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Tag: giving tuesday

  • Adidas Zine Honors Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother

    Adidas is making a powerful statement with its new publication, “Community Archives.” This zine isn’t just about sportswear; it’s a deep dive into the impactful work of community leaders, creators, and activists who are shaping the intersection of sports and culture. Kicking off the zine is a poignant opening letter from Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, who uses her platform to issue a call to action beyond the pages.

    A Call to Action from Wanda Cooper-Jones

    Cooper-Jones, a dedicated social justice leader and founder of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, invites readers to look beyond the words and photographs. She urges them to “see the dreams that are unfolding, the futures being built, and the enduring truth that one life can spark a movement of change.” Her reflections serve as a powerful introduction, setting the tone for a publication that truly centers community impact.

    Released in honor of Giving Tuesday, “Community Archives” documents five years of Adidas’ Purpose Marketing efforts. Ayesha Martin, Senior Director of Adidas Purpose Marketing, emphasized the brand’s responsibility. “The best way to actually describe the work that we’ve done in our neighborhoods… is really just this community archive,” she told TheGrio, highlighting the commitment to legacy, access, and equity in sports and culture.

    Celebrating Black Excellence in Motion

    The zine itself is a vibrant tribute to Black excellence. Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories from WNBA All-Star Layshia Clarendon, discussing their journey as an LGBTQ+ activist, and Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of the historic Pensole Lewis College, reminding readers to seize opportunities. The publication also features the Quilters of Gee’s Bend, preserving Southern craft traditions, alongside athletes like Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker, and skater Diego Nájera.

    Beyond Corporate Social Responsibility

    What sets “Community Archives” apart is its deliberate refusal to position Adidas as a savior. Martin explained that the team has focused on asking critical questions about power, preservation, and storytelling. This approach has led to initiatives like a museum-like experience for the “Honoring Black Excellence” platform, curated to elevate Black honorees authentically.

    This zine is an extension of Adidas’ ongoing community efforts, including partnerships with organizations like Recess Kickball League, Black Women’s Player Collective, and Black Ambition. These sustained, multi-year commitments stand in contrast to the fleeting nature of many brands’ social justice initiatives. Martin believes these stories can “truly inform the next generation” and inspire new pathways for access to sport.

    May this zine serve as both a celebration of what we have accomplished, and a call to continue the work of lifting young people higher. — Wanda Cooper-Jones

    Martin describes the publication as “a physical, visceral manifestation of almost five years of collective community action.” In an era where stories can easily be erased, this zine serves as a tangible reminder that movements begin with individuals like Wanda Cooper-Jones, who transform personal experiences into powerful, actionable change. “These are our stories—archived,” Martin emphasized, calling it “a beautiful expression of community in action.”

    In conjunction with the zine’s release, Adidas is also inviting adiClub members to contribute. For every 100 points donated through December 31, 2025, Adidas will donate $1 (up to $50,000) to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s youth wellness programming nationwide.

    What do you think about Adidas’ ‘Community Archives’ zine and its focus on preserving Black stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Support Black Nonprofits This Giving Tuesday

    Giving Tuesday is more than just a day; it’s a global movement celebrating generosity and community. As we approach this annual event, it’s the perfect time to highlight the incredible work being done by Black-led nonprofits. These organizations are on the front lines, addressing critical needs and creating lasting change in communities across the country. Let’s explore some vital causes and the inspiring organizations making a substantial impact.

    Fighting Food Insecurity

    Access to healthy food is a fundamental need, and many Black communities face significant challenges in this area. Black-led nonprofits are working tirelessly to combat food insecurity through innovative programs.

    • **Umi Feeds:** Founded by Erica “Umi” Clahar, this organization rescues surplus food to prepare and distribute healthy meals to those experiencing hunger and homelessness. Operating in multiple cities, Umi Feeds provides hot meals, hygiene products, and clothing, often through mobile markets in underserved neighborhoods. You can support them through donations or volunteering.
    • **National Black Food & Justice Alliance (NBFJA):** This alliance brings together Black-led organizations, farmers, and activists focused on achieving Black food sovereignty and land justice. They advocate for policy changes and build institutions that empower Black communities to control their food systems, working to heal the historical oppression faced in food and land access.

    Providing Shelter and Housing Support

    Stable housing is crucial for individual and community well-being. Several Black nonprofits are dedicated to providing essential shelter and preventing homelessness, particularly for vulnerable populations.

    • **Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ):** Established in 1978, BVSJ offers vital emergency and transitional housing, job support, and counseling services to Black veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, primarily serving the New York City region.
    • **National Urban League:** This historic civil rights and community empowerment organization provides a wide range of services, including housing counseling, eviction prevention, and job training. With over 90 affiliates nationwide, they work to stabilize Black families and promote economic mobility.

    Distributing Clothing and Essentials

    Beyond basic needs like food and shelter, access to appropriate clothing and personal care items can significantly impact dignity and opportunity. These organizations ensure essential items reach those who need them most.

