AN EQUITABLE SOLUTION FOR DETROIT

In Detroit, 80% of the population are of African descent, but 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

changemakers of African descent in the city.

Donate to become a member that supports businesses led by people of African descent and builds community.

JOIN NOW

$2,422,000

distributed to businesses and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent
(as of 04/01/24)

Ride For Equity 2023 Recap

Events

If you would like to recruit riders or volunteer:

VOLUNTEER

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with us as we launch the fourth annual Ride For Equity!

Early registration is now available, and we cordially invite you to be part of this thrilling journey.

Whether you opt to pedal alongside us for the initial six miles from University of Detroit Mercy to Ferndale or commit to a full day or even a week, there's a place reserved just for you.

Start conditioning yourself now for this year’s R4E. Mark your calendars because formal training sessions with the Metro 313 Cyclones will commence in April.

TRAINING

Group Economics

By pooling our resources together, we can help fund businesses and non-profits led by Detroiters of African descent that support our local economy.

Stable Neighborhoods

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

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.

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.

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

1/14

Over

450 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.

Jacquie Munson Gaines
JMG Connects

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.

OUR TEAM

Dwan Dandridge

CEO/Founder

Ken Elkins

COO/Co-Founder

Sharea Ayers

Director of Membership & Events

Jarod Pratt

Development and Communications

Coordinator

Larenz Studavent

Loan Officer

Tiana Harris

Loan & Administrative

Specialist

DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kim Uhuru

Deputy Administrator

Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission

Quan Neloms

Founder

I Am In Demand

Shannon Gaston

Director

Spirit of Detroit Project

(Board Chair)

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

Aprila Ringo

Education Assistant
Central Detroit Christian

Danielle North

Founder

Dream Studio Detroit

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

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 Entrepreneurs of African descent.