A Unique Partnership that Creates Lasting Legacies of Advancement Within Black-led Organizations and Communities
ORLANDO, FL – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is proud to announce a transformative partnership with the Black Community Developers Group (BCDG). This groundbreaking collaboration marks a pivotal step towards dismantling institutional racism and closing the racial wealth gap by empowering communities through economic development, education, and leadership.
The news comes on the heels of BCDG’s recent commitment to join the Community Builders of Color Coalition (The Coalition). In addition to their fight for fair equity in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and strategic reinvestment into disadvantaged and low-income communities, BCDG and The Alliance’s collaboration aims to strengthen both their memberships and the communities they are committed to serving.
The Alliance and BCDG share a common interest in mitigating the hardships endured by minority and low-income populations. Together they will work with local, regional, and national Black organizations to build competencies and drive positive lasting change in housing and community development. The partnership’s areas encompass:
- Economic Empowerment and Community Building: The Alliance and BCDG will collaborate on and support innovative economic development programs and advocate for policies that foster economic and community growth.
- Education: Both organizations share a commitment to education as a catalyst for change. The partnership will provide subject matter experts for educational convenings and other opportunities to share resources that support the organization’s growth.
- Leadership Development: The partnership will actively support training to enhance the competencies and the succession planning and retention of Black CEOs and Executives within the CDFI industry.
“We are excited to expand our relationship with BCDG. Our shared commitment to addressing the racial wealth gap and empowering Black communities aligns seamlessly. Through harnessing our collective strength, we will drive positive change and move our communities forward,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance.
“The collaboration between BCDG and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs marks establishing a transformative partnership to manifest generational wealth. Our joint efforts can narrow the income disparity, strengthen Black communities, and promote empowerment. Each progressive stride brings us closer to the ideals of justice, equality, and collective prosperity but also emits a ray of optimism for a more equitable future,” said Leatrice Williams Moore, Executive Director, Black Community Developers Group.
The Alliance and BCDG’s partnership is a testament to collective action and shared vision. Through intentional collaboration, these organizations aim to advance Black-led organizations and ensure access to equitable opportunities and sustainable development for the communities they serve.
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About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a membership organization comprising of more than 76 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 populations and communities. Learn more about The Alliance and its programs at http://www.aaacdfi.org.
About Black Community Developers Group
Founded in 2020, the Black Community Developers Group (BCDG) was formed as a national coalition of Black-led Community Development Organizations. We exist to address the lack of reparative investments in Black communities, advocate for equity in lending and grant funding, empower black leaders through capacity building and mentorship, and network to strengthen access to resources creating power in numbers. With more than 40 member organizations in rural and urban spaces, BCDG’s mission is rooted in driving transformative change through collaborative efforts, strategic partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.
Media Contacts:
Alisha Brown
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
[email protected] / 901-849-0820
Leatrice W. Moore
Black Community Developers Group
[email protected]/ 213-700-1781
