Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP)

The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) was born directly from the voices of North Minneapolis. The community actively called for an organization that would confront racial economic inequities head on, one that would not only teach financial literacy but also build pathways to generational wealth and ownership. ABEP fulfills this combined mission and vision by Educating to Achieve Bold Economic Power.

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Our Infrastructure: Built by the Community, for the Community

More than a financial literacy organization, ABEP is an institution builder. To ensure the community has direct ownership of its financial future, we created Arise Community Credit Union — the first Black-led credit union (open to all) in Minnesota and the first new credit union chartered in over 23 years.

While others focus solely on financial education, ABEP combines knowledge with action through 1-on-1 financial coaching, workshops, and community partnerships. We are community-led, not just community-serving — meeting people where they are, in schools, churches, businesses, and cultural spaces — to build real solutions and lasting economic power.

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In short:

• We build institutions, not just programs

• We are community-led, not just community-serving

• We connect knowledge to wealth empowerment

• We leverage partnerships for impact

From this vision, ABEP has grown into an economic justice engine that builds infrastructure for self-determined prosperity.

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Community Spotlight: From Learning to Legacy

Meet Rajonta Jackson of Ujamaa Place in St. Paul, MN — a participant in our Smart Money Moves presentation — a guided and culturally responsive financial literacy curriculum. When Rajonta first joined the program, he wanted to better understand budgeting and credit but left with something much greater: confidence, clarity, and control over his financial future.

Smart Money Moves helped him map a starter plan for budgeting, credit building, and savings. His next step is 1-on-1 financial coaching, where he will work that plan with an ABEP coach. This is the ABEP model in motion: Educating to Achieve Bold Economic Power.

When you give to ABEP, you’re not donating to a program — you’re investing in people like Rajonta, in families learning to save together, and in schools and churches opening doors to financial empowerment. Your gift becomes part of someone’s turning point — a paycheck turned into peace of mind, a class turned into confidence, a dream turned into ownership.

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Accountability

ABEP is proud to be recognized as a financially sound, transparent organization with strong governance. Independent evaluators such as Charity Navigator rate ABEP highly, affirming that we are a trustworthy and impactful partner in this work.

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Join Us for Give to the Max Day

This Give to the Max Day, your support is more important than ever. Your donation is a direct investment in a community-powered blueprint for economic equity. Every dollar fuels action — empowering families, expanding access, and sustaining infrastructure designed to keep wealth circulating within the community.

There is Power in Every Dollar. Give boldly today — and be part of Minnesota’s movement for all to Achieve Bold Economic Power.