News and Events Type: News

The CDFI Fund recently announced that $5 billion has been allocated under the New Markets Tax Credits Program (NMTC Program), a move set to catalyze investment and economic growth in both urban and rural areas. In the 2022 round of the NMTC Program, 102 Community Development Entities (CDEs) emerged as the beneficiaries of these tax credits. These entities were handpicked from a competitive group of 197 applicants that requested an aggregate total of $14.8 billion in tax credit allocation authority. The geographic spread of the award recipients is impressive, spanning 36 states and the District of Columbia. A noteworthy aspect of this allocation is the emphasis on rural upliftment. Over a fifth of the investments are designated for rural locales, translating to an estimated $1 billion in NMTC investments directed towards non-metropolitan counties.

Among the CDEs receiving awards, three Alliance members deserve special mention for their outstanding contributions and commitment to community development: the Black Business Investment Fund, the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, and the Texas Mezzanine Fund. Their recognition is not just a testament to their dedication but also a beacon of hope for other entities striving to make a difference.

With the recent allocation, the cumulative funding via the NMTC Program has surpassed $76 billion. Over time, every dollar from the federal government under this program has traditionally attracted eight times that amount from private sectors. As of the conclusion of the 2022 fiscal year, entities benefiting from NMTC Program awards have channeled in excess of $62.9 billion into ventures within underserved communities and businesses. This funding has directly contributed to the establishment or preservation of over 857,000 employment opportunities and facilitated the development or refurbishment of approximately 239 million square feet in commercial property.

ORLANDO, FL – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announced today a generous $500,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente. This funding will support general operations and enable The Alliance to provide essential training and technical assistance to Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) seeking to apply for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). 

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has the potential to enact substantial environmental improvements by funding greenhouse gas- and air pollution-reducing projects in communities across the U.S., including low income and disadvantaged communities. The program is being implemented through three grant competitions. Yet, many Black-led organizations face barriers navigating the complex application process, thereby limiting their access to these crucial funds and resources.  

“When it comes to achieving climate justice, it is imperative that we fight together to protect all communities and neighborhoods threatened by the growing climate crisis,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance. “With the support from Kaiser Permanente, The Alliance will facilitate green economy lending training and the development of toolkits to support members through every phase of GGRF preparation and application process.” 

“Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping diverse entrepreneurs launch and sustain successful small businesses, become agents of change in their own communities, and build wealth for themselves, their employees, and their communities,” said John Vu, vice president of strategy for Community Health at Kaiser Permanente. “This funding has the additional benefit of targeting environmental health, which we know negatively impacts communities of color more severely than others. We are proud to partner with The Alliance to ensure that critical public resources, such as the GGRF, are equitably distributed and reach the communities that need it most.” 

By providing training and technical assistance, The Alliance aims to unlock the potential of Black-led organizations to drive environmental solutions and strengthen their communities. Through the GGRF, these organizations can fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and create sustainable, green jobs for our economically vulnerable and marginalized communities.   

For the latest updates and additional information on The Alliance’s programs and initiatives, please visit www.aaacdfi.org. 

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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.  

Media Contacts: 

Alisha Brown / African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs 

[email protected] / 901-849-0820 

Expert in inclusive finance to lead the financial initiative for environmental justice.

Washington, D.C (September 19, 2023)—The Justice Climate Fund (JCF) Board, an assembly of eight distinguished leaders from BIPOC-led

organizations, appointed Mr. Douglass Dubois Sims as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective today.
 
“The JCF was conceived with a clear mission: to provide capital, leverage resources, and champion zero-emission technologies in marginalized areas across the nation. With Mr. Sims onboard, we remain poised to bring transformative solutions to low-income and disadvantaged communities that address complex and multi-dimensional environmental challenges, so a just and sustainable future is possible for all,” Lenwood V. Long Sr., president and CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs and JCF board chair, said.
 
Cathie Mahon, president and CEO of Inclusiv and JCF board treasurer, also commended the unanimous appointment of the JCF interim CEO.  “This step in JCF’s development is an exciting milestone in our collective effort to ensure community-owned and -led financial institutions drive change in our

communities by increasing access to affordable clean and efficient energy,  reducing pollutants,  and creating lasting solutions for our planet.”
 
Formed by the Community Color of Builders Coalition, JCF is an eligible direct recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). It will channel capital and resources towards community-focused lenders, which include Community Development Financial Institution and Minority Depository Institution credit unions, banks, and loan funds. This ensures underserved communities, especially those of color, can create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs, and safeguard the health of their families, while reducing pollution.
 
