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Black Leaders Detroit - BLD

 

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.

$3,475,591

distributed to businesses and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent
(as of 10/01/24)

About
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Get ready for the return of our highly anticipated fund development seminar, More Money, More Impact!

Building on last year's success, this year's event promises to be even more impactful for nonprofit leaders. Join us for a day of insightful workshops, networking opportunities, and strategies to amplify your organization's fundraising efforts. Tickets are just $25, offering you access to invaluable resources and connections that can transform your approach to fundraising.

 

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your impact—secure your spot today!

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 residents and communities in Detroit that are predominantly of African descent..

Black Woman Business Owner
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

Over

550

businesses and organizations supported

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Crysat Robertson

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! 

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

Khary Kimani Turner
Coleman A. Young Foundation.
 

Jacquie Munson Gaines

OUR TEAM

Dwan Dandridge

Dwan Dandridge

CEO/Founder

Sharea Ayers

Sharea Ayers

Director of Membership & Events 

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Larenz Studavent

Loan Officer

Jarod Pratt

Jarod Pratt

Development and Communications

Coordinator 

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Tiana London-Harris

Loan & Administrative 

Specialist

DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shannon Gaston

Shannon Gaston

Director

Spirit of Detroit Project

(Board Chair)

Quan Neloms

Quan Neloms

Founder

I Am In Demand

Duan'te Anderson

Duan’te Anderson

Area Manager
Ford Motor Company

Dominique Campbell

Dominique Campbell

Founder
Rise Up Higher

FUNDING BOARD

Rachael Allen

Rachael Allen

CEO
Operations School + OPSIDIA

Verne Perigord

Verne Perigord

Partner
PWC Consulting

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Shalece Daniels

Entrepreneur

Certified Mindset & Business Coach

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Jason Allen

Regional Claim Manager

The Auto Club Group

 

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

Detroit Director

Knight Foundation

Sarida Scott
Tosha Tabron
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Sarida Scott

Tosha Tabron

Kamilia Landrum

Vice President, Program

The Skillman Foundation

Investment Officer

The Kresge Foundation

Executive Director

  Detroit Branch NAACP

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Aprila Ringo

Education Assistant

Central Detroit Christian

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Terri Weems

President

Detroit Employment Solutions

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.

Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Executive Director 

Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Cindy Eggleton

Cindy Eggleton

Executive Director
Brilliant Detroit

Jim Tenzillo

Jim Tenzillo

Venture Capitalist 

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

Steve Cato

Steve Cato

Owner

Integrity Partners, LLC

OUR PARTNERS

Flagstar Bank logo
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Marygrove Conservancy logo
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Kellogg Foundation logo
Hebrew Free Loan logo
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TCF Bank logo
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Huntington Bank
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McGregor Fund
Hudson Webber Foundation logo
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