Through the ongoing study of the past, we can expand the possibilities of our future. During Black History Month, we face our nation’s painful legacy of racial injustice and celebrate leaders and activists—past and present—who worked and continue to work to dismantle structural racism and advance equity.
Support these groups that uplift Black history and culture, advocate for a more just future, and ensure that our region’s tapestry of stories is as diverse as the people who live them.
Leadership
African Communities Together organizes and advocates for African immigrants and provides training on workers’ rights and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities to integrate socially, advance economically, and engage civically.
LONG ISLAND: Leadership Training Institute empowers families and children to overcome barriers and achieve success through education, mentoring, and advocacy.
WESTCHESTER: Sister to Sister International uses education and advocacy to support women of African descent around the world and promote opportunities for women and girls of color.
Improving Care
Black Women’s Blueprint supports health care equity and survivors of gender-based violence. It also provides healing, food, and reproductive health care services, including connecting pregnant and postpartum individuals with access to doulas and mental health professionals.
Parents in Canarsie, Brooklyn, cofounded My Time Inc after witnessing the frustration of parents in their communities trying to get services for their children with disabilities. The organization offers emotional wellness programs, culturally sensitive parent support groups, and monthly social activities to families living in under-resourced Brooklyn communities.
National Black Harm Reduction Network is a coalition of advocates and other stakeholders who advance harm reduction principles that optimize health and wellness for Black people, including through improved public health initiatives and by addressing the harms of drug policies and the criminal justice system.
Arts and Culture
The Afro Latin Jazz Alliance is a New York-based cultural organization dedicated to the education, preservation, and performance of Afro Latin jazz. Programming includes its annual New York performance season, community events, and free musical instruction for young people.
Angela’s Pulse creates and produces collaborative, interdisciplinary performance work that centers antiracist organizing, resource sharing, and community building. Its Dancing While Black fellowship supports emerging Black artists in the creation and presentation of artistic work.
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center was founded by a former public school teacher in 1978 to create a place in the Bronx where children and adults could explore and expand their sense of self, culture, and diverse community through the arts. It offers free and low-cost instruction in theater, dance, movement, and music.
This list is not exhaustive. There are many incredible nonprofits helping make our region a better place for all; we seek to highlight a few that may not be on your radar. Please reach out to our philanthropic advising department at advising@thenytrust.org if you are a donor seeking customized recommendations based on your charitable goals.