“It is a privilege to be a part of this historic work,” Mr. Sims said. “With guidance from the JCF Board and the support of our growing network of members and partners, the JCF team will bring to the forefront the voices of those who are most impacted by the climate crisis.”
 
He added that accessibility, transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability will drive the financial initiative’s efforts. “We will continue to engage and convene with all our stakeholders to empower the communities we serve. In bringing in everyone to decide on the positive course of our environmental future, our well-being and those of  following generations are assured,” Mr. Sims said.
 
In the last two decades, Mr. Sims has been creating and implementing regulatory and market-based frameworks to increase investments in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure. He has also spearheaded international and national strategies that facilitated both change and support for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Mr. Sims, who has held high-level roles in various nonprofit organizations, will also assist the JCF Board in searching for a permanent JFC CEO.
 
To date, JCF is in the process of submitting applications for the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, a $6 billion program that will focus exclusively on low-income and disadvantaged communities, and the National Clean Investment Fund. The latter requires that at least 40 percent of the grant’s $14 billion budget will be dedicated to communities that have been historically left behind.
 
JCF, whose BIPOC-led members and partners have been working for many decades to bring equity and justice in underserved communities, has a collective financial strength of $461 billion in assets and vast grassroots presence across all of EPA’s 10 regions. Its expertise in green lending also positions the financial initiative as one of the most capable conduits to deploy intentional and coordinated investments that will strengthen the nation’s climate resilience. 

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About JCF
The Justice Climate Fund provides capital, leverages resources, and supports zero-emission technologies in underserved communities across the country. It is founded by the Community Color of Builders Coalition, a growing national network of BIPOC-led financial institutions and advocacy organizations. They have come together to ensure that all communities equitably benefit from the GGRF. See www.justiceclimatefund.org. 

Press Contact
[email protected]
(202) 987-3770

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 

 New Board Appointments Advance Equitable Climate Initiative for Low-Income Communities  

ORLANDO, FL — The Justice Climate Fund, led by the Community Builders of Color Coalition (The Coalition), is pleased to announce the recent appointments to its Board. The addition of these esteemed leaders brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will play a key role in guiding the JCF and its impactful initiatives. 

Jeannine Jacokes, CEO of Community Development Bankers Association, and Partners for the Common Good, working to educate stakeholders on community development banks and connecting lenders, borrowers, and capital sources. Pete Upton, CEO and Chairperson for Native CDFI Network, and the Executive Director of Native360 Loan Fund, focusing on entrepreneurship, home ownership, consumer lending and financial literacy for Native Americans. Both are current members of The Coalition and will take on significant roles in directing and guiding the JCF. Each brings a unique set of skills, expertise, commitment, and leadership will be invaluable in propelling the JCF’s goals and endeavors. 

The Coalition, united in its focus on ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged communities equitably benefit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), is committed to making positive strides in providing capital and leveraging resources that create sustainable and economic benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities of color across the nation.   

“The appointment of Jeannine and Pete to the JCF Board represents a significant step forward in our relentless pursuit for environmental equity and climate justice.  Both have demonstrated a deep commitment and passion that aligns with our mission. Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience will undoubtedly enrich our efforts in addressing climate justice for all,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President & CEO of The Alliance, and Board Chair of the Justice Climate Fund. 

“I am honored to be appointed to the Board of the Justice Climate Fund. I am grateful to Chairman Lenwood Long and entire JFC Board for their leadership in ensuring communities of color and low income and disadvantaged urban, rural, and Native American communities nationwide are empowered to promote climate justice and economic justice. I believe JFC has a winning strategy that ensures GGRF resources are rapidly and responsibly deployed to communities at the grassroots level,” said Jeannine Jacokes, CEO of Community Development Bankers Association. 

The Justice Climate Fund, led by The Coalition, is a strategic initiative purposely built to maximize the dual goals of rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and transforming communities through increased benefits (environmental, energy, climate, health and economic). By leveraging the strengths and assets of its members, the Fund aims to achieve real and lasting impacts on the environment and social equity. 

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Justice Climate Fund and Lenwood Long for their continued support of the Native American communities and native community roots within a trailblazing initiative. The JCF dedication ensures that EPA’s GGRF not only expeditiously tackles the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also fosters enduring health and economic improvements for underserved Native American communities across the nation,” said Pete Upton, CEO and Chairperson for Native CDFI Network.  

