How to Support Black Organizations and Not Be Corny

Support is more than black boxes & hashtags on social media. From the NAACP to Black Lives Matter, here are some Black organizations you should know & support.

Support Black Organizations
Complex Original

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Support Black Organizations

All of us need a little encouragement from time to time—but passive support is not enough when Black lives are in danger. Organizations such as the NAACP, Color of Change, Black Lives Matter, and more have stood on the front lines to ensure that equality, diversity, and inclusion are more than just fancy buzzwords to tweet for the timeline or brag about around the water cooler. In 2021, it has been made glaringly obvious just how systemic racism has polluted everything impressive about this country, and Black organizations are doing everything possible to ensure the community doesn’t get pulled into the undertow by the madness.

No longer will it be comfortable for passersby to stand on the sidelines. And during Black History Month, Complex calls to attention the fact that being anti-racist is the only way to truly bring about change. If you love Black people as much as you love Black culture, and are looking for a way to help the community from home, Complex has five tips that will help you lend your support without looking like a corny fraud. Words won’t win the fight alone, which is why using these resources, and supporting the organizations listed here, will further incite positive change and progress in the United States.

With that, read on for our A-to-Z list of organizations working hard to ensure these goals aren’t funded by dreams alone. —Kevin L. Clark

Tip 1: Give Money

Support Black Organizations: Donate

Location: New York City

Founded: 1963

What began as a collection of Black men coming together to improve their community in New York City has grown into thousands of Black men mentoring Black youth across the U.S. and all over the world. 100 Black Men of America has over 120 chapters with members who act as role models to young future leaders. The nonprofit has numerous programs focusing on mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. It prides itself on being “the nation’s top African American led mentoring organization” and operates with the motto, “What they see is what they’ll be.”

Location: Harlem, New York

Founded: 1968

For over 50 years, the African American Day Parade has celebrated Black excellence and achievements in a grand fashion. Marching bands, majorettes, floats, and performers from all over New York City and around the country strut down Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem. The annual parade takes place on the third Sunday in September, and the committee plans year-round. It’s a complete vibe with street vendors and all of the heritage, culture, and legacy one would expect from a Black parade.

Location: Los Angeles

Founded:  1999

Black Aids Institute doesn’t only imagine a community without HIV/AIDS—the organization actively pursues it. Taking into account how institutional racism and many other factors compromise Black health, BAI tailors programs and campaigns to helping eradicate HIV/AIDS. The organization fights the HIV/AIDS epidemic under five values: Black empowerment, equity, impact, self-determination, and integrity.

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Founded:  2006

BAJI formed as a response to the rising anti-immigration sentiment in the U.S. The organization mobilizes African-Americans and Black immigrants to fight racial, social, and economic injustice, while advocating for equity on all three fronts. On its website, BAJI shares that, despite high education, Black immigrants from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America have the highest rates of unemployment, earn the lowest wages, are the most detained, and get deported at a higher rate. Hence, it’s important that the two groups unite for total equity and civil rights.

Location: Atlanta

Founded: 2018

Starting off as a simple idea meant to bring Black men together for an all-male meditation workshop, Black Boys OM, Inc. has evolved into a network of Black male wellness practitioners and a grassroots movement. With 200 Yogis in 90 locations nationally and internationally, including places such as Grenada, Jamaica, South Africa, Ghana, and Canada, Black Boys OM harnesses the positive power of peace to focus on serving the community with wellness information that helps Black men to help others in their own neighborhoods and families.

“On the real, we exist to serve the wellbeing of Black boys and men through mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, so you can support— and not be corny—by sharing what Black Boys OM does on social media. To graduate to an ethereal level of cool, also check out our fundraising link, and donate to our continued nonprofit plans in 2021. Please, please, please tell a friend to tell a friend—the more people who know about what we do, the better.” —Danny Fluker, Jr., Founder

Location: New York, New York

Founded: 2015

Black Film Space is an excellent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the careers of Black filmmakers. As Hollywood continues to benefit from the beauty and creativity of Black culture, Black Film Space and its goal of providing skill-enhancing opportunities and community-building experiences make it a must-support group for people of African descent. 

