African American Leadership Forum

Thank you for your interest in supporting the African American Leadership Forum; 

An organization manifesting racial equity through radically innovative solutions 

WE ARE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP FORUM

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 MISSION 

To create a radical future for Black Minnesotans by advancing Black-centered policies and solutions that actualize true liberation.  

OUR VISION 

We envision a prosperous future for Black Minnesota communities. A tomorrow that is inclusive, vibrant, fair and where Black excellence excels in all forms. 

We imagine innovative problem-solving to achieve racial harmony, while empowering Black communities with resources to manifest an equitable future for themselves. 

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.

Six Impact Areas

EDUCATION

We imagine an education system, in formal and informal settings, that celebrates and centers Black culture. It fosters a sense of identity, pride and self-worth by offering a culturally relevant curriculum and anti-racist pedagogy. It promotes the interconnectedness of spirit and mind, engages the community and promotes restorative justice. Education can be defined as opportunities to ignite natural curiosity, modes of cultural transmission, oral storytelling, practices of handing down rituals and experiential learning. It places a strong emphasis on healing and mental health, creating an inclusive and thriving educational environment for Black students to succeed and thrive.

HEALTH

We promote healing and wellness in all forms. We envision a transformative and equitable healthcare system that addresses historical harm and promotes holistic well-being. It centers Black voices. It centers Black women. This future involves tackling the root causes of health disparities. A radical health future for Black people strives to build social cohesion, and positively impact the social, economic and environmental factors that influence an individual’s health outcomes and well-being. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Imagine Black people feeling safe to be Black. This future prioritizes revolutionary approaches that promote trust, collaboration and accountability. It involves community-led initiatives, restorative justice practices and alternatives to incarceration that focus on rehabilitation, healing, and addressing the root causes of crime. Our revisionist future promotes the Black community as the peacekeepers. It centers on building a strong and empowered community where everyone feels safe and promotes what is just as justice.

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

We embrace the immense value and untapped potential of Black individuals and communities. Black is innovation. Black is the investor. Black is the consumer. We imagine unleashing the vast brilliance that will propel us toward a more vibrant and dynamic future. Full participation in the economy benefits Black communities. We believe that true progress lies in harnessing the skills and contributions that will lead to shared prosperity and a stronger, more thriving state.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Our future will be free of the insidious grip of environmental racism and advocate for transformative change. Our communities will no longer endure the brunt of toxic industries and negligence. By ensuring equitable access to clean air, water, and green spaces, we are honoring our inherent right to a healthy life. This radical vision necessitates our voices be centered in decision-making processes that shape our environment. Our just and sustainable future forges economic opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability.  We desire a harmonious relationship with our Blackness and the environment.

GENERATIONAL WEALTH BUILDING

Imperative to our self-actualized future is the building and sustaining of Black generational wealth. Our financial freedom will take many forms: cooperative economics, owning the land, the house, and the business. We will infuse the mindset of wealth-building in every generation that builds a prosperous future for those that follow.

The Leadership Academy

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.

The Forum 2023