Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Tag: National Juneteenth Museum

  • Opal Lee among Bank of America’s Social Equity Award winners

    Bank of America today announced the latest honorees of its Neighborhood Builders Social Equality Award (NBSE), which recognizes individual leaders from across the country who serve as catalysts in advancing social equality and economic opportunity. The six individuals were selected for their extraordinary contributions to breaking barriers and creating opportunities.

    Each awardee has the opportunity to direct a $200,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice, and the selected organizations can participate in the company’s year-long Neighborhood Builders Leadership Program, which provides strategic growth and development training to set long-term success.

    NBSE is an extension of Bank of America’s signature philanthropic program, Neighborhood Builders®,  one of the largest and longest-standing philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation. This year, the bank also made a $24 million investment in support of nonprofit leadership and sustainability through Neighborhood Builders and Neighborhood Champions. Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.

    “We want to recognize, celebrate and empower the leaders and nonprofits driving progress for the diverse communities where we all live and serve,” said Ebony Thomas, president, Bank of America Charitable Foundation. “We are inspired by the work these individuals and organizations do to break barriers and create opportunities on behalf of others in sustainable and innovative ways.”

    Last year, the bank provided nearly $360 million in philanthropic investments to help drive economic mobility in the communities we serve, including nearly $100 million in support of workforce development and jobs, $80 million for community development and affordable housing, and more than $90 million for basic needs, including nearly $4 million for natural disaster and humanitarian needs.

    The awardees for the Neighborhood Builders Social Equality Award include:Frank Chi headshot

    Frank Chi

    Frank Chi: Filmmaker (New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA)

    Storyteller and Activist
    Selected Organization: The Center for Asian American Media

    Frank Chi is a filmmaker, artist and storyteller at the intersection of art, culture and politics. His work helps lead narratives around justice and inclusion in American life, including directing the film 38 at the Garden about Jeremy Lin and the Asian American experience. Aligning with his work on projects that amplify leaders who have defied the odds and stereotypes to break barriers, Chi has directed NBSE funding to The Center for Asian American Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible.Rudolf “Rudy” Gonzales headshot

    Rudolf “Rudy” Gonzales 

    Rudolf “Rudy” Gonzales (Denver, CO)

    President and CEO of Servicios de La Raza
    Selected Organization: Servicios de La Raza

    With over thirty years of executive health and social services leadership experience, Rudolf “Rudy” Gonzalesis the President and CEO of Servicios de La Raza, Colorado’s largest provider of health and human services to the Latino community in Colorado. Concluding its 50th anniversary celebration this year, more than 75,000 low-income Latinos and other community members are served each year by Servicios de La Raza. Gonzales is also an active advocate, leading the charge to create STAR, a program that reduced the criminalization of low-income community members by providing social and mental health workers to respond to their needs.
    Dr. Opal Lee headshot

    Dr. Opal Lee

    Opal Lee (Ft. Worth, TX)

    Retired educator, social activist, and founder of Unity Unlimited
    Selected Organization: National Juneteenth Museum

    Known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee is a life-long racial justice advocate and educator. Upon successfully securing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, Lee is now spearheading the National Juneteenth Museum project. In addition to Lee directing NBSE award funding to the museum, Bank of America recently awarded a $1M grant to help bring the museum to life. The first-of-its-kind museum will educate visitors on the past, create growth in the present and inspire future generations. Lee has been a lifelong advocate for racial equality, helping start organizations like the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, Unity Unlimited and Transform 1012 N. Main Street.Brandon "Stix" Salaam-Bailey headshot

    Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey

    Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey (Los Angeles, CA)

    American rapper, entrepreneur, & founder of the Thinkwatts Foundation
    Selected Organization: Thinkwatts Foundation

    Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey is an American rapper, record producer and the founder of the Thinkwatts Foundation. Thinkwatts seeks to bridge the gap for underserved youth and empower them to bring their unique offerings to the real world. Thinkwatts is responsible for a wide array of programming such as free financial literacy courses, a Weekly Meal program that feeds hundreds of Watts residents, and entrepreneurship training. The foundation is also expanding, developing a hub where residents can receive access to resources and tools such financial literacy, entrepreneurship assistance, sewing and printing machines to manufacture clothing, a music studio, office space and desks, a coding classroom and an outdoor sport court.
    Luz Urrutia headshot

