Dwan Dandridge is a lifelong Detroiter who turned a deeply personal setback into a movement for economic equity. After using his family’s savings to support a transitional housing program for young men, he watched the initiative close when sustainable funding failed to materialize. That experience revealed a painful truth: too many transformative ideas in Black communities are lost not because of a lack of vision, but because of a lack of access to capital.

Determined to change that reality, Dwan founded Black Leaders Detroit in 2019 to ensure entrepreneurs and community leaders of African descent have the resources they need to thrive. Since then, BLD has deployed more than $5 million in grants and zero-interest loans to Black-led businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood development projects across Detroit.

Dwan’s work is also rooted in the belief that lasting change happens through relationships. Through initiatives like the annual Ride for Unity, BLD has brought together riders and supporters from diverse backgrounds—to build trust, foster dialogue, and advance a shared commitment to fairness and opportunity for all. These partnerships demonstrate how collective action can create stronger, more connected communities.

Today, Black Leaders Detroit transforms with a bold vision: to make Detroit a national model for equitable investment, where community leadership is recognized, trusted, and fully empowered to shape the city’s future.