Nearly a year since the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and several others, the country has continued to reckon with its legacy of racial bias and injustice. Many people have been reflecting on themselves and their advantages and how to help facilitate change, but don’t know where to begin. Black History Month is a great time to support and celebrate the Black community, but this work never ends, and amplifying the voices of Black-led and serving organizations is an undertaking that deserves our support year-round.
Entrepreneurs tend to be highly involved and hands-on, as well as critical thinkers and problem-solvers. So, when a systemic issue has been recognized, business leaders seek out solutions. These characteristics are what make entrepreneurs strong advocates for promoting racial equity.
As an individual or a business, you can convert your convictions into actions by supporting organizations that uplift the Black community. Here are 22 organizations that work purposefully to nurture Black education, health, art, history, rights and career development.
Education – helps Black Americans pursue their educational goals. These organizations also focus on creating leadership opportunities and fostering skill sets for adults.
- The National Association of Black Engineers
- Black Girls Do STEM
- My Brother’s Keeper Alliance
- Black Girls Code
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Health – committed to seeking improvements and ending racial disparities in medicine, plus advocating for wellness amongst Black women and girls.
Art – focuses on artistic and educational programs, as well as celebrates and preserves Black arts & culture.
- The Sphinx Organization
- Arts Administrators of Color
- National Black Arts
- Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
History – honors the influential work and events of Black people in American history.
Rights – safeguards civil rights and liberties, in addition to engaging and advancing social action and reform.
Career Development – works to build and expand professional ecosystems throughout the Black community.
It’s not enough to share a black square on social media during the June 2020 Blackout Tuesday, or to ask a Black acquaintance how they’re coping with racism, or to read How to Be an Anti-Racist, or to listen to one podcast about race. While these are important steps to a lifelong journey of education, it’s even more important to actually champion for systemic change. Whether it’s with monetary donations, spreading word about their missions on social media, or learning about their programs in-depth, you can make a difference through inciting positive change and racial equality. Fuel these incredible organizations by ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive and continue the work. Start today.
