Actress Kerry Washington and author Wes Moore have joined forces to help support Black leaders in their fight to build an equitable, anti-racist, fair America.

According to Black Enterprise, The Black Voices for Black Justice Fund was launched with an initial $2 million investment and now has a goal of raising over $10 million to support Black leaders as they work to advance racial justice.

Per the foundation’s website:

“The Fund was established to amplify clarion voices about racial justice; connect new and established Black leaders to one another; and support Black-led efforts to build meaningful economic and political power for their communities in the context of police brutality and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic along racial lines – including disparities in access to healthcare, jobs, education, justice and the right to vote.”

The fund is currently being co-chaired by Washington, Robin Hood CEO, Moore; CEO of New Leaders, Jean Desravines; President and Executive Director of the National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Kristen Clarke; Former Secretary of Education, John B. King; civil rights lawyer, Shavar Jeffries; and National Organizing Director and Deputy Political Director at the ACLU, Tenicka Boyd.

“The Black Voices for Black Justice Fund recognizes and supports the incredible work that’s being done by everyday heroes at the grassroots level,” said Wes Moore. “In order for our communities to exceed the level of greatness we all aspire to, these voices must be elevated, supported, and heard.”

Around 31 receipients are Black leaders across U.S. cities including — Brooklyn, NY; Portland, OR; Tulsa, OK; Washington, D.C.; and Minneapolis, MN — who have been selected for the fund’s first set of investments. They encompass a range of Black community organizers and leaders across the country working to address systems of violence, oppression, and inequality.

For a full list of awardees and more information on the Black Voices for Black Justice Fund, visit their website here.

Jean Desravines

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