when it comes to BLD creating access to capital for Black Entrepreneurs.

Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Executive Director 

Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Cindy Eggleton

Cindy Eggleton

Executive Director
Brilliant Detroit

Jim Tenzillo

Jim Tenzillo

Vice President

Invest Michigan

Jack Elsey Jr.

Jack Elsey Jr.

Partner & CEO

Detroit Children's Fund

Chris Lambert

Chris Lambert

CEO

Life Remodeled

Marcus Lyon

Marcus Lyon

British Artist and Social Entrepreneur

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Steve Cato

Director of Community Development

Wayne Metro Community Action Agency

OUR PARTNERS

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Marygrove Conservancy logo
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Kellogg Foundation logo
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Marygrove College
TCF Bank logo
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Huntington Bank
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McGregor Fund
Hudson Webber Foundation logo
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