ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities

General registration is now open for the Harambee 2025 Annual Conference: Let’s All Pull Together! This year, we’re heading to Atlanta, Georgia, the epicenter of culture, resilience, and revolutionary change, to bring together bold leaders and trailblazers committed to driving racial equity and social justice. Register and learn more by visiting: https://lnkd.in/e_g43ine Please note: Conference details, including lodging information and official venue location, will be provided in your registration confirmation email. Let’s pull together to reimagine what’s possible and shape a brighter future!

If you remember the report 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴, you may recall two of the recommendations: 1) the city of Atlanta should adopt a Legacy Businesses program; 2) the city of Atlanta should partner with local mission-driven developers for cohesive neighborhood-scale change Well, the work Cheneé Joseph is doing at the Historic District Development Corporation is simultaneously maintaining the rich history and propelling forward equitable development within Atlanta’s beloved Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Councilmember Jason Dozier has made landmark strides in establishing the city’s first Legacy Businesses program. Not to mention, Alvin Glymph and United Way of Greater Atlanta are doubling down on data that assess equity with the city’s neighborhoods to create economic opportunity. I am overjoyed to announce that I will be moderating a rich discussion between the three aforementioned individuals at the ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities Harambee conference next week. If you’re attending, add 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮’𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀 to your agenda. We will explore how placemaking efforts can bolster small businesses and improve neighborhood development! If you want a preview of the conversation, check out the report - Standing on Business: https://lnkd.in/eJmYXsmY

Join us in congratulating the incredible honorees of the 2025 James A. Joseph Lecture & Awards Reception and Ceremony, happening Tuesday, April 8th during Harambee 2025! We’re proud to uplift these changemakers who are boldly shaping the future of philanthropy and advancing racial equity including: - 2025 James A. Joseph Lecturer – Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation - 2025 Emerging Leader Award - Brianna Rogers, Initiative Officer, ReWork the Bay, San Francisco Foundation - 2025 Institutional Leadership Award – Fearless Fund - 2025 Client Impact Award – Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo - 2025 Trailblazer Award – The Herman J. Russell Family Limited in-person tickets are still available for this unforgettable evening of celebration, entertainment, and community. Register now: https://lnkd.in/esNHu_Bb

Step into AfroZen Wellness at Harambee—a sanctuary of healing, restoration, and cultural connection. Curated by Sister Pilar Audain, Interim Director & Healer at Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation , the AfroZen Wellness is more than just a space—it’s a sanctuary designed to offer you a pause from the hustle and a chance to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in Afrocentric traditions, AfroZen is designed to help you connect with your divine self through practices like meditation, journaling, and creative healing. Registered attendees can explore the full Harambee agenda on Whova. Preview key highlights of the conference schedule here: https://lnkd.in/gESudxqn Register now: https://lnkd.in/esNHu_Bb

Will you be attending Harambe by ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities? Join me and my esteemed colleagues Siobhan Davenport and Tareya Palmer, MPA for an empowering session “Keep the Cape” Intergenerational Tools for Black Women Navigating Philanthropy and Wellness in Times of Uncertainty. See you there! #BlackWomenInPhilanthropy #BlackWomenWellness #ABFE #Harambe #BlackWomen

We're headed to ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities's #Harambee2025 Conference next week (April 7–9)! 📣 We'd love to connect with folks while we're in Atlanta. Reach out to us at info@proinspire.org if you'd like to meet up. We'll see you there!

Join ABFE’s Philanthropic Advising Services team for a critical pre-conference session at Harambee 2025, focused on equipping philanthropic professionals with essential tools to navigate and combat anti-Black policies and practices. This interactive session will provide five key organizing strategies to help participants become stronger advocates for Black communities within their institutions. Register now: https://lnkd.in/esNHu_Bb Designed for professionals at all levels—including foundation staff, board members, donors, and grantees—this session is open to both Harambee attendees and non-attendees (separate registration is required). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges facing Black communities and explore how to mobilize resources, influence decision-making, and drive impactful change within philanthropy.

Don’t miss one of Harambee 2025’s most powerful main stage conversations: Black SUPERPower: Protecting and Empowering LGBTQIA+ Lives. This discussion will spotlight the resilience, brilliance, and urgent needs of Black LGBTQIA+ leaders who are shaping movements despite mounting challenges to their safety and progress. With continued violence against Black trans and LGBTQIA+ individuals, this session will explore how funders, policymakers, and community leaders can take action to ensure justice, protection, and meaningful investment in their well-being. Register now and secure your virtual seat at Harambee: https://lnkd.in/esNHu_Bb Featured speakers include: - Dr. David Johns – CEO & Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition - M. Saida Agostini Bostic – President, Funders for LGBTQ Issues - Melanie Willingham-Jaggers – Executive Director, GLSEN - Ola Osaze – Lead Advisor, Black Migrant Power Fund, Trans Justice Funding Project (POT Dupe) - Jaymes Black – CEO, The Trevor Project Please note that due to the challenging political climate and our commitment to protecting our attendees and sensitive content, Harambee’s virtual sessions and plenaries will be live streamed only and will not be recorded for later viewing, except for the James A. Joseph Lecture (JJL) & Awards Ceremony. Be sure to join us live to engage in these critical conversations.

ABFE Members, the ABFE Board of Directors has announced the slate of nominees for the 2025 - 2026 term to help advance our mission and drive meaningful change in philanthropy. We are only 54 votes away from reaching quorum to seat our fantastic candidates for the ABFE Board of Directors! Please take a moment to cast your ballot to support ABFE’s future leaders. Vote now: https://lnkd.in/eG6uX9zJ

UPDATE: This session will now take place on Sunday, April 6 from 1:00-2:30PM ET. Coming to ABFE's Annual Conference from April 6-9? Say hello to the FSG team! 👋 Collective Impact Forum Director of Programs & Partnerships Courtney Williams Robertson will be in attendance and FSG CEO John Harper will be speaking at a session called “Strategic, Rooted, and Responsive: Philanthropy’s Role in Advancing Justice Amid Shifting Contexts” on April 6 from 1:00 - 2:30PM ET. Session Description: In a time of rapid political, social, and economic shifts, philanthropy must maintain long-term commitments to equity while strategically adapting. This session will explore how funders can leverage resources, influence, and activation to sustain equity efforts while remaining deeply rooted in community experiences. Leaders funding work in place will share strategies for navigating evolving contexts, strengthening philanthropy’s role in advancing racial and economic justice, and staying responsive to the shifting needs of grantee partners and communities. Speakers: ⭐ Dr. Gisele C. Shorter, President & CEO, Nellie Mae Education Foundation ⭐Monique Miles, Vice President, The Aspen Institute; Director, Opportunity Youth Forum; Managing Director, Aspen Forum For Community Solutions (AFCS) ⭐John Harper, CEO, FSG Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_g43ine