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I AM AN ALLY IN PROGRESS

Meet The
Anti-Racism Fund

I AM’s first non-profit partner, The Anti-Racism Fund, puts social capital to work in response to inequities experienced by the Black Community.

Following the murder of George Floyd by the Minnesota Police Department on May 25th, ‘What can I do to help?’ jumped to the forefront of every conversation. A palpable reverberation by the Black Community demanding social, political, and criminal justice was felt almost immediately within every city in America as opinions on police brutality and Black Lives Matter divided the country. Looking for ways to find an actionable answer, six friends mobilized and created a platform dedicated to eradicating inequity and building social capital through their establishment of The Anti-Racism Fund (“ARF”). Within its first few weeks, ARF inaugural portfolio, ‘The Take Action Initiative’ raised upwards of $275,000. “After raising so much so fast, we realized almost immediately the potential and reach the Anti-Racism Fund has,” ARF co-founder Carter Lewis explained. Currently on their second portfolio, ARF has surpassed $750,000 in donations to date.

What differentiates ARF from an overwhelming majority of non-profits is its ability to spread its donor’s social capital across a revolving portfolio of hand-selected, charitable organizations; as well as, its website’s integrated donation tool which provides donors with the option of a one-time or recurring monthly donation, a capability that is meant to compliment the ever-changing portfolio of organizations. “The Anti-Racism Fund hopes to enhance accessibility within the institutions that have marginalized BIPOC with a direct investment into the areas that disproportionately affect Black and Brown Communities,” mentions ARF co-founder Lindsey Ferguson. ARF takes action by injecting capital directly into organizations aligned with ARFs Four Pillars of Purpose: Justice System Reform, Education Parity, Health & Wellness Access, and Community Outreach & Social Justice Advocacy — all of which, the team believes, are individually and wholly essential to amplifying social capital within the Black Community.

The ARF Team is quick to emphasize its excitement in partnerships and collaborations moving forward, more specifically, with other organizations whose core values amplify the mission of the Anti-Racism Fund. 20% of proceeds from I AM’s site will be donated to ARF’s current portfolio. Additionally, ARF’s website boasts an integrated e-commerce tool which the team plans to turn into a marketplace for BIPOC creatives. The ARF and I AM teams hope to bring the work of the zine’s artists and writers to this marketplace. “We’re excited to see where this all goes. Finding groups who are just as excited to take action and initiate change shows that this is more than just a moment, it’s a movement — and we have the power,” states co-founder Carter Lewis.

Pillars of Purpose

Justice System Reform

Institutional racism permeates every step of the legal system, from policing to sentencing. We identify organizations that specialize in dismantling racial inequalities and uphold American constitutional rights.
Including but not limited to:

  • Legal Representation
  • Mass Incarceration
  • Government Accountability

Community Outreach & Social Justice Advocacy

To build social, political, and financial strength our community needs support. We partner with organizations that build our community from the ground up.
Including but not limited to:

  • Voting Registration & Education
  • Music & Arts
  • LGBTQIA+ rights
  • Economic Parity

Health & Wellness Access

The Black community experiences significant disparities throughout the medical system when it comes to access to care, preventive screenings, and mental health. We collaborate with organizations who minimize these gaps in access and care.
Including but not limited to:

  • Access to Medication
  • Mental Health
  • Food Security

Education Parity

Education is one the greatest equalizers in eliminating racial disparities in the United States. We support organizations who provide educational opportunities and resources to our communities.
Including but not limited to:

  • After School Programs
  • Financial Literacy
  • Resource Access (laptops, books, etc.)

Current Portfolio

ARF has selected four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for “The Homecoming Initiative.” HBCUs are an integral part of the Black community. As institutions of higher education, they gave Black students the opportunity to obtain degrees when no other universities would.

HBCUs retain Black students – especially low-income and first generation students – at higher rates than other higher learning institutions. These schools account for a substantial portion of African American professionals and industry leaders.

YET, MOST SCHOOLS FACE SERIOUS FINANCIAL CHALLENGES.

Howard University is a private, research university comprised of 13 schools and colleges located in Washington, D.C.

Spelman College is a global leader in the education of women of African descent located in Atlanta, GA.

Florida A&M University is located in Tallahassee and remains the only historically black university in the eleven member State University System of Florida.

Morehouse College has had a 150-year legacy of producing educated men and global leaders and is located in Atlanta, GA.