Surging to 19 Strong: BIPOC-Led Collective’s Resolve Intensifies in Pursuit of Environmental Equity
ORLANDO, FL – The Community Builders of Color Coalition (the Coalition) led by the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is proud to announce that the Black Community Developers Group (BCDG) and Reimagine Main Street have joined the Coalition. The partnership, now encompassing 19 robust BIPOC-led organizations, galvanizes a pledge to advocate fervently for equity in the allocation of the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).
By advocating that a minimum of 40% of the awarded capital benefits disadvantaged communities, the Coalition, BCDG and Reimagine Main Street have a shared a commitment to significantly mitigate the hardships endured by minority and low-income populations affected by climate change. Together, they will fight for fair access and effective implementation of GGRF, and strategic reinvestment into disadvantaged communities as part of the Coalition.
“Disadvantaged communities have been neglected for far too long. This is a pivotal moment to reconstruct a framework that aptly caters to the needs of communities of color and fortifies their trajectory to thrive. It is truly an honor to welcome organizations such as BCDG and Reimagine Main Street that are devoted to economic equity, environmental justice and the promotion of financial inclusion within underserved communities,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance.
“BCDG’s partnership with the Community Builders of Color Coalition marks an exciting milestone and opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations and exchange knowledge. We look forward to collaboratively leveling the playing field and ensuring that communities of color have access to equitable opportunities and sustainable development.” said Leatrice Williams Moore, Executive Director, Black Community Developers Group. “Joining the Coalition is a powerful step forward in moving our mission to address the lack of reparative investments in black communities. Together with the Coalition, we hope to make a significant difference and impact on Black communities.
“Reimagine Main Street is proud to join the Community Builders of Color Coalition,” said James West, Network Manager, Reimagine Main Street. “The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund creates significant opportunities to grow the economy, create good-paying jobs, and build resilient and equitable prosperity. Reimagine Main Street looks forward to working with the Coalition to ensure that the benefits of the GGRF create opportunities for minority-owned small businesses and the people they employ, and that the benefits flow equitably to minority communities across the nation.”
Members of the Coalition include: The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, African-American Credit Union Coalition, American Association of Blacks in Energy, Black Community Developers Group, The Chisholm Legacy Project, Community Development Bankers Association, Hip Hop Caucus, Inclusiv, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, National Bankers Association, National Urban League, Native CDFI Network, National CAPACD, Oweesta Corporation, Opportunity Finance Network, Prosperity Now, Reimagine Mains Street, US Black Chamber, and Urban Strategies, Inc.
As part of the Coalition, members will focus on the Justice Climate Fund, a new initiative designed to apply for EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds and provide capital and leverage resources that produce lasting health and economic benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities throughout the country.
For additional information and updates on the Coalition’s activities, please visit www.aaacdfi.org/greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund/.
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About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a coalition of more than 75 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.
About Reimagine Main Street
Reimagine Main Street, a project of the Public Private Strategies Institute, is a multi-stakeholder, cross-sector initiative that brings small business leaders, investors, experts, and policymakers together with business owners and the people they employ. We engage diverse stakeholders and develop data-driven insights to shape and inform market opportunities and policy. Together, we are working to ensure MLK Boulevards, Cesar Chavez Ways, Chinatowns and Main Streets prosper, and that the benefits ripple across communities and throughout the economy.
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
Reimagine Main Street
