The issues that Black Americans face are intimately connected to the issues Black people face all over the world. What happens to Black people in Brazil is not unlike what happens to Black people in America. It is true, our collective history is rich and diverse, however there is a common thread that connects us all beyond our African descent. It is our struggle for economic and social freedom.

We believe the goal of racial equity cannot be achieved if Black people do not have institutions with a long term view for building culture and leading change. More pointedly, Black-led non-profits need and deserve to have a philanthropic institution that will center its’ funding on supporting Black people. A fund that will not ask them to contort their work away from the true needs of Black communities.  We will invest in best practices and new ideas that respect cultural traditions.

We know the time is overdue to establish a permanent endowment that addresses the wealth, health and connectedness of Black people. We focus on these 3 areas because we believe they capture the root causes of our struggle. Our wealth is undermined by unbridled, unethical capitalism – causing us to be economically insecure from generation to generation.  Our economic insecurity undermines our health, as we are constantly forced operate in an unnatural system that depends on our exploitation and the degradation of our humanity. The degradation of our humanity causes us to disconnect from each other, and allow external forces to divide us from ourselves and others. It is a constant and vicious cycle.

We are building a foundation that will truly work on breaking the cycle. The dollars from this endowment will act as an accelerator of leadership, proven programs, innovative ideas, and capital that will improve conditions in Black communities. This endowment is an effort designed to have generational impact. We strive to create something that our ancestors as well as those coming after us will be proud of. This means the development of a fund of at least $1 billion.

This is our endowment. This is a gift to us, from us. The true beneficiaries will be generations of Black leaders now and in the future, who will transform society, and unify us.