“You can support Black Film Spaceby signing up for our membership plan (monthly options are available), telling all the Black filmmakers you know about our organization and donating to us, or having your company sponsor our next major (COVID-19-friendly) event!” —Lande Yoosuf, Co-Founder

Location: San Francisco

Founded:  2011

In anticipation of 2020 and the 1.4 million computing jobs that the year brought, Black Girls Code set its sights on preparing girls of color to assume those professional roles. The organization targets girls between seven and 17 years old and introduces them to STEM fields, while also teaching them to be community leaders. It plans to train 1 million girls by 2040.

Location: Atlanta

Founded: 2012


This much-needed organization provides information about health and well-being from a service-oriented perspective—with lots of upbeat, positive solutions, advice, and tips and subjects including nutrition, fitness, mind and body, and beauty. With access to health insurance being debated by Congress, Black Health Matters plays a significant part in Black folx learning more about these health disparities and the preventative steps necessary to better one’s health.

“Health, yeah! You can support us by joining Angie Stone, Hezekiah Walker, and Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown at the Black Health Matters Winter Virtual Summit on February 27, if you’re down and get mad serious about taking charge of your health! Register now at www.bhmwintersummit.vfairs.com.” — Linette Roach, Media Relations Director

Tip 2: Volunteer Your Time

Support Black Organizations: Volunteer

Location: United States, United Kingdom, and Canada

Founded: 2013

Most people know the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” but those three words are more than that. The organization has gained popularity  for leading the charge against police brutality and the unjust killings of unarmed Black people. The movement has become global, fighting for freedom, liberation, and justice, while also working to end white supremacy. 

“Black lives matter 24/7, 365. You can support Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation by practicing self-care, loving on ALL Black folk, and texting COMPLEX to 24365 to keep in touch with our movement.” —BLM Team

Location: Carrollton, Texas

Founded: 2011

In 2020, the brutal murders of Black trans women had become so overwhelming that it was considered a violent epidemic. BTAC is a Black-trans-led organization fighting the inequities and violence that are placed on the Black trans community. With a mission of “work based in peace building, community education, public policy initiatives, empowerment programs and direct services,” its motto is, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“You can support the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition by fighting for Black trans people to have the same access to opportunities, housing, employment and health care as you have. Additionally, you may donate to our organization at blacktrans.org so that we can continue working to create those necessary changes toward equality for all.” —Carter Brown, Executive Director

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Founded:  2010

Black Women’s Blueprint fights to eliminate disparities associated with race, gender, and other social identities. Using feminist approaches, the organization gives power to Black women and girls through a variety of initiatives. Its programs challenge sexual and gender-based violence, racist and sexist economic inequality, the Black maternal mortality rate, and other prevalent issues. Though it’s based in Brooklyn, the nonprofit’s reach extends all the way to Ghana, where it works with a sexual rights and reproductive health center.

Location: Atlanta

Founded: 2016

Since 2016, Buy From a Black Woman has provided educational programs and financial support to Black women business owners. With an online directory listing over 500 businesses, the organization makes it easy to support and #BuyFromABlackWoman. 

“You can support the work [we are] doing by making a donation via buyfromablackwoman.org and help in spreading the word of how important it is to support Black women business owners. When you support a Black woman business owner, you support a whole community. #BuyFromABlackWoman.” —Nikki Porcher, Founder

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Founded: 2017

Inspired by Ava DuVernay’s 13th documentary, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and Nate Parker’s Birth of a Nation, Danitha Jones’ By Any Reads organization is dedicated to Black literary excellence. Using popular mediums such as music, film, and, of course, books to educate and learn more about the Black experience, this growing community explores the depths of Blackness in a way that allows all to be more informed about what we’re capable of accomplishing.