    Luz Urrutia

    Luz Urrutia (Silicon Valley, CA)

    CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund
    Selected Organization: Latin American Association

    Luz Urrutia is CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), the nation’s leading nonprofit providing small businesses with access to capital, networks, and coaching. Luz has increased AOF focus on racial equality, such that in 2022 95% of their loans went to people of color, low income, or female entrepreneurs. AOF has been a long-time partner of the Bank, and one of the first organizations to work with the local small business bankers on referrals to CDFIs. By directing NBSE funding to the Latin American Association, Luz helping Latinos adapt, integrate and thrive through civic engagement and advocacy, economic empowerment, youth services, family stabilization and immigration services. 
    Cheryl Crazy Bull Wacinyanpi Win headshot

    Cheryl Crazy Bull Wacinyanpi Win 

    Cheryl Crazy Bull Wacinyanpi Win (Denver, CO)

    President and CEO of American Indian College Fund
    Selected Organization: American Indian College Fund

    Cheryl Crazy Bull Wacinyanpi Win is the President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, the nation’s largest charity supporting Native student access to higher education. Crazy Bull is an expert in education, dedicating her life-long career to expanding Indigenous higher education equity and place-based education. Cheryl is also a member of nonprofit organization boards, including IllumiNative, an organization whose mission is creating an accurate narrative about Indigenous people; the Native Ways Federation, a national association of Native non-profits; the State Higher Education Executive Officers Organization (SHEEO) Equity Advisory Committee; and the Brookings Institution.

    Bank of America

    Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

    source: press release

  • National Juneteenth Museum receives $1M grant from Bank of America

    The National Juneteenth Museum and Bank of America announced a foundational gift to support the first-of-its-kind museum, selected to be built in Fort Worth. Honoring Fort Worth’s past by investing in its future, Bank of America is awarding a $1M grant for the development of the National Juneteenth Museum ecosystem.

    “The National Juneteenth Museum will be a social and economic anchor in Fort Worth that will serve as a catalyst for community education and growth. The bank’s grant support acknowledges the significant role Juneteenth plays in our city’s history and is another demonstration of our commitment to advancing economic opportunity and racial equality,” said Mike Pavell, Bank of America Fort Worth President. “We’re excited to work with the National Juneteenth Museum to revitalize the local community and create a new legacy institution.”

    Fostering a true ecosystem for economic and cultural development, the National Juneteenth Museum will feature far more than its collection of artifacts. The 50,000-square-foot center will host guest lectures, community events and performances in its 250-seat amphitheater, bring families together through the on-site food hall and grand green space, and launch big ideas into reality in its business incubator.

    “The predominantly African American neighborhood surrounding the museum has helped shape Fort Worth for generations. I’m encouraged to see Bank of America helping breathe life into the Historic Southside through intentional investment in cultural education and preservation. Residents, visitors and local businesses will be able to witness the impact of Bank of America’s gift, supporting a space where generational wealth, health and tradition will have a collaborative space to flourish,” said Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum.

    “The National Juneteenth Museum brings to life many of the values we uphold at Bank of America. From supporting diverse entrepreneurs and small business development, to mobilizing the power of the arts to educate and enrich our societies, we look forward to working together to unite our community and create greater cultural understanding. This partnership is a point of pride for Bank of America not only in Fort Worth, but in every corner of our national footprint,” added Pavell. The museum’s targeted opening date is June 19, 2025.

  • The best fundraiser I have ever attended…

    The best fundraiser I’ve ever attended was held last week in Fort Worth. Wow Barbara, the best you say? Yes, the best. The event wins this coveted rank by getting top marks in the categories I care about (the privilege of being the creator of this highly esteemed distinction): buck the system, mission alignment and execution, and audience experience and inspiration to engage.

    Some of you who don’t know me might argue that I may not have attended that many events, so what would I know. Good critical thinking, but I’ve not only attended hundreds of fundraising events in my career, I’ve also created them. And its in that insider experience that this events earns my highest marks.

    Ok, get to it Barbara…what was the event?. Last week the National Juneteenth Museum held the inaugural speaker event, in a series they are calling Uniting Voices, to a full house at the theater at I.M. Terrell High School in Fort Worth.

