About BLD | Black Leaders Detroit

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About us

Site By Giving Proof

8425 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221

Programs

No-Interest Loan

Building Fund

Ride 4 Equity

Contact Us

Phone:
313.550.4343

Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Creating equitable access to capital in Detroit.

Our Donors & Sponsors

We're grateful for the support of these mission-driven organizations

MEET OUR TEAM

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Purpose

Black Leaders Detroit provides equitable access to capital and resources, supporting businesses and organizations led by people of African descent.

Mission

Our mission is to empower Detroit’s entrepreneurs and community leaders with no-interest capital and community support for economic growth.

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Vision

We envision a Detroit where financial barriers are removed, enabling people of African descent to achieve entrepreneurial dreams and wealth.

MEET OUR TEAM

The BLD Effect

Membership Donation

Choose your membership level and become part of Detroit's economic transformation

JOIN NOW

Cash App: $bldetroit

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Our Programs

Supporting Detroit's entrepreneurs through equitable financial solutions

No-Interest Loans

0% interest loans for Detroit businesses owned by people of African descent. No hidden fees, flexible terms.

Building Fund

No-interest capital for residential developers of African descent. Building homes, building community.

LEARN MORE

Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates, events, and stories.

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FACEBOOK

TIKTOK

Our No Interest Loan application is still open! 💰💵 Apply by January 31st on blackleadersdetroit.org!

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #Michigan #detroitnonprofit

BLD’s No-Interest Loan Application Window Is Now Open until January 31st! 🚀💼

Attention Detroit entrepreneurs of African descent! Are you ready to take your business to the next level? BLD is here with an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Our no-interest loan application reopens on January 1st and stays open until the end of the month, offering up to $25K to fuel your dreams and drive your business forward.

#Why Apply?
- Access up to $25K to boost your business.
- Zero interest means you focus on growth, not debt.
Whether you’re looking to scale, innovate, or get equipment, this no-interest loan is designed to propel you forward, stress-free.

Ready to make your move? Click the link in our bio for more information and to apply. April is your month to shine - let’s grow together! #BLDNoInterestLoan ✨

#bld #blackleadersdetroit #DetroitEntrepreneurs EmpowermentThroughEntrepreneurship detroit nointerestloan blackentrepreneurs community

A huge thank you to our members for showing up in 2025. Your commitment is creating opportunities and making impact possible every day.

Not a member? Join the family & fuel change for just $1 week.

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #Michigan #equity

If you’ve ever wondered how to support Entrepreneurs of African descent in Detroit in a real way, this is it.

Join Black Leaders Detroit for just $1 a week and help fuel the next generation of leaders.

Link in bio!

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #Michigan #equity

No-interest loan applications reopen January 1, 2026! 💰Detroit entrepreneurs of African descent can borrow up to $25,000 interest-free to grow and scale their businesses.

#blackleadersdetroit #nonprofit #detroit #michigan #thingstodoindetroit

Small dollars. Big impact.
Your $1/week isn’t just a donation it’s fuel for Detroit entrepreneurs to grow, hire, innovate, and build legacy.

If you were wondering whether it matters… it does.
Become a member today for only $1 a week. Link in bio!

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #Michigan

This is what collective impact looks like. Thank you to every member, partner, and supporter who made this year possible. We’re just getting started. ❤️

blackleadersdetroit.org

#blackleadersdetroit #nonprofit #detroit #michigan

BLD x MBBA 💰🤝🏾

#blackleadersdetroit #michiganblackbusinessalliance #grant #michigan #nonprofit #trending

Congratulations to our More Money More Impact grant winners! ✊🏾💰 Each recipient was awarded $2,500 to continue the work they’re doing in our community.

Want to help us fund more impact? Join as a member and donate $1 a week, link in bio.

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #grants #happeningindetroit #michigan

$120,000 out he door in one day!

In partnership with Operation Schools, we gave out $5,000 grants to Detroit entrepreneurs who are building something special.

And shoutout to everyone who secured a $2,500 grant at More Money More Impact. Your work moves this city forward.

This is what your $1/week membership makes possible.