“You can support By Any Reads by sharing our book recommendations and joining in on our discussions. This book club is a safe space to talk about Black history and current events in a way that connects our community on a deeper level. Spread the knowledge where you can, and take care of yourself through it all.” —Danitha Jones, Founder

Location: New York, New York

Founded: 2017

Boasting cannabis imagery and education for the masses, Cannaclusive is a collective focused on inclusive marketing and business advocacy in the cannabis industry. With many witnessing the shifting thoughts surrounding cannabis in this country, Cannaclusive quickly realized there were too few Black people present in the space. Cannaclusive, which pushes for a more accurate and realistic viewpoint of cannabis use among people of color, may be the last game in town to celebrate this often-ignored community.

“Wanna be in the cannabis industry? Want to make sure you have a place in this space? Cannaclusive is a Black-owned collective focused on education, marketing, visuals, and advocacy supporting cannabis equity and inroads into this industry, which holds about six percent presence of Black businesses in the space. That’s clearly unacceptable. Don’t be corny. Find out more about how to support us via Cannaclusive.com.” —Mary Pryor, Co-Founder

Location: London, England

Founded: 2016

Dedicated to teaching people of diverse backgrounds how to code, navigate the web, and develop skills needed for 22nd-century employment, Coders of Colour focuses on providing a safe space for underrepresented people around the globe. Through a range of events, hack-a-thons, on- and offline resources, and participation in conferences such as AfroTech, Coders of Colour not only supports inquisitive young minds, but also serves as a central hub for those keen to climb up the digital career ladder in the tech sector.

“You can support Coders of Colour by sponsoring a program, volunteering your skills (technical or otherwise), and remembering to pay Black women.” —Coders of Colour Team

Location: Compton, California

Founded: 2017

Straight Outta Richland Farms, the Compton Cowboys have dedicated their collective to uplifting people through the horseback and farming lifestyle, all the while highlighting the rich legacy of Black Americans in equine and western heritage. Through blazing new trails using community engagement, entertainment, music, and beyond, the Compton Cowboys’ mission is one that continues to make waves all over the globe and the internet.


“You can legit support our organization by not just talking the Black cowboy hype—which of course we love, so do it anyway—but putting your money where your mouth is. Head to the Compton Cowboys website and invest in the Gang yourself! Every bit counts, so find a way to spend your money with us, and support the legacy, culture, and community of Black cowboys while they’re in their youth!” —Randy “Rowdy” Savvy, Managing Member

Tip 3: Spread the Message

Support Black Organizations: Share

Location: Philadelphia

Founded: 2019

Al and Marjani Harris are a beautifully focused couple who opened up the country’s first-ever Black-owned cancer center. Cancer WHO? is a safe haven for Black and Latinx people who are battling the debilitating disease. This nonprofit is a beacon of hope for patients and their loved ones, and done it completely free of charge.

“You can support our organization by texting #CancerWHO to 74121 to learn how we help the people in our community who are battling cancer! Donations are welcome and, most importantly, very much appreciated.” —Al and Marjani Harris, Founders

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Founded: 1996

Cave Canem is “a home for Black poetry.” It provides fellowships, workshops, reading series, master classes, prizes, tours, and many opportunities for talented Black poets to thrive. The nonprofit is respected among the literary community and was created in response to the underrepresentation of African American poets in the literary industry.

Location: New Orleans

Founded: 2017

CRIFC South supports individuals and families directly impacted by mass incarceration. Its mission focuses on organizing Black people in the South to form positive, efficient ways to govern their communities from an individual to international level. The nonprofit collaborates with many other organizations and has a vast amount of resources and programs that uplift the community in every area.

Location: Harlem, New York

Founded: 1969

Most of us have seen the viral videos and images of  Black ballet performers dancing through scenic parts of New York City. Those dancers are members of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The organization promotes the message “empowerment through the arts for all” and offers “world-class training in classical ballet” as well as other diverse forms of dance. Dance Theatre of Harlem continuously creates beautiful work and provides professional access to an art form that has historically left Black dancers out.

