Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation

The Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation is a community-focused organization dedicated to empowering and enriching the Black community in the Berkshires and surrounding areas. Established in 2021, the foundation aims to build a strong and healthy economic ecosystem while providing empowerment opportunities for current and future leaders and organizations.

Mission and Vision

The foundation's mission is to provide resources and networking support to both established and emerging community leaders who endeavor to expand their community impact. By removing barriers to success and encouraging a cooperative framework, the foundation seeks to develop the skills and capacities needed to create a vibrant and resilient network of support within the community.

Methodology

The foundation's approach centers around building a Black cooperative ecosystem that focuses on ownership ecology and Black institutional development. By empowering the community to take ownership of their socio-economic development and invest in infrastructure and pipeline building, the foundation aims to create a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem for the Black community in the Berkshires.

Background

The Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation was born out of the 2020 ID3A Jam, which highlighted the unique challenges and economic landscape facing Black professionals and businesses in the Berkshires. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored existing digital and business infrastructure gaps that have prevented Black businesses and community leaders from expanding opportunities and building assets in the community. The foundation aims to address these issues through resources, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

Goals

Connecting the Community: Promoting and encouraging a narrative of the Berkshire Black Community that acknowledges its deep history, vast resources, and diverse talents.
Rebranding the Community: Changing and controlling the narrative by rebranding and reimagining the contributions of the Berkshire Black Community through an online platform, networking events, and market promotions.
Building Up Skills and Talents: Developing and facilitating Black community-based ownership and social cohesion through community focus groups, relationship building, and skills training.
Building Cooperative Infrastructure: Facilitating and assisting in creating Black community empowerment initiatives by connecting stakeholders to online and in-person social and economic-based program support services, training, and capital.