In a world that needs conscientious and active engagement, BAME-led nonprofits in America are at the forefront of social change. Have you ever wondered who is leading the charge towards a more equitable and just society?
1. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Under the leadership of Sherrilyn Ifill, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund continues to be a pivotal force in the fight for racial justice and equality, tackling systemic racism through litigation and advocacy.
2. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC
Led by John C. Yang, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC addresses issues unique to Asian American communities, including civil rights violations and promoting policy change to ensure fairness across all sectors.
3. UnidosUS
Previously known as the National Council of La Raza, UnidosUS is spearheaded by Janet Murguía. This organization focuses on empowering the Latino community through education, policy advocacy, and community-building.
4. Native American Rights Fund
The Native American Rights Fund, led by John E. Echohawk, provides legal assistance to Native American tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide, championing Native American rights.
5. Color of Change
Rashad Robinson’s leadership at Color of Change has made it a leading online racial justice organization. They focus on creating positive change in the realms of criminal justice, media representation, and economic fairness.
6. Equal Justice Initiative
Founded by Bryan Stevenson, the Equal Justice Initiative works to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial inequality by providing legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons.
7. Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant has established Black Girls Code to close the gender and diversity gap in technology. This organization empowers young African-American girls to embrace the tech marketplace as builders and creators.
8. Council on American-Islamic Relations
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), led by Nihad Awad, is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, advocating for the rights of Muslims in America and challenging stereotypes.
9. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Vanita Gupta heads The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged with promoting and protecting the rights of all persons in the United States.
10. National Urban League
Marc H. Morial leads the National Urban League, which focuses on economic empowerment as a pathway to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities through programs, public policy, and advocacy.
11. PFLAG
Headed by Brian K. Bond, PFLAG is the first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. It focuses on support, education, and advocacy to further equality.
12. The Audre Lorde Project
Managed by a collective of community organizers, The Audre Lorde Project is a community organizing center for LGBTSTGNC people of color in the New York City area, promoting community wellness and progressive social and economic justice.
13. LatinoJustice PRLDEF
Under the guidance of Juan Cartagena, LatinoJustice PRLDEF works within the legal system to create equitable societal changes by advocating for civil rights and educating the Latino community on their legal rights and responsibilities.
14. National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
Lucy Simpson leads the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, focusing on ending violence against Native women and children by advocating for social change in their communities.
15. Asian Pacific Environmental Network
Miya Yoshitani at the helm of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network empowers Asian and Pacific Islander communities to affect meaningful environmental and social change.
16. Transgender Law Center
The Transgender Law Center, led by Kris Hayashi, is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, they employ a range of strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
17. National Black Justice Coalition
David J. Johns leads the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
18. The Sylvia Rivera Law Project
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project, led by an array of activists, works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence.
19. Dream Defenders
Dream Defenders, led by Rachel Gilmer, is focused on building a powerful, deep, local, organization and movement for freedom and liberation in Florida.
20. Black Women’s Blueprint
Headed by Farah Tanis, Black Women’s Blueprint focuses on gender justice, particularly concerning Black women and girls, advocating against sexual violence and other forms of abuse.
21. South Asian Network
Manjusha P. Kulkarni leads the South Asian Network, a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to advancing the health, empowerment, and solidarity of persons of South Asian origin in Southern California.
The Power of Advocacy
These organizations remind us of the power of advocacy and the critical role that leadership plays in achieving systemic change. By supporting and recognizing these groups, we can help pave the way for a fairer, more inclusive America.
The post 21 BAME-Led Nonprofits Driving Change Across America with Profound Impact on Society first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Phil Pasquini.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