Location: Detroit

Founded: 2019

Operating on a community level, Detroit Action played a significant role in turning Michigan into a Democratic state. The organization mobilizes “Black and brown working-class Detroiters” to fight against policies that marginalize its community. Its programs include year-round civic engagement; cultural and relational organizing; leadership development and training; youth-centered leadership; direct services; and soup kitchen and anti-displacement organizing.

“You can support Detroit Action by helping us to build power for working-class Black and Brown Detroiters by donating here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/detaction” —Kenny Williams, Detroit Action Communications 

Location: Oakland

Founded: 2014

This member-led organization focuses on supporting women who have incarcerated loved ones. The website notes that “2.3 million people are confined in jails and prisons,” with incarceration increasing by 500 percent in the last 40 years. Clearly, the US prison system is out of line, and the Essie Justice Group is here to assist the women who are most affected by the injustice.

“You can support Essie Justice Group, for real, by nominating a woman with an incarcerated loved one to our 2021 healing to advocacy cohorts, supporting the BREATHE Act by asking your congressional representative to sponsor the bill, and by following Essie Justice Group on social media to keep up with our campaigns.” —Olka, Essie Justice Group

Location: The internet 

Founded: 2017

Fit for the Culture is an organization created to represent Black people through supporting Black-owned businesses, offering opportunities to prioritize one’s health, and creating a strategy to be your whole and best self.

“You can support Fit for the Culture—truly represent us—by supporting Black businesses, prioritizing your health, working out, promoting a healthy lifestyle in your community, and checking us out on Instagram for all things fitness that can help if you’re in need of some workout motivation.” —Mark Agyakwa, Founder

Location: Washington, DC

Founded: 2010

Girl Trek makes it clear that it’s not a fitness group. However, it is a movement focused on combating the serious health crisis facing Black women. The website reports that “82 percent of Black women are over a healthy weight” and are dying from preventable diseases at younger ages. Aside from organizing women to walk, the organization focuses on creating safe walking spaces for Black women in “high-need” communities and promoting self-care.

Tip 4: Show love for Black people

Support Black Organizations: Love

Location: New York, New York

Founded: 2016

The gaming industry is set to reach into multibillion-dollar status in 2021. Adriana Quezada, better known as Bunny Might Game U, and co-founder Brittany “SD Trinity” Bey-Wooten are driven to expose young gamers to much-needed experiences and opportunities. Through the Girls Can’t Geek podcast, Bunny and SD show interested players how to enhance their own Twitch streams and participate in a safe-space experience.

“You can support the Girls Can’t Geek podcast for real—and not for show—by listening to us on all digital streaming platforms and on YouTube. Just type the name of our podcast into the search bar, and share this dope women-led, poppin’ POC podcast with your peoples!” — Adriana “BunnyMightGameU” Quezada, Co-Founder

Location: New York, New York

Founded: 2017

The popular Instagram page and friend to healthy eaters everywhere—How to Be Vegan in the Hood—is a welcoming place to show why a plant-based diet is important (while not killing your pockets). Spreading the gospel especially to bodega-eating residents of New York City’s boroughs, this appetizing force for good helps followers to create inexpensive and effective meals that can be made at home—or grabbed from nearby vendors.

“You can support and learn about eating a plant-based diet with How to Be Vegan in the Hood simply by following us via Instagram @HowToBeVeganInTheHood. DM me the area you from; I’ll let you know where the best vegan food is by you! One world, one love!” — Erick Castro, Owner

Location: Los Angeles

Founded: 2015

Rooted in the youth culture and community organizing in South Central Los Angeles, The I Empower Project is a creative collective that focuses on making impactful content and experiences. Gavin “Mizzle” Mathieu and Supervsn Studios designed this initiatve to educate and encourage the Black community to uplift itself through personal growth and access to resources. Embracing a community mindset is of importance to anyone learning how to acknowledge their self-worth and internal power.

