Black History Month has passed, but we’re continuing our celebration. This week we’re recognizing, celebrating, and honoring black nonprofit leadership in Durham, NC. 

Why? Because #OwnershipMatters.

In part 2 of our series, we’re highlighting 10 black-led nonprofits in the ReCity Network.

A 2017 report found that “the percentage of people of color in the executive director/CEO role has remained under 20% for the last 15 years, even as the country becomes more diverse.” 

Despite bringing equivalent and/or superior qualifications and expertise to the table, leaders of color have to navigate an uneven playing field that requires them to work harder than their white counterparts, and still experience barriers to success. This is not simply unfair and unjust to the individual people of color, although that is undoubtedly true. It also has a negative impact on organizational health and the ability for organizations to successfully and authentically reach their goals.

Join us in turning our Black History Month celebration into action year-round by partnering with these leaders of color to help them advance their missions and reach their goals. You can support them financially, volunteer your time, or listen and learn from them by subscribing to their newsletters or following them on social media.

And your support of black-led nonprofits can -- and should -- continue outside of February. One way is to take the time to engage with the experience of leaders of color. Read here to learn from black leaders as they share their stories of “struggle and triumph” from working in the social sector.

Another way is to take Cecilia Polanco’s advice from episode 3 of the JUST podcast: 

“When black women have something to say, shut up and listen. Listen to people of color in general…there’s a lot of simple things we can do if we listen to the leaders in our community.”

Explore the guide below of Durham-Based, Black-Led nonprofits to learn about the meaningful work that these leaders are pursuing everyday. Read their stories, learn about their missions, and support them as they fight for a more equitable Durham.