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 Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) has joined the Coalition. Together, they fight for equity in the EPA’s administration of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), advocating that at least 40% of awarded capital benefit disadvantaged communities, mainly minority and low-income populations that have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.
The news comes on the heels of the Coalition’s launch of the Justice Climate Fund, a new initiative that will maximize the dual priorities of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which are to rapidly reduce greenhouse gases, and produce lasting health and economic benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities throughout the country.
Both the Coalition and HHC are steadfast advocates for climate, environmental, and economic justice, committed to ensuring communities of color access to equitable financial resources for prosperity and wealth-building. Together, they will promote fair access and effective implementation of GGRF within disadvantaged communities as part of the Coalition.
“The Hip Hop Caucus has been inspiring younger generations to engage in initiatives that propel our communities forward for nearly two decades. Their national presence and dedication to connecting and empowering underprivileged communities to take action and have a voice in the process aligns perfectly with the collective mission of the Coalition,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance.
“Hip Hop Caucus is proud to join the Community Builders of Color Coalition as a partner in purpose to strengthen the economic power of frontline line communities of color and reduce economic disparities,” said Stephone Coward II, Economic Justice Director at Hip Hop Caucus. “This coalition demonstrates how the prioritization of racial equity and economic justice outcomes results in expanded opportunities to enact greater climate, environmental, and economic solutions for BIPOC communities who have been first and worst impacted by historical financial exclusion to capital.”
The growth of the Coalition is and will be vital to amplifying the voices of community financial institutions, such as CDFIs, MDIs, credit unions, and mission focused loan funds, and the communities they serve.
The Hip Hop Caucus joins a growing list of members dedicated to economic justice and advancing financial inclusion in underserved communities including: The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, African-American Credit Union Coalition, The Chisholm Legacy Project, Community Development Bankers Association, Inclusiv, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, National Urban League, National Bankers Association, Native CDFI Network, National CAPACD, Prosperity Now, Oweesta Corporation, Opportunity Finance Network, US Black Chamber, and Urban Strategies, Inc.
To learn more about the Coalition and the Alliance’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund advocacy efforts, 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.
Hip Hop Caucus
Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process. Through a collaborative leadership network, HHC addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. HHC programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.
Media Contacts:
Alisha Brown
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
[email protected] / 901-849-0820
Joseph Pate
Hip Hop Caucus
[email protected] / 443-244-2911