Current members of the JCF Board include Lenwood V. Long, Sr., Board Chair and President & CEO of The Alliance; Marla Bilonick, Board Vice-chair, and President & CEO of NALCAB; Cathie Mahon, Board Treasurer, and President & CEO of Inclusiv; Nicole Elam, Board Secretary, and President & CEO of National Bankers Association; Chrystel Cornelius, Board member, and President & CEO of Oweesta; and Harold Pettigrew, Board member, and President & CEO of Opportunity Finance Network. 

To learn more about the Coalition and the Justice Climate Fund, visit: https://aaacdfi.org/greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund/. 

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Community Builders of Color Coalition & Justice Climate Fund 

Community Builders of Color Coalition, Justice Climate Fund, and African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs are collectively committed to eradicating the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income and disadvantaged communities through empowering and resourcing BIPOC-led organizations. Learn more about the Coalition and the Justice Climate Fund. 

African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs 

The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, known as “The Alliance,” is a coalition consisting of over 75 CEOs from Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These institutions include loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since its establishment in 2018, The Alliance’s extensive network has provided services across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about The Alliance and its programs, please visit http://www.aaacdfi.org.   

Media Contacts: 

Alisha Brown / African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs 

[email protected] / 901-849-0820 

How one grant has positioned the newly established Justice Climate Fund to competitively apply for the EPA’s #27 billion in clean energy funding

Justice Climate Fund Aims to Provide Capital and Resources to Disadvantages Communities 

ORLANDO, FL – The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), a leading organization championing diversity and inclusion in the energy industry, has joined the Community Builders of Color Coalition (the Coalition), an influential advocacy group led by the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance). Together they will advocate for the equitable allocation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).  

The collaboration between the Coalition and AABE highlights the influential role of collective action in driving meaningful change. Leveraging their respective strengths, these organizations will advocate for a minimum of 40% of the awarded capital to benefit disadvantaged communities. Through the Justice Climate Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to access EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, the Coalition aims to provide capital and leverage resources that foster enduring health and economic benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities nationwide. 

“We are delighted to join forces with a powerhouse organization like the AABE. They have been at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the energy industry for decades, and are a key influencer in policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. By working together, we can drive meaningful change and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities of color,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance. 

“AABE is honored to join forces with the Community Builders of Color Coalition and partner with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Together, we have the power to address the energy needs of the Black community and rectify the historical energy inequities they have faced. We can unlock immense potential within Black communities, creating sustainable economic opportunities and ensuring their voices are heard in energy policies and developments. This collaboration signifies our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy industry, and we are determined to drive meaningful change for the betterment of all,” said Ralph Cleveland, AABE President. 

The Coalition is comprised of 19 BIPOC-led organizations including: 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. 

For the latest updates and additional information 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, known as “The Alliance,” is a coalition consisting of over 75 CEOs from Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These institutions include loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since its establishment in 2018, The Alliance’s extensive network has provided services across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about The Alliance and its programs, please visit http://www.aaacdfi.org.  

About The American Association of Blacks in Energy 

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues. Learn more about AABE at https://www.aabe.org/. 

Media Contacts: 

Alisha Brown 

African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs 

[email protected] / 901-849-0820 

Camille Moore 
The American Association of Blacks in Energy 
[email protected] / 202-713-0832 

As the Community Builders of Color Coalition (The Coalition), we commend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the release of the two Notices of Funding Opportunities: The National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. We are grateful for the chance to submit applications for these funds through our Justice Climate Fund, a crucial initiative purposely built to maximize the dual goals of rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and transforming communities through increased benefits (environmental, energy, climate, health and economic). 

The Justice Climate Fund will apply for the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator and will prioritize directing funding from the EPA’s GGRF to community-based lenders within our Coalition, including CDFIs, MDIs, loan funds, and MDI credit unions. Our primary objective is to ensure that marginalized communities can effectively implement proven green solutions and technologies. 

By equipping community-based organizations and financial institutions that serve disadvantaged populations with capital and resources, the Justice Climate Fund offers a distinctive deployment strategy. This approach will enable these organizations to access zero-emission technologies and support environmental justice activities that lead to lower energy prices, reduced pollution, and the creation of well-paying jobs. Through the Justice Climate Fund, we are committed to fighting for: 

• Over 110 million Americans living in low-income and disadvantaged communities, including 1 in 2 African Americans, Latinos, Native Indians, and Alaskans residing in Justice 40 communities. 
• Nearly 37 million Americans burdened by energy poverty, impacting their family budgets, health, and resilience. 
• The tens of millions of Americans affected by the growing number and intensity of climate-related events (such as droughts, storms, and floods) that strain inadequate housing and infrastructure. 
• Thousands of communities facing adverse health impacts from pollution and environmental hazards. 

