Regional convening brings together Black-led CDFI leaders, capital partners, and civic leaders to confront growth, displacement, and capital access across the Southeast
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2026
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) will host its Southeast Huddle & Exchange on September 29, 2026, at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Charlotte, NC. The convening brings Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions with funders, bankers, policymakers, and civic leaders to strengthen Black-led community finance and expand economic opportunity across the region.
The day centers on a moderated panel discussion, “Boom for Whom? Growth, Displacement, and the Fight for Black Wealth in the New South.” Panelists will examine how rapid economic growth is reshaping communities across the Southeast and what it will take for that growth to build wealth for Black residents and businesses rather than displace them.
Beyond the main stage, the format is built for candid peer exchange. CDFI leaders will work through the market pressures they share; expanding the supply of affordable housing, financing high-opportunity businesses and competing for capital in fast-appreciating markets.
Programming will include:
- A keynote luncheon with insights on the economic shifts shaping Black communities across the region.
- Facilitated discussion using Charlotte as a case study on displacement, capital access, federal policy, and the future of the CDFI industry.
- A funder dinner cultivating direct relationships between Black CDFI leaders and capital partners for future collaborations.
“The Alliance Huddles are intimate, high-touch convenings designed to create durable outcomes, strategic partnerships, aligned investment, and a stronger, more visible network of Black-led CDFIs in every region,” said Amber Banks, President & CEO of The Alliance. “The work of building wealth happens close to home, which is why we believe it’s important to be where the impact is happening, listen to those closest to the work, and gain a deeper understanding of what communities need to thrive.”
The Southeast Huddle & Exchange is made possible by U.S. Bank, whose generous support reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Black-led CDFIs are positioned to access and help shape the economic opportunities emerging across the Southeast.
The Southeast Huddle & Exchange runs from 12pm until 5:30pm at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208. Registration and the full agenda are available here.
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About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a national coalition of 100+ CEOs of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), comprising loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since 2018, The Alliance’s network collectively services all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a result, members are uniquely positioned to address issues related to housing and access to capital for African American communities.
Learn more about The Alliance and its programs at http://www.aaacdfi.org.
Media Contact
Iyanna Peoples
Associate, Marketing & Development
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
[email protected], (910) 518-9201