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #equity #michigan #grants

A strong finish to Day 1. More impact ahead today. 💰✊🏾

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #moremoneymoreimpact #detroitevents #thingshappeningindetroit

More Money More Impact Day 1. 💰👏🏾

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #michigan #detroitevents

Nonprofit leaders, tomorrow is the day! More Money More Impact 2025. 💰Special offer for nonprofit leaders: Enjoy 50% off your MMMI ticket with the code NONPROFIT25

LINK IN BIO!

#thingstodoindetroit #nonprofit #moremoneymoreimpact #detroit #blackleadersdetroit

Charity Dean is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Black Business Alliance. The Michigan Black Business Alliances creates programs and advocates for policies that result in thriving Black-owned businesses.

Before launching this regional Chamber of Commerce for Black Businesses, Dean served as the director of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity for the City of Detroit.

Dean serves on the boards of Oakland University Alumni Association, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Wolverine Bar Association. In addition, she is a trustee for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan and was appointed by Gov. Whitmer to serve as a Michigan Women Commissioner representing the City of Detroit.

Dean has received numerous honors and awards, including Crain’s 40 under 40 in 2020, Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan in 2021, and Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Award in 2022.

Charity is a practicing attorney and the founder of Dean Law and Consulting. She is also the owner of Rosa, a coffee shop in her neighborhood of Grandmont Rosedale. She is also an adjunct professor at her alma mater, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Oakland University.

Shadora Ford’s journey is a testament to resilience and purpose. Growing up in a tough Detroit neighborhood with a single mother, she pushed past every obstacle. At just 19, she founded Destined for Greatness Mentoring Initiative, which has now impacted over 16,000 youth across Metro Detroit through mentorship, college prep, entrepreneurship camps, financial workshops, and digital-literacy programs.

Her commitment didn’t stop there. In 2016, she opened the Destined for Greatness Community Resource Center to support Detroiters of all ages with holistic healing, resources, and year-round workforce development. She also employs local youth through summer and ongoing job programs.

Shadora currently works with Connect 313, helping close Detroit’s digital divide by establishing more than 17 tech hubs, teaching hundreds of residents, and expanding digital access citywide. Through her creative consulting firm, she’s collaborated with leading digital creators while also traveling globally to build partnerships and advocate for human rights.

Her impact has earned major recognition: an official partnership certificate from the U.S. White House, the Governor’s Service Hero Award, the City of Detroit Hero Award, the Governor’s Service Impact Award, and being named Woman of the Week by the Detroit Pistons and Ally Financial.

The girl who was once counted out is now being counted on. Her story proves that greatness isn’t about where you start, but how boldly you rise.

Lance Woods is a Detroit native, community leader, mentor, and Co-Founder of WeRun313, one of the largest run clubs in the world and the largest in Detroit. A graduate of Tennessee State University with a degree in Business Administration specializing in E-Business and Supply Chain Management, Lance began his career in logistics before returning home in 2014 to focus on community development, health, and wellness. He also served as an educator in the Detroit Public Schools at Cody High School for five years.

In 2019, he co-founded WeRun313, which quickly became a major force in the city’s fitness culture—engaging thousands of runners and earning national media coverage from NBC’s Today Show, Runner’s World, and the Detroit Free Press. As a Global ASICS ambassador and elite marathoner, Lance has completed all six Abbott World Marathon Majors with an average sub-3-hour time—one of only 932 people worldwide to achieve this. His 2:44:21 performance in Berlin places him #74 on the Ted Corbitt All-Time Rankings for American-born African-American male marathoners.

Lance’s civic leadership has earned him numerous honors, including two Spirit of Detroit Awards, a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and recognition from Black Male Engagement. He received the Self-Determination Award from the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition and most recently The Community Game Changer Award from the Rhonda Walker Foundation. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the Coleman A. Young Foundation, and other organizations dedicated to uplifting Detroit.

Special offer for nonprofit leaders:
Enjoy 50% off your MMMI ticket with the code NONPROFIT25

LINK IN BIO!

#thingstodoindetroit #nonprofit #moremoneymoreimpact #detroit #blackleadersdetroit

Diallo Smith is a native Detroiter and the President & CEO of Life Remodeled, where he leads the transformation of vacant schools into community hubs that serve tens of thousands of Detroit students and families each year. With more than 20 years of project leadership experience, he brings a strategic, people-centered approach to revitalizing neighborhoods and expanding opportunity across the city.

