Across the nation, Black-led nonprofits are organizing to address the inequalities in Black communities.
For this Black History Month, here are five nonprofits and activist groups to recognize for their tireless work uplifting Black communities.
SisterSong
Based in the South, SisterSong is a nonprofit that is dedicated to building a network to address the inequities that exist in the reproductive health system for BIPOC women. Formed in 1997, the nonprofit was founded by 16 organizations who devoted themselves to achieving reproductive justice for Black, Latina, Asian and Native American women. Amongst their programs is the RJ Leadership Training & Development initiative. The program includes multiple SisterSong leaders traveling across the country to give speeches, presentations, workshops and training to highlight issues in society through the lens of reproductive justice. The nonprofit also has a “Let’s Talk About Sex Conference” to start conversations about reproductive health and its connections with sexuality.
Children of Promise
This Brooklyn-based nonprofit focuses on providing assistance to children and families impacted by mass incarceration. Founded in 2009 by Sharon Content, Children of Promise provides after-school programs and summer day camp to children who currently have an incarcerated parent. More than 1,500 children and their families have been provided with food, access to recreational activities, academic assistance and the opportunity to join in on community involvement. The nonprofit also provides mental health services, family engagement and one-on-one mentoring.
Equal Justice Initiative
The Equal Justice Initiative was created by lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson in 1989. The nonprofit’s motive is to fight against racial injustice and wrongful incarceration by providing legal assistance to victims. They also provide legal representation to people who have been abused in prisons and fight against the death penalty. For the people who are no longer incarcerated, the Equal Justice Initiative also helps them with re-entering society. Since its birth, the Equal Justice Initiative has expanded to include programs dedicated to reducing poverty, offering a free health clinic and food to those impacted by food insecurity.
National Black Cultural Information Trust
The National Black Cultural Information Trust is a non-profit organization that uses education, storytelling, education and media to celebrate Black communities. Founded by reparationist and cultural communications specialist Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwyour, the nonprofit aims to connect communities and educate by sharing crowdsourced information, tools and other resources. By doing so, the nonprofit seeks to address the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. The National Black Cultural Information Trust also engages the community through articles, blog posts, videos and other media forms while working alongside activists, scholars and journalists to celebrate cultural heritage and identity. Pan-Africanism is a significant part of the nonprofit as they aim to strengthen the global ties of people of African descent.
Butterfly Dreamz
Based in New Jersey and Gary, Indiana, Butterfly Dreamz was founded in 2013 by CEO Joy Lindsay with the intention of helping girls achieve their dreams. The nonprofit specifically focuses on helping girls and young people from high-poverty areas actualize their visions for their own futures. Along with early-career leadership and workforce development programs, Butterfly Dreamz offers school- and community-based programs to its members. The nonprofit also provides access to research groups to help develop the careers of youth interested in STEM and health careers. More than 2,500 students across three districts take part in their programs each year.
