The model
Black America Rising is a Detroit-based comprehensive community development initiative advancing racial, economic, and other forms of social justice by centering marriage, family, and future generations.
Each of our programs work toward the common goal of generational wealth and prosperity. This means members receive common experiences and layered support whether they come to us for relationship coaching; job placement, business development, and financial coaching; or community violence intervention. Here, all roads lead to Rome. We are "one band, one sound" driven by three core program principles.
"Inspire!" If you a tell a child she is broken, she may believe it; and if you call her "messiah" she may very well save the world. Philanthropist, global DEI leader, and national community BMe founder Trabian Shorters said, "You can't lift people up by putting them down". This means young people must be able to define themselves according to their own strengths, contributions, and aspirations rather than the challenges they face. That requires us to leave behind disparaging and misleading narratives that paint youth as "at-risk", "needy", and "less fortunate" and be willing to see them as the heroes and heroines of their own stories. It also means we must help our young people see themselves as part of a wonderful race of people and a community poised to offer a global model for racial, economic, and other forms of social justice. Black Americans have a rich tradition of "speaking life" into our children, of naming them with meaning, and of "speaking things into existence". This is because we've always understood that inspiring beliefs can spur people toward purpose, action, and accountability. In short, we witness Black America Rising when Black people, especially youth, believe that is what's happening. And this messaging is reinforced in every aspect of our programming.
Educate! - "Knew better would do better". From communication, conflict resolution, life skills, relationships, and parenting to work readiness, business development, and financial capabilities, education and training runs through everything we do!
Engagement! - The two adages "action speaks louder than words" and " "to go fast, go alone, but to go far, go together" sum up our engagement approach. From our cocktails & conversations to our community-based participatory action research to our grassroots advocacy, members are empowered through a sense of community and through ongoing participation in practical action.