A Cass Tech graduate, Diallo studied finance at Wilberforce University and earned a Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University before building a career in corporate finance and consulting with ExxonMobil, BP Amoco, and IBM. He later returned home to Detroit, becoming a small-business owner and ultimately dedicating his work to advancing equity through Life Remodeled.

Diallo is committed to uniting community, corporate, government, and philanthropic partners to reimagine Detroit’s future and build a stronger, more equitable region. He and his wife, Dr. Jameel Smith, are raising their two children in Detroit and enjoy exploring the culture, food, and creativity of the city they love.

Kim Johnson, a native Detroiter and Detroit Public School graduate. received her Bachelor’s degree from Central State University and was inducted into their Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2006, Kimberly created Developing K.I.D.S., a nonprofit organization in Detroit serving 1,000 youth annually. Her professional accomplishments include 450+ youth development professionals, scaling a professional network, and regranting $500k. She co-founded BEDAD, a network of senior Black leaders of nonprofit organizations in Detroit. Kim served on the Governor’s Student Recovery Advisory Council subcommittee in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a member of state-level committees for out-of-school time system building. Kim is leading an $8M project to open a 23,000 sq.ft facility for Developing KIDS. She serves as Youth Ministry Director and on the Nurse’s Ministry at her church. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Kim has received national, state and local recognition for her leadership and service.

Rev. Mark VanAndel is a community developer and pastor who is passionate about promoting Biblical Justice. Mark has lived, served and invested in Detroit neighborhoods and communities for over twenty years. He co-founded Hesed Community Church which initiated a ministry presence in Brightmoor and Highland Park through creating community resource centers in rehabilitated homes.

Kate Levin Markel is President of the McGregor Fund, where she has led since 2015 after joining as a program officer in 2001. A Detroit native, her career spans public service, philanthropy, and the private sector—from managing Detroit’s $100 million Empowerment Plan under Mayor Dennis Archer to consulting for community development initiatives.

A graduate of UC Berkeley, Kate serves on several advisory boards, including the Council of Michigan Foundations and the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy. She’s deeply committed to transparency, accountability, and centering community voices in all areas of philanthropy.

Hear from Kate and other Detroit leaders at More Money More Impact—register today to join the conversation.

Alonzo Bell is the Pastor of Martin Evers Missionary Baptist Church and a community leader dedicated to social justice and opportunity for Black and Brown families. A former Pre-Med student at the University of Michigan, he conducted cancer and oxygen-toxicity research and led the Black Pre-Med Association before returning home after graduation to support his growing family.

He began his career as a teacher, later earning a master’s in educational leadership and spending 15 years teaching math and science. His work expanded into advocacy, finance, and real estate, where he focuses on building pathways to wealth and stability for marginalized communities.

Through his nonprofit Redeem Detroit, Pastor Bell supports young mothers with academic success, skilled trades training, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. As Vice President of Pathways Academy High School, he launched Project Noah to provide long-term support for teen parents and break generational cycles of poverty.

Over the past 15 years, his efforts have helped hundreds of families secure education, job training, and affordable housing. He now serves as President of the Whittier Business Association, continuing his commitment to economic empowerment and community transformation.

Congrats to EMIY Apparel and Trap Yoga & Massage Studio on receiving today’s grants at the National Black Men in Leadership Conference. 🤝🏾💰

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #grant #michigan #nonprofit

Meredith Freeman is a leader in social impact and community development, with experience at LISC, Citibank Global Community Relations, and now as Director of Impact Investing at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, where she also served as Interim Executive Director. A WK Kellogg Foundation Fellow and NYU IGNITE alum, Meredith holds degrees from Michigan State University and The New School, and has taught Nonprofit Management at both Seton Hall and The New School.

Join Meredith and other changemakers at More Money More Impact—register today to secure your spot!

$30,000. 12 nonprofits. 1 day.

This Giving Tuesday, we poured back into Detroit in a big way and it’s only possible because of our members who give just $1 a week. 💙

Your $1 fuels moments like this. Your $1 creates impact.
Join the movement and help us keep building a stronger Detroit, one week at a time.

Become a member, link in bio.

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #givingtuesday #equity

I’m proud to be a Black Leaders Detroit ALLY. My connection to BLD goes back to fall 2019, when I first met Dwan Dandridge, and I’ve been working closely with the team ever since.