    • **Well Cloth’d, Inc.:** Based in Brooklyn, this nonprofit creates and delivers clothing and toiletry care packages with a focus on dignity-centered distribution. They operate pop-up shops and personalized care drives to meet specific needs.
    • **Tommy’s Closet (Run by 100 Black Men of America):** This program provides professional and business clothing, along with toiletries, to HBCU and other Black students in need. Their goal is to remove barriers to student success by equipping them with attire for interviews and professional opportunities.

    Fostering Education and Opportunity

    Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and breaking cycles of disadvantage. These organizations are committed to ensuring Black students have the resources they need to succeed.

    • **United Negro College Fund (UNCF):** A cornerstone in supporting Black higher education since 1944, UNCF provides scholarships, funding, mentorship, and college readiness initiatives to Black students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
    • **Linden AI Institute:** This Black-founded nonprofit focuses on AI literacy and equitable access to technology education. They offer workshops, youth programs, and teacher training to ensure Black and marginalized communities are not left behind in the rapidly expanding AI sector.

    This Giving Tuesday, consider supporting these incredible Black-led nonprofits. Which cause resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and any other organizations you support in the comments below!

  • African American Small Business Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Drive

    This Giving Tuesday, there’s a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of minority entrepreneurs! The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. (AASBF) has launched its annual Giving Tuesday initiative, calling on supporters to help New York City’s minority-owned businesses not just survive, but thrive, especially in today’s challenging economic climate.

    Why Your Donation Matters

    The AASBF believes that supporting African American small businesses is about more than just offering assistance; it’s a comprehensive strategy to uplift families, create jobs, and boost economic mobility. Since its founding in 2022, the Foundation has been a dedicated advocate, working to close opportunity gaps and build a more robust future for small business owners across New York State and beyond.

    Donations made between December 2nd and December 31st will directly fund the Foundation’s expanded initiatives for 2026. These efforts are designed to provide targeted assistance, strategic empowerment, and ongoing community investment, all vital for entrepreneurs navigating a tough economy.

    Key Areas of Support

    A significant focus of the AASBF’s work is expanding access to capital for African American entrepreneurs who often face barriers to securing loans, grants, and investment funding. The Foundation actively connects business owners with crucial resources, including grant and loan programs, financial institutions, credit-building services, and capital-readiness training.

    Beyond financial support, the AASBF offers a wealth of resources to help businesses succeed. This includes expert guidance on developing solid business plans, crafting effective marketing and branding strategies, mastering digital and e-commerce skills, and building valuable networks. They also champion equity advocacy, ensuring African American entrepreneurs have a strong voice in shaping economic policy.

    Building Stronger Communities

    The impact of supporting these small Black enterprises extends far beyond the businesses themselves. By helping them create sustainable job opportunities, invest in their local communities, and build long-term economic stability, the AASBF contributes to stronger neighborhoods and a more resilient economy for everyone. As the Foundation wisely puts it, ‘Stronger businesses build stronger communities.’

    How can you contribute to the success of minority-owned businesses this Giving Tuesday? Visit the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.’s website to learn more and make a donation. What other initiatives do you think are crucial for supporting small businesses? Share your thoughts below!

  • Black Public Media Needs Your Help This Giving Tuesday

    This Giving Tuesday, a crucial organization dedicated to amplifying Black voices is asking for your support. Black Public Media (BPM), a national nonprofit committed to producing media projects centered on the Black experience, has launched a public plea to ‘Take A Stand’ and help them continue their vital work.

    Facing a Funding Crisis

    The urgency behind this call to action stems from a significant loss of federal funding. In July, Congress rescinded the $1.8 million that had been granted to BPM for its storytelling operations, following broader funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This has put a serious strain on their ability to operate.

    Now, BPM is aiming to raise $9 million through a combination of individual donations, grants from larger foundations, and corporate partnerships. This funding is essential to keep their operations afloat and continue producing impactful content.

    A Legacy of Telling Black Stories

    Founded in 1979, Black Public Media has spent decades unearthing and spotlighting diverse aspects of Black American life and culture. They have become an invaluable pillar in providing diverse media to the public, ensuring that Black stories are told authentically and powerfully.

    Their work includes critically acclaimed projects like ‘I Am Not Your Negro,’ ‘Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed,’ and ‘Ailey,’ along with an upcoming documentary on Barbara Jordan. These projects not only highlight pivotal Black figures and histories but also provide crucial opportunities for Black creatives and filmmakers.

    Why Your Support Matters

    BPM Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz emphasizes the importance of public media reflecting all Americans. ‘For nearly 50 years, Black Public Media has worked to ensure that fact,’ she stated. ‘This year, the public needs to take a stand to ensure that Black stories are never again subject to the whims of politics.’

    The organization is encouraging donations of any amount, even as little as $5, to help create new stories and ensure their current slate of films reaches the screen. Your contribution can help sustain this critical avenue for the creation and distribution of Black-led content.

    How can you help Black Public Media continue its important work? Donate this Giving Tuesday and share this message to spread the word!