BVM Capacity Building Institute

06/03/2026

In Tennessee, our team—alongside Memphis Community Against Pollution—hosted a tree planting event at TO Fuller Park.
It was a beautiful reminder of what it looks like to care for both our community and our planet. Together, we planted 10 new trees, investing in cleaner air, stronger ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.

Moments like this highlight the importance of protecting our Earth, practicing sustainability, and building self-sufficient, thriving communities.

This is just the beginning—we’ll be back with more events at the park soon!

06/02/2026

Black Youth Vote! Kalamazoo proudly showed up for our community at the Memorial Day Parade!

From walking together, sharing smiles, passing out candy, and uplifting youth leadership, our team was honored to celebrate and remember those who served—while connecting with families across Kalamazoo

We are so proud of these young leaders for standing together and representing the power of community, service, and youth voice.
Thank you to everyone who waved, smiled, and showed love along the route—we felt it every step of the way!

06/01/2026

We were honored to support AKA Day at the Capitol, alongside our incredible Saginaw partner, Lisa Coney, Social Action Chair and President.

Moments like this remind us that protecting our communities requires all of us moving together, speaking up, and showing up. We’re grateful for leaders and partners who continue to push this work forward.

05/28/2026

Our Know Your Rights Workshop brought folks together in Greenville to learn directly from criminal and human rights attorneys about what it means to stay informed, protected, and prepared.

From start to finish, the room was filled with engagement, questions, and a shared commitment to making sure our communities know their rights and how to use them.

With partners like North of the River Association, Coalition Against Racism, and Pitt County Family Development, helping lead the way, this space was about more than information—it was about empowerment.
Grateful to everyone who showed up, leaned in, and continues to do the work.

This is how we build strong, informed communities.

05/27/2026

We had a powerful Legislative Day of Action where we connected directly with lawmakers and made sure our communities’ voices were heard where decisions are made.

From Brunswick, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Moore counties, leaders showed up ready to learn, connect, and advocate—and that’s what this work is all about.

This day was more than just a visit—it was empowering, educational, and a reminder of the power we hold when we show up together and stay engaged.

05/21/2026

While the NFL Draft came to Allegheny County, many Black businesses and leaders were shut out from fully participating.

But the Hill District showed what community power looks like.

Over three days, thousands gathered for a community-led street festival along Centre Avenue—creating space, opportunity, and celebration on their own terms.

Supported by local partners, this was more than an event—it was a powerful act of resilience, culture, and Black-led organizing in action.

05/20/2026

📍Houston, Texas CD18

In partnership with HESP Local 6315, we’re reminding our community that early voting is underway and what happens now will shape what happens in November.

The decisions made by those who represent us impact our healthcare, utility bills, and the future of our environment our voices belong at the center of those decisions. Vote early and bring 5 friends or family members with you to the polls: blackvotersmatterfund.org/vote

05/20/2026

School closures are about more than buildings—they’re about racial equity, neighborhood stability, and the long-term impact on families, students, and community institutions. Schools are anchors in our communities, and when they close, that foundation is shaken.

Too often, Black communities face disinvestment first. Then schools close, longtime residents are pushed out, and the culture that built those neighborhoods is at risk of being erased. And in the end, it’s our children who pay the price.

That’s why we stood in solidarity—to uplift community voices and protect our schools and our communities.

05/19/2026

Our partner, Umoja Debate League founder Jerjuan Howard, celebrated the grand opening of the Howard Family Bookstore—transforming a once abandoned building into a vibrant space for community, learning, and growth.

Now home to the debate league and part of the growing Umoja Village, this is what it looks like to invest in our own communities.

Even in the midst of everything, we continue to build—creating power for ourselves and shaping a future where we are self‑sustained and rooted in the kind of community we deserve.

A Detroiter is giving back to his community by opening a brand-new bookstore on the city's west side.

05/19/2026

DON'T MISS IT! Join us for our next Voicing Our Power panel as we uplift teachers from our volunteer community and talk about the role honest education plays in building strong, just communities.

Bring your questions and build power with us.

bit.ly/bvm_voicingourpower