From the earliest days in New York City there have always been organizations that existed to address specific segments of the Black population, but none has offered a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the human service and economic development issues of Blacks as a whole.

In 1999 a prominent group of Black leaders met to identify civic and social challenges facing their community of New York City. Gathering strength through collaboration, their research and discussions led to the creation of a proposal that addressed the complex, interrelated challenges facing New Yorkers of African descent. Intent on creating a collaborative effort among businesses, individuals, faith-based and community development organizations, The Black Equity Alliance formed in 2003.

Black Equity Alliance (The Alliance) is a not-for-profit organization that actively supports and strengthens Black communities and underserved neighborhoods in New York City. The Alliance strives to achieve economic and civic equity for Black New Yorkers of all ethnicities by promoting economic development in Black communities and by supporting non- profit leaders of African decent.

United Way of New York
Black Equity Alliance’s partnership with the United Way of New York City has been instrumental in our goals to strengthen the human services sector through capacity building and technical assistance. UWNYC’s investments in Black Equity Alliance have impacted over 200 leaders through our Leadership Learning Series and supported research and advocacy initiatives that influenced effective policy changes in child welfare. Together we continue to establish proactive strategies that promote positive change in disadvantaged communities within New York City.

Public Allies
Black Equity Alliance has partnered with Public Allies to train and develop young professionals interested in pursuing career opportunities in the not for profit sector.  Public Allies is an Americorp program designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in the public sector.  Black Equity Alliance provides the opportunity for participants in the Public Allies program to gain the experience of working with seasoned non-profit professionals and carrying out a diverse set of responsibilities.  Participants will gain invaluable, hands-on training that will equip them to effect change and enjoy long, rewarding careers in public service.

Learn NY
Black Equity Alliance has undertaken a collaboration with Learn NY on a campaign to educate community members around NYC about pertinent issues in education policy.  The collaborative initiative is focused particularly on the issue of Mayoral Control of NYC public schools.  The legislature voted in favor of Mayoral Control back in 2002 and is scheduled to vote on whether to maintain or discontinue the policy in June of 2009.  In an effort to empower parents and stakeholders by enabling them to make an inform decision as to which policy position is most desirable for NYC children, Black Equity Alliance has organized a number forums around the city to inform community members about the nuances of this very important issue.  Black Equity Alliance endeavors to educate the community about the reason why the legislature initially voted in favor of Mayoral Control, the changes that the school system has seen as a result, and the ramifications of changing or maintaining the policy.  In order to accomplish our objective, we have teamed with Learn NY, a non-profit education advocacy organization, and several other partners, holding forums before diverse audiences throughout the 5 boroughs.

Hispanic Federation
Black Equity Alliance is working together with the Hispanic Federation as a part of our initiative to educate community members on issues of educational policy, specifically on the issue of Mayoral Control.  Along with Learn NY and several others, we have planned a series of forums around to NY to help inform stakeholders in our community about the significance of this issue.

Asian American Federation
Black Equity Alliance is working together with the Asian American Federation as a part of our initiative to educate community members on issues of educational policy, specifically on the issue of Mayoral Control.  Along with Learn NY and several others, we have planned a series of forums around to NY to help inform stakeholders in our community about the significance of this issue.