“You can support Supervsn Studios by investing your time and money in initiatives that uplift and empower creatives of color. If you really don’t wanna be corny, then check out the ‘I Empower’ mural located on W. Vernon Avenue and 8th Avenue in Leimert, California—or the I Empower website. Help us to do more projects like this!” —Gavin Mathieu, Founder

Location: Sherman Oaks, California

Founded: 2020

In addition to keeping the hottest rappers in the studio rehearsing dance moves, famed choreographer and creative director JaQuel Knight has been giving back to the larger dance community.

“The JaQuel Knight Foundation is uplifting and creating opportunities for dancers and underserved communities by providing resources, such as grants, to those continuously impacted by COVID-19. You can support by donating to JAQUELKNIGHTFOUNDATION.ORG.” —JaQuel Knight

Location: Chicago

Founded: 2017

JWF empowers young creatives in Chicago with mentors, workshops, and other professional resources. Named after the young up-and-coming rapper John Walt, the organization honors his life, which was tragically taken in 2017. Its mission statement reads, “We are here to embolden the creative soul of every young artist by inspiring a few to take their dreams and accomplish them.”

“The John Walt Foundation provides funds and opportunities for Chicago youth with interest in art, dance, fashion, music and poetry with our annual scholarship program. In addition, last summer, we launched monthly Feed the Westside activations, providing groceries, PPE, and essential supplies for members of the community. You can support the John Walt Foundation and our initiatives with social media support to help spread the word and by giving back through donations: https://www.johnwaltfoundation.org/donate” —Nachelle Pugh, Founder

Location: Lowell, Massachusetts

Founded: 2016

According to the Kids in Tech website, “By 2024, 80% of the top 10 most in-demand STEM jobs in the Greater Lowell area will be in technology.” To prepare for this change, the Massachusetts-based organization focuses on providing after-school tech programs to kids in the community with an emphasis on disadvantaged groups.

“Kids in Tech seeks talented and enthusiastic STEAM- (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) related professionals to join our diverse team and serve as volunteer teaching assistants for our after-school tech club program. [We also invite] Career Day  Speaker volunteers. Speak to our tech club students about your career path in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at our various program sites. [Lastly], help us make more impact in the world by closing the divide gap. Make a contribution to your case: https://kidsintech.org/donate/” —Olu Ibrahim, Founder

Location: Chicago

Founded: 2015

“Founded by MC-educators Klevah and TRUTH of the musical duo Mother Nature, the organization strives to address and improve mental health issues in adolescents globally using the language of hip-hop. The MisEducation of HipHop is a music-based youth development program focused on self-acceptance, healing traumas, and dream-building. MISED is established under Mother Nature, Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on community, culture, performance, and entrepreneurship. 

“Mother Nature has always placed community at the forefront of their mission and their artistry. Since 2015, Mother Nature has curated workshops and events centered around mental wellness to help participants unlearn fears, explore new passions, and unlock the possibilities of their genius. Partnering with organizations such as Guitars Over Guns, After School Matters, the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign, and many more, Mother Nature has been able to mentor over 600-plus students nationwide through MISED both physically and virtually. Mother Nature’s vision is to create a system of sustainable holistic healing for future generations through hip-hop.

“Join our movement! Visit misedofhiphop.org to make a donation and learn more about our philosophy of ‘Healing and Transforming through HipHop.’” —MISED Team

Location: Washington, DC

Founded: 1940

The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund operates within the legal system to uphold the strides that civil rights have gained. With a clear mission “to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society,” the Legal Defense Fund focuses on criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation. It has offered scholarships to college students for over 50 years.

Tip 5: Learn About the Cause

Support Black Organizations: Learn

Location: Suwanee, Georgia

Founded: 2017

The National Black Doula Association is a tremendous resource for Black birthing families. The organization has a national directory of  Black doulas and holistic practitioners listed on its website. As more Black families explore options outside of the standard US health system, NBDA offers certifications, workshops, training, membership, educational resources for parents, and more. It also gives supporters an opportunity to contribute to the cause by purchasing items from its shop.

