FUND
SIGN OUR PETITION TO SECURE $2.5M
Detroit received $826M from ARPA, of which $40M was allocated for small businesses. To ensure Black-led businesses have equitable access to these funds, BLD requests to manage $2.5M as part
of our no-interest loan program scheduled to launch in January, 2022.
$328,700
Given to date by BLD to black-led businesses and organizations.
Cooperative Economics
By pooling our resources together, we can help fund projects that support our own narrative.
Neighborhood Stabilization
When funded projects become successful, the return on investment ultimately leads to neighborhood stabilization.
Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy starts with an intentional economic foundation. We plan to strengthen 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, the Black Leaders Detroit Fund 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 financial support for diverse social and community impact projects originated and led by Detroiters of African descent.
WHY BLACK LEADERS DETROIT FUND?
Ongoing Support
BLD Fund will leverage long-standing local and national self-empowerment sentiment among African-Americans with current social media networking habits and mobile application technology into an ongoing $1 per week funding campaign.
Restoring Trust
Socioeconomic inequity has led to tension, mistrust, justifiable frustration, and what some call the emergence of an “old and new” Detroit narrative.
Neighborhood Stabilization
Decades long divestment coupled with white (and black) flight depleted the city’s tax base and severely limited economic development, especially within neighborhoods.
Self-Empowerment
The remaining African American middle class that stayed the course decry the absence of interest, investment, and stabilization efforts to further empower them and grow their numbers.
New Opportunities
With positive population growth in Detroit, economic opportunities abound in certain sectors but sorely lack local African American leadership or participation.
Wealth Building
A recent Detroit Future City report charts a plummeting of Detroit’s middle class from 54% to 25% from 1990 to 2010.
OUR PARTNERS
OUR TEAM
Dwan Dandridge
CEO/Founder
Ken Elkins
COO
Kacey Collins
Community Engagement Coordinator
Jarod Pratt
Development & Communications Coordinator
Amber Warren
Content Director
Imani Coklow
QA and Systems Coordinator
James Murray
Director of
Continuous Improvement
Reatta Jefferson
Fund Raising Assistant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kim Uhuru
Deputy Administrator Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission
Quan Neloms
Guidance Counselor
Detroit Public Schools Community District
Shannon Ghadston
Director
Spirit of Detroit Project at Cornerstone
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
Deputy Administrator Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission
Jim Tenzillo
Vice President
Invest Michigan
Jack Elsey Jr.
Partner & CEO
Detroit Children's Fund
Chris Lambert
CEO
Life Remolded
Marcus Lyon
British Artist and Social Entrepreneur