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.
Donate to become a member that supports Black-led businesses and builds community.
$2,067,000
distributed to Black-led businesses and organizations.
Group Economics
By pooling our resources together, we can help fund Black-led businesses and non-profits 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 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 black residents and communities in Detroit.
OUR MISSION
To provide funding for Black entrepreneurs 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 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.
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
350
Black-led 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.
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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 London
Loan & Administrative
Specialist
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kim Uhuru
Deputy Administrator
Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission
Quan Neloms
Career Counselor
Wayne RESA
Shannon Gaston
Director
Spirit of Detroit Project
Duan’te Anderson
Area Manager
Ford Motor Company
Dominique Campbell
Founder
Rise Up Higher
FUNDING BOARD
Rachael Allen
CEO
Operations School + OPSIDIA
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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
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
Executive Director
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Cindy Eggleton
Executive Director
Brilliant Detroit
Jim Tenzillo
Vice President
Invest Michigan
Jack Elsey Jr.
Partner & CEO
Detroit Children's Fund
Chris Lambert
CEO
Life Remodeled
Marcus Lyon
British Artist and Social Entrepreneur
Steve Cato
Director of Community Development
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
OUR PARTNERS
