Millions of Americans become drained annually from the endless spending that comes from Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Once you’ve spent all that cash (or ran up your credit) on sale items, there’s a bit of buyers remorse. But, Giving Tuesday is the feel good day we need this time of year. Endless charities, organizations and individual causes reap the benefits from the Tuesday after Thanksgiving designated for giving back.
Not sure if you’re ready to donate? Here are 13 organizations focused on causes to uplift the black community, all worth your attention.
1. The Black Alliance for Just Immigration
“The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) believes that a thriving multiracial democracy requires racial, social and economic justice for all. African Americans and black immigrants are stronger together and we can win by becoming leaders in the fight against structural racism and systemic discrimination. BAJI was formed to bring Black voices together to advocate for equality and justice in our laws and our communities.”
2. Barbershop Books
“Barbershop Books is a community-based literacy program that creates child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops. We help boys identify as readers by connecting books to a male centered space and by involving men in boys’ early reading experiences.”
3. Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
“The Ella Baker Center works locally, statewide, and nationally to end mass incarceration and criminalization. We mobilize everyday people to build power and prosperity in our communities and together we: ”
4. Kinston Teens
“A non-profit organization founded on the premise of empowering youth through service, leadership and civic engagement. On an individual level, and under the Kinston Teens organization, Chris has organized and led community beautification projects; voter registration drives; mentoring programs for elementary and middle school students; and award-winning youth leadership seminars.”
5. NAACP Legal Defense Fund
“The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law firm. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, who subsequently became the first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has always been transformative: to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society. ”
6. African American Planning Commission
“The African American Planning Commission (AAPC) Inc., is a New York City-based 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization committed to reducing homelessness and addressing the related issues of domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, substance abuse, shortage of affordable housing, and unemployment in the communities in which we live and serve.”
7. Healthy Girls Save the World
“Healthy Girls Save the World (HGSW) is a non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy minds, bodies, and relationships for middle school girls in North Carolina.”
8. Black Girls Rock!
“The mission of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is to change the world by empowering Black girls to lead, innovate, and serve. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that has been committed to enriching girls through leadership, education, and positive identity development since 2006. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc. builds the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and providing tools for self-empowerment and efficacy.”
9. Forward Together
“Forward Together is a multi-racial organization that works with community leaders and organizations to transform culture and policy to catalyze social change. Our mission is to ensure that women, youth and families have the power and resources they need to reach their full potential. By developing strong leaders, building networks across communities, and implementing innovative campaigns, we are making our mission a reality.”
10. GrassROOTS Community Foundation
“GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF) is a public health and social action organization. We invest in our community members’ collective well-being, so that they can use their health and energy to transform themselves, their families and communities. We support, develop and scale health and wellness programs for women and girls, particularly those who are impoverished. We also advocate for policies and practices that reduce disparities and foster equity.”
11. Black Girls Code
“Black Girls CODE’s ultimate goal is to provide African-American youth with the skills to occupy some of the 1.4 million computing job openings expected to be available in the U.S. by 2020, and to train 1 million girls by 2040.”
12. Campaign Zero
“We can live in an America where the police do not kill people. Police in England, Germany, Australia, Japan, and even cities like Buffalo, NY, and Richmond, CA, demonstrate that public safety can be ensured without killing civilians. By implementing the right policy changes, we can end police killings and other forms of police violence in the United States.”