For 14 years, I’ve served as the Executive Director of Hebrew Free Loan Detroit, building on a 30-year career in community philanthropy, fundraising, and mission-driven partnerships. HFL has provided 0% interest loans to Michigan’s Jewish community since 1895, and our team has been honored to share more than a century of lending experience with BLD to support and strengthen their 0% small business loan program.

Being part of BLD programs like More Money More Impact is something I truly value. I love offering ideas and insight that can help Detroit’s nonprofit leaders push their missions forward.

I’m also a cyclist involved with Detroit2Nepal Foundation and Team Alex, and I’ve helped rally riders for BLD’s Rides for Equity throughout Michigan and the long-distance routes from Tulsa to New York City. Whether I’m on my bike, in conference rooms, or connecting through grassroots and philanthropic networks, I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help BLD grow, thrive, and continue supporting Black entrepreneurs and Black-led charitable organizations across Detroit.

Linda Nosegbe is the Director of Economic Mobility at the Gilbert Family Foundation, where she leads efforts to expand workforce development, strengthen Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and build equitable partnerships that create lasting opportunities for residents.

Previously, she served as Vice President of National Community Impact, Investments & Lending at Comerica Bank, overseeing investments in Minority Depository Institutions, CDFIs, and small business growth. With a background in finance and community development, Linda brings a strategic lens to advancing equity and economic empowerment across Detroit.

Join Linda and other visionary leaders at More Money More Impact—register now to be part of the movement shaping Detroit’s future.

Today, we turned Giving Tuesday into 12 days of Christmas in one day 🎁✨

$30,000 in grants to 12 nonprofits led by people of African descent. This is what community power looks like. This is where your $1/week goes.

Want to see more impact like this? Join us at More Money, More Impact. Link in bio!

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #Michigan #givingtuesday #grant

12 Days of Christmas With Urban Solutions Training

12 Days of Christmas with Black Men Build

12 Days of Christmas with Healed Black Women

12 Days of Christmas with @motheringjustice a beautiful powerful organization

12 Days of Christmas with the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

Giving Tuesday 12 Days of Christmas for Class Act

12 Days of Christmas with Detroit’s Afro-American Mission ❤️💰

12 Days of Christmas with Judith Diane Jackson scholarship

12 Days of Christmas with Hope Village ❤️💰

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Detroit Entrepreneurs on Livernois Ave this Black Friday. 🙌🏾

Because of our members who give just $1 a week, we’re able to pour right back into the community.

Want to be part of the impact? Join us link in bio.

#blackleadersdetroit #nonprofit #blackfriday #michigan #nonprofit #trending

🎉 Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday — and we’re flipping the script.

Join us LIVE on IG & TikTok as Black Leaders Detroit gives out 12 grants worth $2,500 each to nonprofits led by Detroiters of African descent — made possible by our incredible members who show up all year long.

📍 One grant every 30 minutes
⏰ Starting at 10 AM
💸 $30,000 given in one day

If you believe in shared power and equity without excuses, join the movement for just $1/week and help us keep moments like this going.

🔗 Link in bio

Join us today until 3 PM at 18985 Livernois as we give away gift cards to select local businesses first come, first served!

#BlackLeadersDetroit #SupportLocal #DetroitSmallBusiness #AvenueOfFashion #BlackFriday

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Get in Touch

Have a question? We're here to help.

Email:

bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Phone:

313.550.4343

GET IN TOUCH

Site By Giving Proof

8425 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221

Programs

No-Interest Loan

Building Fund

Ride 4 Equity

Contact Us

Phone:
313.550.4343

Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Creating equitable access to capital in Detroit.

Our Donors & Sponsors

Purpose

Mission

Vision

The BLD Effect

The BLD Effect

Membership Donation

Cash App: $bldetroit

Our Programs

No-Interest Loans

Building Fund

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram

$1

Per Week

$4

Per Month

$52

Per Year

Other

Custom

Get in Touch

8425 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221

Programs

Contact Us

Phone: 313.550.4343 Email: bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Creating equitable access to capital in Detroit.

Our Donors & Sponsors

Purpose

Mission

Vision

The BLD Effect

The BLD Effect

Membership Donation

Our Programs

No-Interest Loans

Building Fund

Follow Us

​

Follow us on Instagram

Get in Touch

Phone:
313.550.4343

Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org