On #blackouttuesday, Brogan & Partners posted a black square on our social media channels, but right away, we knew that wasn’t enough. We wanted to do something — anything — to heal our heartbreak, and the hurt of so many more. So, we listened to and learned about all the thoughtful ways we could stand with the black community, ultimately deciding to make 10 donations of $100 each. But, in order to be a truly active ally for our black coworkers, clients, partners, neighbors, friends and family members, we turned to them. We asked the world to recommend the black charities that are near and dear to their heart, and then we made our conscious contributions.
To share our love and show our support, Brogan & Partners made donations to the following organizations (and you can, too!):
- ACLU – The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in 1920, and since then, it’s been their job to defend and preserve the rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country. Simply put, they’re there for Americans: rich or poor, straight or gay, black or white or brown, urban or rural, pious or atheist, American-born or foreign-born, able-bodied or living with a disability. Because every person in this country should have the same basic rights. Donate now.
- Detroit Justice Center – The Detroit Justice Center is a non-profit law firm working alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities. Donate now.
- Know Your Rights Camp – This organization’s mission is to advance the liberation and well-being of black and brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders. They’ve engaged more than 1,400 people in seven cities, with 98% of participants developing a better understanding of their rights. Donate now.
- Innocence Project – Founded in 1992, its mission is to exonerate the staggering number of innocent people who remain incarcerated, and to bring reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment. Donate now.
- Advancement Project – Rooted in the struggles for equality and justice, the Advancement Project exists to fulfill America’s promise of a caring, inclusive and just democracy. Nationally, the group uses strategic communications to influence the public’s opinion on issues of race, democracy and justice, creating an opening for local change to occur. Donate now.
- The NOAH Project – The mission of the NOAH Project is to empower low income and homeless Detroiters to achieve stability. Operating a community center downtown, the organization offers lunch four days a week, to people living on the street, plus one-on-one social services, physical health counseling, empowerment-based programming and emergency needs. The organization’s philosophy is to support individuals by developing trusting relationships founded upon acceptance. Donate now.
- Detroit Creativity Project – Currently, six out of every 10 school children in Detroit live in poverty. Only one in 10 are proficient readers when they reach third grade. And one in four won’t graduate from high school. Unless something changes, there’s an enormous risk that in spite of all their potential, many of these kids will grow up and continue to live in poverty. That’s why this group is on a mission to make sure all children in Detroit have the opportunity to succeed. The Detroit Creativity Project is using improv training to transform how our young people view their potential at school and in life. For $170 in tuition, their students develop the ability to collaborate, listen to others’ views, build literacy skills, and learn to take risks in a safe, supportive setting. Teachers confirm these young improvisers attend school more regularly, engage in class and achieve stronger academic growth. Donate now.
- Black Visions Collective – Black Visions Collective envisions a world in which ALL black lives matter. They use the guidance and brilliance of their ancestors as well as the teachings of their own experiences to pursue their commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and violence — in pursuit of dignity and equity for all. Donate now.
- Color of Change – Meet the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. Driven by 1.7 million members, it moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for black people in America. Color of Change leads campaigns that build real power for black communities — challenging injustice, holding corporate and political leaders accountable, commissioning game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advancing solutions for racial justice that can transform our world. Donate now.
- The James & Grace Lee Boggs School – Located in Detroit, the mission of the Boggs School is to nurture creative, critical thinkers who contribute to the well-being of their communities. Donate now.
Thank you to everyone who nominated a worthy organization — giving us the opportunity to give back.