    Buck the system 10/10

    Location, marketing, and event construct were all antithetical to generally accepted fundraising practice, but brilliant choices reflective of community-centric fundraising principals.

    I.M. Terrell High School holds rich significance to the black Fort Worth community as the city’s first black school during the era of formal racial segregation. In 1921, the school was formerly named I.M. Terrell in honor of its former principal. The school boasts some notable alumnae including Bob Ray Sanders, Commissioner Roy Brooks and the grandmother of Juneteenth herself, Mrs. Opal Lee.

    The school currently boasts Fort Worth ISD newest, most modern theatrical auditorium and it was filled with a diverse and enthusiastic audience. No gala. No auction. Just affordable ticket prices, a casual environment and meaningful conversation imbued with hope and a quest for an era of truth and justice.

    Mission alignment and execution 10/10

    This event featured a moderated conversation by Leah Frazier with Fort Worth’s Mrs. Opal Lee, and Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative.

    Mrs. Opal Lee is a retired teacher, counselor, and activist in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday. She is often described as the “grandmother of Juneteenth”. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden, with Mrs. Opal Lee present, signed Senate Bill S. 475, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday.

    Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer, social justice activist, law professor at New York University School of Law, and the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and visionary behind the The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery Alabama.

    The conversation was comfortable and both Mrs. Opal Lee and Mr. Stevenson shared openly about their struggles, experience and lessons – all with an undercurrent of hope for the future.

    Audience experience and Inspiration to Engage 9/10

    Lectures are hard, panels are hard and often moderated conversation are hard to execute, but this one was seamless and it was a joy to watch the mutual admiration between Mrs.. Opal Lee and Mr. Stevenson.

    “The reason we want to talk about Juneteenth is not because we want to punish America, we want to liberate America, ” – Bryan Stevenson

    Mr. Stevenson told a moving tale from his experience with The Legacy Museum about the power of organizations like his and the Juneteenth Museum to bring people together. He also shared some stunning data on the direct and indirect impact his museum has on Montgomery. He confessed that he had to build his museum in secret for fear of rejection and reprisal and was inspired by the community support already shown for the National Juneteenth Museum.

    The only reason, I gave this category less than a 10/10 is the annoying placement of stage props that prevented an entire section from seeing the speakers. But the audio was good and the conversation landed as intended.

    With an official groundbreaking coming this fall and nearly $40 million raised to date, the National Juneteenth Museum is expected to open in the summer of 2025. This has to be one of the fastest capital projects I have ever seen.

    Thoughtful community-engagement and inspirational, truthful and hopeful content, without a forced fundraising pitch, the event inspired giving and further engagement well beyond the evening. Notes were taken.

    Well done, well done.

  • National Juneteenth Museum announces first CEO

    The National Juneteenth Museum Board of Directors has appointed the project’s visionary, Jarred Howard, as Chief Executive Office. Howard worked behind the scenes for over seven years to ignite the vision of building a National Juneteenth Museum to support economic revitalization in the surrounding community.

    In his new role, he is responsible for operations, construction and accelerating fundraising to achieve the museum’s $70 million campaign goal. Howard is an experienced executive with more than 20 years of knowledge in economic development, marketing and banking. 

    With deep-seated roots as a fifth-generation Fort Worth native, Howard says “this project is personal.”

    The Historic Southside neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas, was once a thriving African American community deemed the “Black Wall Street of the South”. However years of disinvestment and neglect were produced from suburban sprawl and changing population dynamics. Currently, the neighborhood has the state’s lowest life expectancy and one of the highest infant mortality rates according to a 2019 UT Southwestern study.

    “For the better part of the last 30 years or so, the neighborhood has been downtrodden and destitute. This development will be catalytic in the resurgence of its economic and cultural health,”

    Jarred Howard, CEO

    The National Juneteenth Museum is more than a museum — the site will include a 50,000-square-foot building that houses the museum, a business incubator, food hall for local chefs and restaurateurs, 250-seat theater and a black box flexible event space. As an economic driver for tourism and commerce for Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the campus will house operations that will help revitalize Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood’s infrastructure and create a space for new business, housing and a creative learning environment.