The nationally lauded resurgence of Detroit, which has led some to label it "America's comeback city," has sorely lacked one thing - the equitable participation of its residents of African descent who still comprise over 80% of its population

$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!

GET TICKETS

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.

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.

Why

Ride For Equity Photo

Dwan Dandridge during 2022's Ride For Equity

FlyTy Creations

Detroit Drip Grant Winner

Ride For Equity 2022

Ken Elkins, close-up

Ride For Equity Photo

Dwan Dandridge during 2022's Ride For Equity

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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

DIRECTORS

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

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 Entrepreneurs of African descent.