Boldly black centered
We lead by manifesting racial equity through radically innovative solutions.
We are the African American Leadership Forum
We are creating a world where equality thrives and Black excellence leads. We’re bringing this world from our imagination into being, through cross-community collaboration. A collective of institutions and leaders, we serve as a community innovation accelerator. We empower Black communities to imagine, then create an equitable future.
And we’re just getting started! Under our new leadership, we are now a think-and-do tank for our state. A think-and-do tank is an organization that combines the functions of a think tank (like providing research and analysis of social/ political issues) with the action-oriented role of an activist organization or advocacy group. Responsible activism empowers reform.
In this enlarged role, The Forum will design and deploy Black-centered solutions to fight racism and inequity using a spectrum of tools; community dialogue, bold innovation, leadership development, cross-sector partnerships and policy. By strengthening our network, reach and resources, we can design transformative, cross-sector approaches that succeed where incremental efforts fall short.
Black Agenda for Change
A Declaration and Intentional Set of Actions
The Black Agenda for Change is our platform of community-driven solutions, designed to address the complex systemic challenges Black communities face statewide. It’s a mix of policy recommendations and innovative action; a blueprint to resolve issues that have historically hindered the push for equity.
What We Do
The Forum drives for change by confronting racism and inequities, to improve the living standards of Black Minnesotans.
Utilizing data research and policy, discourse-driven convenings, design innovation and strategic leadership development, we are creating the Black Agenda For Change; a platform of transformative Black-centered solutions.
Our organization will support the Black community and ecosystem by:
- Providing data, narrative analytics, and market research
- Advancing public awareness/policy solutions
- Creating an enabling environment for innovation to emerge
- Building and supporting networks of leaders
Data Science (Research)
Create Black-centered public policy and opinion research products to inform systems change efforts and influence policy shifts.
Discourse (Convening)
Build and sustain relationships with invested allies, policymakers and members of community to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and advance a Black Agenda for Change.
Development
(Capacity Building)
Cultivate a pipeline of committed Black leaders ready to architect and mobilize social movements in Black communities across Minnesota.
Design (Innovation)
Equip partners in established and emerging sectors with the information necessary to design and test innovative and sustainable solutions to systemic inequities.
Our Impact areas
A Self Actualized and Self Determined Future
These domains do not work in silos; it is the intersection of issues and a multidimensional approach that creates a bold tomorrow.
Education
We imagine an education system, in formal and informal settings, that celebrates and centers Black culture. It fosters a sense of identity, pride and self-worth by offering a culturally relevant curriculum and anti-racist pedagogy. It promotes the interconnectedness of spirit and mind, engages the community and promotes restorative justice. Education can be defined as opportunities to ignite natural curiosity, modes of cultural transmission, oral storytelling, practices of handing down rituals and experiential learning. It places a strong emphasis on healing and mental health, creating an inclusive and thriving educational environment for Black students to succeed and thrive.
Health
We promote healing and wellness in all forms. We envision a transformative and equitable healthcare system that addresses historical harm and promotes holistic well-being. It centers Black voices. It centers Black women. This future involves tackling the root causes of health disparities. A radical health future for Black people strives to build social cohesion, and positively impact the social, economic and environmental factors that influence an individual’s health outcomes and well-being. We recognize the inherent strengths and resources within our community and its collective resiliency. By harnessing these assets, we seek to create a healthier, more vibrant Black community where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. This is health.
Public Safety
Imagine Black people feeling safe to be Black. This future prioritizes revolutionary approaches that promote trust, collaboration and accountability. It involves community-led initiatives, restorative justice practices and alternatives to incarceration that focus on rehabilitation, healing, and addressing the root causes of crime. Our revisionist future promotes the Black community as the peacekeepers. It centers on building a strong and empowered community where everyone feels safe and promotes what is just as justice.
Economic Prosperity
We embrace the immense value and untapped potential of Black individuals and communities. Black is innovation. Black is the investor. Black is the consumer. We imagine unleashing the vast brilliance that will propel us toward a more vibrant and dynamic future. Full participation in the economy benefits Black communities. We believe that true progress lies in harnessing the skills and contributions that will lead to shared prosperity and a stronger, more thriving state.
Environmental Justice
Our future will be free of the insidious grip of environmental racism and advocate for transformative change. Our communities will no longer endure the brunt of toxic industries and negligence. By ensuring equitable access to clean air, water, and green spaces, we are honoring our inherent right to a healthy life. This radical vision necessitates our voices be centered in decision-making processes that shape our environment. Our just and sustainable future forges economic opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability. We desire a harmonious relationship with our Blackness and the environment.
Generational Wealth Building
Imperative to our self actualized future is the building and sustaining of Black generational wealth. Our financial freedom will take many forms: cooperative economics, owning the land, the house, and the business. We will infuse the mindset of wealth-building in every generation that builds a prosperous future for those that follow.
Support Us
AALF operates as a think-and-do tank, fighting anti-Black racism and systemic inequities in all forms. We envision a future where every Black person in the state can live in wholeness, prosperity and dignity.
Join the Forum
We need people who identify as thought leaders, influencers and builders to contribute action and abundance for the change we need. If this feels like you, join us today!
Donate
We need investors who want to realize racial equity with us. Your gift will fuel our mission, sustain our capacity and invigorate our Forum. Leaders and allies who are working to create innovative solutions to the systemic problems which many Black Minnesotans face daily.
Support the Black Agenda For Change
A Black Agenda for Change will positively impact millions of Black people in Minnesota and far beyond through community-designed policy recommendations and groundbreaking action.