We encourage the EPA to give due consideration to our application as we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing environmental equity and combating the climate crisis. We commend the EPA’s ongoing efforts and eagerly anticipate collaborative work to ensure the just and equitable distribution of resources that will drive positive change in our communities. 

Grant Advances the Community Builders of Color Coalition’s Mission to Fight for Environmental Equity in Underserved Communities Nationwide 

ORLANDO, FL – The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) announced today a generous $5 million grant from the Waverley Street Foundation to support the work of the Community Builders of Color Coalition (The Coalition) to establish the Justice Climate Fund. This significant funding will bolster the Justice Climate Fund’s efforts to submit a competitive application for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).   

Through the Justice Climate Fund, the Community Builders of Color Coalition (the Coalition), spearheaded by the Alliance, is committed to providing capital and leveraging resources that create sustainable health and economic benefits for communities of color across the nation. With the $5 million grant, Waverley Street Foundation will support the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs to (1) build the capacity of the Justice Climate Fund, (2) support the development of an application and (3) build a transition team toward implementation of GGRF. 

“Transformational change requires strong partnerships and intentional collaborations. The Coalition, a national network of 19 BIPOC-led organizations, is laser-focused on ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged communities benefit from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. With the support of the Waverley Street Foundation, the Justice Climate Fund will be able to submit a competitive application to the EPA for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funding and begin initial staffing to support its work.  This is a historic moment and opportunity for communities of color and BIPOC-led organizations that have been serving these communities for decades,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance. 

“We support climate solutions that are grounded in and emerge from the day-to-day needs of people and local communities. Our grant partners work closely with farmers, students, investors, Indigenous peoples, advocates, and many others to make change in the here-and-now, while building toward a better future,” said Alexandria McBride, Strategy Director at Waverley Street Foundation.  “We are proud to support the dedicated team at the Alliance and the Justice Climate Fund initiative and their work empowering underrepresented communities to help foster economic justice and equity. 

The Justice Climate Fund is a new initiative designed to apply for EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds and provide equitable access to capital and resources that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. This grant marks a significant milestone for the Justice Climate Fund and in the Coalition’s journey toward achieving economic and climate justice for communities of color nationwide. 

For the latest updates and additional information 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, known as “The Alliance,” is a coalition consisting of over 75 CEOs from Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These institutions include loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since its establishment in 2018, The Alliance’s extensive network has provided services across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Its members possess a unique ability to tackle issues related to housing, commercial real estate and access to capital for African American populations and communities. To learn more about The Alliance and its programs, please visit http://www.aaacdfi.org.  

Media Contact: 

Alisha Brown 

African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs 

[email protected] / 901-849-0820 

In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled against affirmative action in college admissions. On Thursday, the court declared that race cannot be a factor in the admissions process, compelling higher education institutions to seek alternative methods for achieving diversity among their student bodies. The conservative majority of the court specifically overturned admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, which are the nation’s oldest private and public colleges, respectively. 

The implications of this decision are vast and go beyond education. For many, education serves as a pathway to economic liberation – a means to rise above the limitations placed by systemic and historical injustices. In stripping away affirmative action, the ruling threatens to erect new barriers on this pathway. The elimination of affirmative action serves as a forewarning of the possible dismantling of other initiatives aimed at combating systemic inequities, programs such as workforce development, support for minority-owned businesses, and healthcare initiatives tailored to mitigate disparities. The withdrawal of these programs intensifies the ingrained obstacles faced by our communities, impeding advancements in closing the racial wealth gap, achieving economic stability, and building Black wealth. 

Additionally, with reduced access to higher education, we are likely to witness a decline in the representation of communities of color in positions of influence and decision-making. This includes government, corporate leadership, academia, and other fields. This lack of representation could subsequently result in the further marginalization of Black voices and interests in crucial policy and decision-making processes. 

We, at the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, strongly urge lawmakers, educators, community leaders, and concerned citizens to understand the gravity of this ruling and its potential ripple effects. It is imperative to vigorously protect and advocate for policies and programs that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity across all sectors of society.  

This decision represents a monumental setback in our nation’s collective efforts to rectify historical and systemic inequities in Black communities and create environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our nation.  We call upon institutions of higher education to redouble their efforts in seeking innovative approaches to foster diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open to all.  

We must stand together in solidarity and action, to work towards a future that truly reflects and serves the diversity of America. We owe it to our future generations to fight for a world where opportunity and representation are not determined by one’s racial background.   

Be Steadfast! 

Lenwood V. Long, Sr. 

President & CEO, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs