Rising from the ashes of urban decay, a new beacon of empowerment has emerged in Detroit, championing the rights, resources and resilience of the city’s Black community. The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition (BLAC), a Detroit-based non-profit, is driving an unprecedented movement wielding a potent blend of education, resources and community engagement as its tools of change.
BLAC’s mission is to eliminate blight while nurturing the growth of young Black minds. This is a critical moment, not just in the history of Detroit but also for America as a whole. As we navigate an era marked by the fight for racial justice and societal equality, BLAC’s efforts ring with an ever deeper resonance.
In the early 2000s, the seeds of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition took root within the visionary mind of its founder, Dexter Sullivan. However, it was the events of 2020 that set the stage for its profound emergence. As the world grappled with the devastating dual pandemics of COVID-19 and anti-Black racism, the Black community bore the brunt of the disproportionate impact. In the midst of lockdowns, we could no longer turn a blind eye to the systemic destruction of Black lives without accountability. It was within this crucible of pain and reflection that BLAC was born.
BLAC equips people with the necessary tools, resources and opportunities to transform outrage into action.
“We are a movement that builds Black power by providing education and resources that uplift our communities, and we are so pleased to be able to do that in the City of Detroit,” said Black Legacy Advancement Coalition President Dexter Sullivan.
At its core, BLAC is guided by a commitment to passion, healing and legacy-building. While the vision is bold and powerful, the coalition recognizes that true transformation requires sustained dedication spanning not just years, but potentially generations. Nevertheless, the members of BLAC remain steadfast in their mission to forge a world that honors the legacy of ancestors who fought tirelessly for civil liberties and equality.
The coalition operates on four pillars that underpin its vision of empowerment for people of African descent globally. These pillars include access to education and career pathways, tools for generational wealth and legacy-building, resources for mental health services and the promotion of physical wellness and high-quality housing. Through strategic partnerships, community building and exceptional programming, BLAC prioritizes action and activism as essential tools to dismantle systemic racism and overcome centuries of oppression.
“We work in the community because we are the community,” Sullivan expressed. “Impacting Detroit is our true mission at BLAC’s core – we are better because of Detroit.”
Economic justice lies at the heart of BLAC’s initiatives. The Ground Up Project, a significant community reinvestment effort, aims to renovate homes and transform lives. This project encompasses various components, such as the Ali Legacy House, which accommodates the Legacy Builders Leadership Development Program. Additionally, the Black Legacy Advancement Center and the Black Legacy Real Estate Development Commission are key entities within BLAC’s portfolio.
“We focus on two specific pillars – economic justice and community mobilization. The Ground Up Project is a large-scale community reinvestment effort to renovate homes and to renovate lives,” said Sullivan.
The coalition’s work addresses the unfortunate reality of blight — abandoned homes, dilapidated structures and vacant lots — a challenge that has haunted Detroit for decades. However, it’s not enough to simply acknowledge the issue; BLAC is spearheading an aggressive campaign to alleviate it. Theirs is a dual-purpose strategy: rejuvenate neighborhoods while simultaneously offering young Black Detroiters a platform to learn, grow and succeed.
The initiative involves the acquisition and renovation of abandoned properties. But what’s truly inspiring is that the work is done by young adults from the city’s Black communities. BLAC is not only removing blight but also instilling a sense of ownership and civic responsibility within these young adults.
BLAC’s programs offer these young people an opportunity to learn valuable trade skills, financial management and entrepreneurial principles. They are not only gaining hands-on experience but also receiving a comprehensive education that extends far beyond the traditional classroom.
The impact of BLAC on Detroit’s Black community is already evident. The once vacant lots and dilapidated buildings are being replaced with vibrant, rehabilitated homes and businesses. More importantly, the program is engendering a sense of pride and possibility in the city’s young people.
BLAC’s work is a testament to the power of grassroots mobilization. It serves as a stark reminder that transformative change doesn’t always have to originate from the highest echelons of power. Sometimes, the most profound change comes from the ground up, from the hearts of communities, from people who believe in the power of possibility and the strength of a united front.
The organization is creating a blueprint for urban revitalization, one that positions education and empowerment at the core of its strategy. In doing so, they are not just transforming landscapes; they are molding future leaders.
This is not just a story of urban renewal. This is about the reclamation of heritage, the affirmation of worth and the promise of a brighter future. The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition is a testament to Detroit’s resilience and the enduring strength of its Black community. Its work, its legacy, is creating a better Detroit for all.
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