February marks Black History Month, a monthlong national observance that recognizes and celebrates the trials and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Here is our 2023 Black History Month nonprofit roundup to commemorate some of the African American-serving organizations in Virginia.
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
The 100 Black Men of Central Virginia is a nonpartisan organization that was founded in 1963. Its mission is to improve the quality of life within the community and advocate for eliminating the achievement gap of African American male students through member mentorship.
Learn more about 100 Black Men of Central Virginia and how they are working to bridge education equity gaps here.
Barrett Early Learning Center
Barrett Early Learning Center is the oldest childcare center in the Commonwealth dating to its 1935 opening as the Janie Porter Barrett Nursery School.
According to its website, the original school was founded for colored women working in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration program service centers. After the WPA program ended in 1941, the community rallied to keep the Barrett Day Nursery open recognizing the critical role it played for working women with low incomes. More than 80 years later, the Barrett Early Learning Center has continued to prosper in the community, sharing a love for education and life with each child who goes through the program.
Learn more about Barrett Early Learning Center.
The Uhuru Foundation
The Uhuru Foundation (TUF) has locations in Richmond and Charlottesville (and another site in North Carolina) and works to interrupt the poverty-to-prison pipeline by providing financial literacy training, business skill development and credible messenger mentoring to transform high-risk youth and adults so that their past circumstances don’t define their futures. TUF offers several programs ranging from Youth Diversification and Re-Entry programs to Conflict Resolution and Life Coaching programs for adults. TUF also partners with MENTOR Virginia to provide standards to ensure program safety, effectiveness and sustainability.
Learn more about the work that The Uhuru Foundation does here.
Black Women of Central Virginia
Black Women of Central Virginia was formed by women who share the common goal of providing mentorship, education and support for Black women and girls within the community. Its mission is to serve and advocate on behalf of Black women and girls and develop gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.
The Black Women of Central Virginia advocates for racial and social justice, integrity and accountability, economic empowerment, gender equity, inclusion and respect through community events and funding. Learn more about The Black Women of Central Virginia here.
For Black History Month and beyond, keep an eye out for these nonprofits and the impact they are making on local communities. Each of these organizations is accepting donations and offers volunteer opportunities.