African American Leadership Forum

Thank you for supporting the African American Leadership Forum; 

An organization manifesting racial equity through radically innovative solutions

We are creating a world where equality thrives and Black excellence leads. We’re bringing this world from our imagination into being, through cross-community collaboration. A collective of institutions and leaders, we serve as a community innovation accelerator. We empower Black communities to imagine, then create an equitable future.

OUR VISION 

We envision a thriving future for Black communities in Minnesota—prosperous, inclusive, and vibrant. Through innovative problem-solving and equitable resource access, we empower Black excellence and honor the rich legacy of Black heritage, fostering harmony and opportunity for all.

OUR APPROACH 

The Forum operates as a think-and-do tank. We convert research-based thought on social issues into action-oriented agenda and solutions through the lens of Black-Centered Design and Afrofuturism.

Our Six Impact Areas

ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY - Fostering financial self-determination, control over Black resources, and long-term prosperity.

INTERGENERATIONAL POWER - Growing Black knowledge, capacity, influence, and wealth within each generation.

LIBERATORY EDUCATION - Designing education systems that empower Black communities to shape their own future. 

COMMUNITY RELIANCE - Shifting power away from broken systems to Black communities, from public safety to policy.

HOLISTIC HEALING - Closing health disparities to nurture the physical, mental and emotional health of Black people.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP - Approaches that build environmental resilience for Black communities long term.

Leadership Development | Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy (JRJLA):

The Leadership Academy is a six-month hands-on path to personal and professional discovery directed by facilitators, mentors, developmental tools, and experiential learning opportunities. Each fellow builds a vocabulary for articulating their purpose and passion in a way that leads to impactful change. The overall goal of the academy is to accelerate the leadership development journey of emerging African American leaders.