A movement for economic justice.
We address the barriers to community and economic development, Black business growth, wealth creation, and financial protections in African American communities
We strengthen our member fiscal and impact capacity using best practices to facilitate social and economic advancement in their communities.
We utilize research tools to elevate the disproportionate investment in Black-led CDFIs, and to advocate for a redistribution of capital flow to these CDFIs.
Black leaders creating a path toward equitable policies and practices within the Black community.
Non-profits, cooperatives, and businesses working toward a living wage, basic benefits, career-building, wealth-building opportunities and/or a fair and engaging workplace.
Projects proactively addressing historical and current systemic oppression in order to ensure fairness in the access to opportunities, resources, and rights for the Black community.
We honor the life and legacy of Inez Long, who served as President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) Florida and was a cherished board member and co-founder of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.
Inez was a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to economic justice transformed the landscape for Black and minority-owned businesses. For over 30 years, she led BBIF with passion, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence.
As a co-founder of The Alliance, Inez was a driving force in advancing Black-led CDFIs, ensuring that communities of color had the resources and support needed to thrive. Her advocacy and leadership were instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that continue to uplift historically marginalized businesses. Her legacy of empowerment, community development, and economic resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.
Los Angeles shows us what can happen when protest is met with force instead of dialogue. It started with a series of ICE raids at worksites and in neighborhoods across the city. More than 100 people were detained in a single day, many without prior records, according to legal observers. Community members responded quickly. That
Read MoreThe Largest National Convening for Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions For Immediate Release June 11, 2025 CHARLESTON, S.C. – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announces its 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference, convening over 200 Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) leaders, funders, speakers, and community advocates to advance economic justice within
Read MoreThe first 100 days of President Trump’s second term have introduced major federal shifts with serious implications for Black communities and the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector. On May 2, 2025, the administration proposed a $100 million Rural Financial Award Program requiring 60% of CDFI activity to serve rural areas—potentially sidelining urban, majority-Black communities.
Read MoreDear Friends and Allies, In 2018, I sat in a room with 22 visionary Black CDFI CEOs bound not just by profession, but by purpose and passion. That meeting held in Raleigh, NC, was the beginning of a movement. Every person shared the mission to close the racial wealth gap and uplift Black communities through
Read MoreAmber Banks-Bond to Assume Role as President & CEO, Continuing Legacy of Advancing Black Economic Justice FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 2025 Orlando, Florida — The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (“The Alliance”) today announced that its esteemed Co-founder and CEO, Lenwood V. Long, Sr., will retire at the end of 2025. Since the
Read MoreDear friends and allies, Today, I write to you with a heart full of gratitude—and yes, with a bit of bittersweet emotion—as I announce that I will be retiring as CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs at the end of 2025. This decision did not come easily. How could it, when this
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