Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

Join us on Friday, May 16th in Detroit! There is so much to celebrate.

Wow! 5?? years flew by. Can't wait to celebrate with our village, partners and friends that have made this incredible movement of unity, love and belonging possible. Here's to five! ????????

The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition will host its?Five Year Anniversary Gala?- Friday, May 16, 2025, at Detroit's newly restored Book Tower. Detroiters and friends from around the globe will share in an evening of hope and inspiration as we highlight the amazing accomplishments that BLAC has made over the past five years. The proceeds from this year’s premier gathering will go to fund our Ground Up Initiative’s housing, mentorship and programming efforts.??The evening will begin at 6:30 PM with a strolling reception and silent auction. To follow, there will be exquisite cuisine, special presentations and a live jazz quartet?to enjoy.??Come ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the beautiful?atmosphere of the historic Book Tower's Conservatory Ballroom. This will truly be a night to remember!??General admission tickets are now for sale. Be sure to get yours now before they sell out!

The Coalition welcomes George Latham IV as our youngest Black History Maker of 2025! George IV is a 10 year old Author, Public Speaker, & Young Mogul with a passion for literacy and leadership. He has written 3 books, “I Can Be”, “I Can Be Sports Edition”, and his latest book created in collaboration with the Detroit Piston’s, “I Can Work in Sports” (set to release in March). He started his journey at age 6 and has been actively involved in promoting literacy and education since then. He has served his peers through initiatives like the March is Reading Month Book Tour at all Cornerstone Elementary Schools, tutoring at his school, speaking and reading to children at Brilliant Detroit, and promoting literacy at DPSCD schools, Chandler Park Academy & Academy of Warren. He has also worked with organizations such as Detroit PAL, Literacy for Kids, Money Matters for Youth, BUF, That Girl & 482Forward. George has been featured in the Detroit Piston’s Back to School campaign, appeared on the cover of He Is Magazine, &?academically, George has consistently maintained honor roll status throughout his time in school and was awarded the Principal’s Award for his achievements. Speaking of awards, his dedication has earned him recognition as a Youth United nominee, a recipient for the prestigious Spirit of Detroit Award & his most recent achievement was receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Level in 2024 under the Biden/Harris Administration. Beyond literacy, George is passionate about basketball, gaming, chess, & legos, always looking for new ways to grow and make an impact. Join us live on Instagram - Monday, February 24th at 7:00 PM EST as we hear from George and the other honorees of this year's Black History Makers celebration sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union. We can't wait to see you there! #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackTech #BlackTechSaturdays #Black #Blackleadership? #BlackLeaders

The Coalition welcomes Eric Michael as a guest host for Black History Makers this year! Eric is a faith-driven entrepreneur, mentor, and creator dedicated to helping others find clarity, direction, and freedom in both life and business. As the founder of Just Create, he empowers entrepreneurs and creators to build businesses that align with their God-given purpose, using biblical principles as the foundation for personal and professional transformation. Eric’s journey began in a season of uncertainty, but through deep study of the Bible, he discovered his true identity and calling. Now, he’s on a mission to help others break free from limiting beliefs and create from a place of purpose. His events—such as Kingdom Nights, Freedom Walk, and Creating with Creators—bring like-minded individuals together to grow in faith, business, and creativity. Join us live on Instagram - Monday, February 24th at 7:00 PM EST as we hear from the honorees of this year's Black History Makers celebration sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union. The grant application closes Sunday at midnight. We can't wait to see you there! #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackTech #BlackTechSaturdays #Black #Blackleadership? #BlackLeaders

Join us as we honor Black History Maker's Russell and Kolby Harris this Black History Month! Kolby Shantel Harris is a lifestyle content creator, entrepreneur, and proud mom of two. She and her husband Russell are main cast member on OWN's reality hit series, Love & Marriage Detroit. Kolby graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015 with a B.S. in Business Administration, later completing a Master of Business Administration (2024). After spending over eight years in the corporate world, Kolby took a leap of faith and transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship, focusing on digital marketing, brand partnerships, and personal business ventures. She launched Kolby Shantel Co., a platform that organically shares her journey in motherhood, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship while building an engaged community across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She is signed with one of the leading influencer agencies, God and Beauty (G&B) digital talent management. Kolby married the love of her life, Russell Harris, in 2019, and together, they are raising their two beautiful daughters, Kyndelle and Kynsley. Russell Harris Jr. is a Chicago, IL native and the first male in his family to graduate from college. A former three-time All-American in Track & Field, Russell earned a Bachelor's Degree in Fitness Management and later obtained a Master's Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Ashford University - Forbes School of Business & Technology. He furthered his education by studying business at Stanford University in 2013 and education at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education - Principals Center in 2015. At the age of 25, Russell became the High School Principal of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. In 2018, Russell was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA), a nonprofit dedicated to the development and retention of Black male educators. In 2021, he became the CEO of SOAR DETROIT, a nonprofit organization addressing illiteracy rates among 2nd and 3rd graders in Detroit. Russell is also a retired chaplain in the US Army, where he dedicated his service to supporting soldiers' spiritual and emotional well-being. A passionate advocate for mentoring young men, Russell is currently working on launching a boarding school for high school-aged boys in Detroit, aiming to provide transformative opportunities for future leaders. ? Join us live on Instagram - Monday, February 24th at 7:00 PM EST as we hear from Kolby, Russell and a host of other honorees for this year's Black History Makers celebration sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union. Grant application closes Sunday at midnight. We can't wait to see you there! #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackTech #BlackTechSaturdays #Black #Blackleadership? #BlackLeaders

Sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union, join us Monday, February 24th as we honor Black History Maker's Jamea Richmond-Edwards and Geoffrey Edwards this Black History Month! ??? Immersed in the vibrant tapestry of culture and mythology, Jamea Richmond-Edwards' art weaves captivating narratives that explore the depths of the world. Through the lens of self portraiture, her works embark on a journey of "self liberation," with her heroines serving as guides in the enigmatic quest for self-understanding. Hailing from Detroit West 7-Mile, Richmond-Edwards was born in 1982 and continues to draw inspiration from her roots in the Motor City and genealogy. An alumnae of Jackson State University and Howard University, the vibrancy and motifs of her work is inspired by the rich legacy of AFRICOBRA. Geoffrey Edwards, L.Ac., is an educator, farmer, ceramicist, registered art therapist, and licensed acupuncturist whose practice integrates creative and wholistic health practices. He is owner of Grain & Pestle LLC, an urban farm, apothecary and studio based in Highland Park MI.?Geoffrey is a guest lecturer in colleges, universities, and community herbalism schools nationwide and?teaches classes, workshops, facilitates plant walks. Through this integrative practice he has been able to teach thousands of students, adolescent-to-elders, a variety of subjects ranging from ecology and herbalism to poetry and art-as-social action. Join @blac_coalition live on IG - Monday, February 24th at 7:00 PM EST as we hear from Geoffrey and Jamea and a host of other honorees for this year's Black History Makers celebration! Grant application closes Sunday at midnight. We can't wait to see you there! ??? #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackCreatives #BlackArtists #Black #blackleadership #BlackLeaders

Join us as we honor Black History Maker's Johnnie Turnage and Alexa Turnage of Black Tech Saturdays this Black History Month! Alexa and Johnnie are visionary leaders dedicated to reshaping the landscape of technology and fostering inclusivity. As the co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays, they have pioneered a groundbreaking movement aimed at empowering underrepresented communities within the tech industry. Alexa's passion for technology and equality, combined with Johnnie's grassroots activism and entrepreneurial spirit, culminate in a powerful force for change. Together, they spearhead initiatives that offer educational workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events, creating pathways for aspiring Black professionals. Their collaborative efforts exemplify a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more diverse and equitable tech ecosystem. Join the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition live on Instagram - Monday, February 24th at 7:00 PM EST as we hear from Johnnie, Alexa and a host of other honorees for this year's Black History Makers celebration! Grant application closes Sunday at midnight. We can't wait to see you there! #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackTech #BlackTechSaturdays #Black #blackleadership #BlackLeaders

Dexter Sullivan is an unapologetic force for change. A born native of Detroit, Michigan, Dexter has measurably empowered diverse communities globally over the past two decades. Canvassing the majority of the United States and more than 20 nations abroad, his legacy continues to create equitable and sustainable solutions for marginalized populations in the urban context. With proven, award-winning success, he is best known for his impact on the leadership standards, social constructs and educational policies retained in community facing institutions. Dexter’s reputation has established him as a credible voice, making him a highly sought-after advisor for global shapers around the world. Dexter is a proud resident of Metro Detroit, where he leads the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition as Founder, Board President and CEO. BLAC is a movement that builds Black power by providing education and resources that uplift communities. The organization is committed to crafting systemic strategies that secure the future of Black America through meaningful community investment, affordable housing, life skill education and economic empowerment. Most notably, Dexter has served as a thought leader and community advocate in the mentoring space for Black men over the past fourteen years. Through his service as the founding Director of the?Man to Man Project, the official men’s network of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition, the organization has mentored thousands of young men of color nationally. His pride and joy lives big through the success of these mentees, with some having started their own mentoring groups and agencies around the country. Dexter also leads?Forerunner Consulting, a cutting-edge consulting agency that provides strategy and planning services to clients in various industries. He is responsible for designing and implementing strategic plans, advising executives and training leaders and teams. Dexter is the founder of Dexter Sullivan Enterprises, a business collective that facilitates consulting services, philanthropic projects, and other cutting-edge ventures. In 2020, DSE convened the Michigan Mobility Institute’s Mobility On-Ramp Collaborative, a State funded initiative that created long term talent solutions for the mobility industry. Dexter is also an ordained Christian minister of 20 years, regularly inspiring congregations globally with his message of hope and healing. Dexter enjoys biking, good music, live concerts, road trips, and spending quality time with family and friends. His personal mission is simple: reach, love and build communities … one life at a time! Dexter will host the Black History Makers experience on Monday, February 24th. Make plans now to join today!

The Legacy Builders Film Series Continues | From a Mother’s Perspective ?? Roxie,?Mother to BLAC’s Founder, grew up as a girl in the Dexter-Linwood and Russell Woods neighborhoods, adjacent to?LaSalle Gardens. Her Aunt ran a beauty shop with her sisters at the intersection of Linwood and Grand Blvd for years, until it later moved further downtown on Grand River Avenue,?still owned?and operated by the family. Roxie’s heart for seeing women developed and nurtured stands to be realized in the future work of the Coalition’s women’s home. Listen and enjoy more of her story in this week’s edition of the Legacy Builders Film Series (https://theblac.co/media/). Each week,?brilliant?voices have been sharing their genuine perspectives of the work that the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition brings to our community?every day. Stay tuned! And subscribe here (https://lnkd.in/gg7ek25K) for more stories coming soon.