$3,861,500
distributed to businesses and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent
(as of 11/01/24)
Kick off MLK weekend with us at the From Faith to Works Prayer Breakfast! Join us on Friday, January 17th, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and faith activation. Tickets are just $20, and all proceeds will support our Black History Month Grant-A-Day initiative, benefiting nonprofits ran by leaders of African descentl
Come together in community, strengthen your spirit, and make a meaningful impact—we can’t wait to see you there!
Join us for the 2025 Ride For Equity: Road to Reparations, a powerful journey from Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Wall Street in New York!
This ride unites people from all walks of life to champion equity and uplift businesses owned by persons of African descent nationwide. Whether you’re riding a single day or the entire distance, your participation drives change and empowers communities.
Register today and be part of the journey toward justice and opportunity for all!
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.
OUR VISION
A model and thriving city of fully empowered, responsive leaders and entrepreneurs reflective of its demographics.
OUR PLAN
We want 1 million members to contribute $1/week to fund our plan to change lives and impact residents and communities in Detroit that are predominantly of African descent..
OUR MISSION
To provide funding for entrepreneurs of African descent in the city of Detroit.
WHY BLACK LEADERS DETROIT?
OUR CORE VALUES
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.
Transparency
We believe trust is earned not given. We are transparent in our practices, processes, and decision making.
Black Excellence
We celebrate 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.
Dwan Dandridge during 2022's Ride For Equity
Detroit Drip Grant Winner
Ken Elkins, close-up
Dwan Dandridge during 2022's Ride For Equity
Over
600
businesses and organizations supported
​
BLD was interested in my vision, the performance of my business, and my future goals. I felt like, "Ok I'm being heard...like really being heard!" I can't explain how proud I felt that a organization that does not know me personally invested in me. Yes, I understand its a loan but no freaking interest? They are taking a chance on me!
Crystal Robertson
Crystal Robertson Insurance
And Financial Services, Inc.
I actually thought the [loan] process was pretty simple, quite honestly. As long as you have your documentation, you can move through the process quickly. I felt like I got updates timely. Larenz was on it! So, every time I updated a document, the system would let me know if I had a question. My phone calls were always returned. If I sent an email, the response was prompt. Simple.
My first interaction with Black Leaders Detroit was when you all knocked on the door and gave us a $2,000 grant. I was literally in my office packing, and Dwan put a check in my hands. And I knew from day one that Black Leaders Detroit is serious about that work.
Khary Kimani Turner
Coleman A. Young Foundation.
Jacquie Munson Gaines
JMG Connects
OUR TEAM
Dwan Dandridge
CEO/Founder
Sharea Ayers
COO
Larenz Studavent
Loan Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shannon Gaston
Director
Spirit of Detroit Project
(Board Chair)
Quan Neloms
Founder
I Am In Demand
Duan’te Anderson
Area Manager
Ford Motor Company
Dominique Campbell
Founder
Rise Up Higher
FUNDING BOARD
Rachael Allen
CEO
Operations School + OPSIDIA
Verne Perigord
Partner
PWC Consulting
Shalece Daniels
Entrepreneur
Certified Mindset & Business Coach
Jarod Pratt
Development and Communications
Coordinator
Tiana London-Harris
Loan & Administrative
Specialist
Jason Allen
Regional Claim Manager
The Auto Club Group
Kathy Morgan
Community Engagement Director
Flagstar Foundation
Leon Petty
Owner
Go Green
April Anderson
Owner
Good Cakes and Bakes
Jason Barnett
Senior Vice President
Invest Detroit
LaTrice McClendon
Detroit Director
Knight Foundation
Sarida Scott
Tosha Tabron
Kamilia Landrum
Vice President, Program
The Skillman Foundation
Investment Officer
The Kresge Foundation
Executive Director
Detroit Branch NAACP
Aprila Ringo
Education Assistant
Central Detroit Christian
Terri Weems
President
Detroit Employment Solutions
Danielle North
Founder | Executive Director
Dream Studios Detroit |
Bottom Line Detroit
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 Entrepreneurs of African descent.
Doug Stewart
Executive Director
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Cindy Eggleton
Executive Director
Brilliant Detroit
Jim Tenzillo
Venture Capitalist
Jack Elsey Jr.
Partner & CEO
Detroit Children's Fund
Chris Lambert
CEO
Life Remodeled
Marcus Lyon
British Artist and Social Entrepreneur
Steve Cato
Owner
Integrity Partners, LLC