Black-Led Social Change

Black-Led Social Change encompasses organizations, ideas and strategies led by individuals who identify as Black, and that aim to build power and positive outcomes within the population. Recognizing poverty disproportionately impacts Black families, this initiative increases the investment of time, talent and treasure in community-based, Black-Led ideas addressing poverty.

We believe by investing in more Black-Led ideas and strategies, we can:

1. Diversify solutions and thought leadership in United Way's work.
2. Better understand the unique strengths, opportunities and challenges within communities.
3. Collaborate on strategies that reduce racial disparities in outcomes.

Currently, there are two programs under the Black-Led Social Change initiative: Champions of Change (below) and Black Empowerment Works.

Thank you to the hard work and dedication of our first class of Champions: Retina Carter, Marquavius "Marq" Casey, Kendra Davis, Edita Dolan-Mayo, Alexis Trotter, Jalisa Harris, Reginald Harris, Terri Hurdle, Ronald Jackson II, Julius Jenkins, Chris Macklin, Rashida Manuel, and Jeremy Smith.

We are not yet accepting applications for the upcoming Champions of Change class. Interested in receiving updates when the next application opens? Send an email to black-led@uwgc.org with "Interested in Champions of Change" in the subject line.

• 2018 REPORT: BLACK-LED SOCIAL CHANGE (.PDF)
• 2020 REPORT: BUILDING BLACK EMPOWERMENT WORKS (.PDF)

• United Way seeks to fund more Black-led programs after awarding $600K in 2020 | Cincinnati Business Courier
• Local group gets a grant to launch HUSTLE Academy | Local 12
• United Way awards $600,000 to projects led by black entrepreneurs | Cincinnati Business Courier
• Black-led Businesses Awarded For Bringing Change To The Community | WVXU
• Thumbs up: United Way grants boost Black entrepreneurs | Cincinnati Enquirer