Southern Black Girls Makes a Strong Investment in Community
In a time when funding for racial and gender equity is becoming increasingly challenging, a Selma-based organization is stepping up to empower Black girls and women. The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium is demonstrating unwavering commitment by investing over $1.2 million in various initiatives in 2025.
Funding Initiatives and Their Impact
This investment was utilized through programs such as the Black Girls Dream Fund, Innovation Fund, and Black Girls Defense Fund. It successfully supported more than 60 organizations and over 25 small businesses across multiple Southern states, making a significant impact.
One remarkable achievement this year was the award of the 1,000th grant through the Black Girl Joy Challenge. This impactful program, which started in 2020, offers grants to young women aged between 13 to 24. The objective is to encourage them to spread joy in their communities. With 100 new grants awarded this year alone, the program has now funded a total of 1,000 emerging leaders.
Inspiring Leadership and Community Engagement
Chanceé Lundy, the Executive Director of the Consortium, expressed the importance of investing in Black girls and women, describing it as an act of resistance and faith in a brighter future. She emphasized that despite difficult circumstances, it is crucial to continue supporting these vital communities.
In June, the organization hosted the 2025 Black Girls Dream Conference. This significant event gathered more than 1,300 participants, focusing on themes such as empowerment and leadership. Featuring 80 workshops on various topics including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), mental health, and financial empowerment, the conference reinforced the Consortium's goal of nurturing the next generation of Black women leaders.
Support for Black Women Entrepreneurs
The Consortium also made notable strides in supporting Black women entrepreneurs. Crystal Chisholm, who founded The Oyster Journal, is one such entrepreneur. Her platform connects oyster enthusiasts with growers, and she received mentoring and financial support through the Consortium's Dream Investment Program.
Reflecting on her experience, Chisholm noted, "When I first launched my app, I faced several technical limitations. Thanks to this grant, I was able to hire a contractor to include premium features, allowing us to generate revenue for the first time. This marks a significant step from just building community to aiming for financial sustainability."
A Journey of Commitment and Leadership
2025 marked the first full year of Chanceé Lundy's leadership, which has been described as a full-circle moment for her. More than three decades ago, she was mentored by the Consortium's Founder, LaTosha Brown, through a community program. This intergenerational bond illustrates the organization’s dedication to uplifting Black girls and women.
Lundy poignantly stated, "As the year draws to a close, I'm reminded that even when faced with challenges, we persist. Despite the pressure, we expanded our giving and remained fixed on our mission to meet the needs of our community."
Future Goals for the Consortium
Looking ahead, the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium is committed to broadening its grant-making efforts, enhancing grassroots infrastructure, and exemplifying what equitable philanthropy should look like.
About Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium
Established in 2017 by a group of dedicated leaders, the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium focuses on directing resources to underfunded organizations that prioritize Black girls and women in the Southern states. Based in Selma, the organization employs participatory grantmaking to amplify Black girls’ voices while advocating for racial justice, education, health, economic mobility, and leadership advancement.
Since its inception, the Consortium has awarded over $11.4 million to more than 250 Black women-led organizations and has provided more than $600,000 in grants to 1,000 girls through initiatives such as the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium?
The Consortium is a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black girls and women across the Southern states.
How much funding did the Consortium invest in 2025?
The Consortium invested over $1.2 million in various initiatives aimed at empowering Black girls and women.
What is the Black Girl Joy Challenge?
This program offers grants to young women ages 13 to 24 to help them spread joy in their communities.
Who were the founders of the Consortium?
The Consortium was founded by LaTosha Brown, Felecia Lucky, Alice Eason Jenkins, and Margo Miller in 2017.
How does the Consortium support Black women entrepreneurs?
Through initiatives like the Dream Investment Program, the Consortium provides financial support and mentoring to Black women entrepreneurs.