Location: Baskerville, Virginia

Founded: 1995

Black farmers have struggled to receive fair and available resources in the U.S. As a result, the National Black Farmers Association is one of many organizations that advocate for Black farmers, small farmers, and their families. The group provides farming education, information on accessing loans, help retaining land, and much more.

Location: Boston

Founded: 2017

Staying active may be hard while in the middle of a panaroma (pandemic), but it is important to find ways to keep it socially distanced and moving. PIONEERS Run Crew, a free Boston-based running group, has been at the center of paving the way to ensure that Black Fit Life Matters. PRC promotes a diverse and inclusive culture that motivates and inspires the people, while embodying an organization worth celebrating at every run and race.


“You can support us—and not be considered corny—by normalizing running in your community. By having those difficult conversations with your peers, following and engaging with our Instagram, and financially supporting our apparel launch (Performance Streetwear), you’ll help bring ownership and equity into the Black community.” —Sid Baptista, Founder

Location: Wendell, North Carolina

Founded: 2017 

Even though millions of dollars have been spent on literacy in America, Caitlin Gooch contends that her mission is to affect change against the many factors that affect children of color disenfranchised. The engine behind Saddle Up & Read, Gooch, encourages the young to achieve through horseback riding and partnering with local libraries. With two-thirds of kids in America who aren’t reading proficiently by the fourth grade more likely to fall into the school-to-prison pipeline or end up on welfare, Saddle Up & Read prioritizes investing in diverse books where kids see themselves and offers experiences that will make any fertile mind sprout and grow in kind. Support by donating here.

Location: Kansas City

Founded: 2009

Self-love, confidence, and sisterhood are the pillars of the Show Me Shoes Foundation. The organization prides itself on building confidence from the “sole” and offers programs ranging from scholarships, workshops, and master classes to free prom dresses and shoe shopping. The organization has chapters throughout the U.S. and has served over 3,000 young girls.

“You can support Show Me Shoes Foundation by unapologetically loving and being you and by making a Black girl’s college dreams come true with a donation to our More Than a Dress Scholarship.”  —Anneka + Shiv’on, Founders

Location: Petersburg, New York

Founded: 2016

Soul Fire Farm acts as a tremendous resource for farmers, people experiencing food apartheid, and those interested in learning to reconnect with the earth. The farm uses Afro Indigenous farming practices and has programs that deliver life-giving food to people in the Albany-Troy area. It also specifically addresses the exploitation of Black and brown farm workers, land theft committed by USDA discrimination, and the damage caused by industrial agriculture. Want to know more? You can “Ask a Sistah Farmer” or read the “Farming While Black” resource book on its website.

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Founded: 1994

Unity Unlimited, Inc. has several initiatives that focus on unifying people on a communal and global level. The organization aims to “overcome racial and cultural” division through education, which should lead to a world filled with more caring citizens. One of the Texas-based nonprofit’s most popular events is its annual Juneteenth celebration, which features Ms. Opal Lee, the woman who walked miles around the country to make Juneteenth a national holiday when she turned 92 years old. Getting June 19 on the national calendar is still a major goal of the organization.

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Founded: 2016

You Had Me at Black is only rooting for everybody Black. Reclaiming the narrative from those who mine Black culture for popular and consumer purposes, this digital archive collective creates content and experiences where everyday Black folks are the subject, muse, and focal point of the storytelling. Through partnering with organizations and institutions, You Had Me at Black produces original, mission-driven content.


“Help your Black friend(s) nurture their imagination by gifting them an annual membership to The Kinship. It’s our digital community for folks inspired to use storytelling to heal, connect, and be liberated.” —Martina Abrahams, Founder

Continue to celebrate Complex’s Black History Month content by reading our daily series, ‘Thank You for Leading the Way’.

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