African American Leadership Forum

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in supporting AALF Twin Cities;

An organization dedicated to

lifting, amplifying and championing Black-led solutions

Who are we?

African American Leadership Forum Twin Cities (AALF) was founded in 2006 to improve the lives of African Americans in Minnesota by building a cross-sector network of leaders and institutions that convenes, collaborates, and champions Black-led solutions. 

AALF is empowering the African American community by identifying and bringing together Black leaders who are passionate about re-claiming the narrative around Black lives, collaborating to find innovative solutions to our most vexing challenges, and using their skillset to make a difference. We are proud to count 7,000-plus leaders in the Twin Cities and beyond among our network of contributors, who identify as thought leaders, influencers, builders and ambassadors. 

AALFTC.org | Meet Our Team

An Overview of AALF Key Programming

United By Black, Powered By All: Following the murder of George Floyd, a united group of community, nonprofit and business leaders launched a movement that will go far beyond writing letters of concern, and AALF was chosen to lead. Collectively, we aim to get to the root of disparities, heal the past and transform the trajectory of the future. The United By Black, Powered By All initiative reflects our commitment to systemic change, by mapping strategy and creating impact.

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.  

Convenings, Gatherings & Forums that Connect Black Leaders: AALF Twin Cities hosts regular opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect while sharing a role in improving the lives of African Americans. In the latter half of 2022, AALF was pleased to host quarterly networking "socials" and monthly "meet-ups" while continuing our virtual professional development series - GRIT (grow, reflect, inspire, transform). 

AALF's Unique Approach: Black-Centered Design

Our Black-Centered Design approach consists of collaborative initiatives to tackle our community’s most pressing challenges of Public Safety, Housing, Education, Employment, Economic Opportunity and Healthcare. History dictates that we must act differently. Solutions must be centered and aligned with people who are living the reality of inequity. As positive change results in single communities, our model will radiate change outward to neighboring, contiguous and connected communities; setting the stage for lasting and impactful revitalization. 

Consider Joining our "Legacy Builders" Program

Legacy Builders are monthly donors who believe in AALF's mission and want to support the organization on a continual monthly basis at any dollar amount. They serve as ambassadors to AALF as we work together to improve the lives of African Americans in Minnesota.

AALF 2022