Blog
Introducing the Black Radiance Network: The Next Chapter of Black Movement Work at Headwaters
Dear Community,
I am writing to share exciting updates about the next chapter of the Black Movement Ecosystem Fund here at Headwaters Foundation for Justice.
First, it is almost hard to believe that it has been a year since I started in this role as the Black Movement Ecosystem Program Officer. In that time, we have been able to connect with our first round of grantees from 2022, convene a community BBQ, gather community input on the direction of our work, and prepare for our upcoming second round of funding.
Before I share more about the great things underway, I’d like to take a second to introduce myself. My name is Abena Abraham, and I use she/her pronouns. Prior to joining the team at Headwaters, I spent years working boots-on-the-ground in community as an immigrant justice worker and union organizer.
A Legacy of Black Leadership and Vision
Before joining the team at Headwaters, I was part of the group of community members who designed the Black Seed program, which was brought to Headwaters in 2021.
So, how did we get here? After the closure of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change in 2017, community members came together to decide how to continue building the Black movement ecosystem in Minnesota. These community members – Black organizers from throughout Minnesota and allied funders – raised significant funds and chose Headwaters as the foundation to hold this fund for our community. We want to acknowledge and thank the many visionaries – including Hani Ali, Wintana Melekin, and Kandance Montgomery – who led an effort that included many community members of the Black Seed Network and brought us to this point of investing in Black-led work. The Black Seed Network became the Black Movement Ecosystem in 2023, but the essential vision of this fund has stayed the same—to expand and grow Black movement work in Minnesota
The first round of grantmaking at Headwaters through what was then known as the Black Seed Fund demonstrated the importance and power of investing in the Black movement infrastructure, and we are excited to reintroduce the permanent fund and network that will reside at Headwaters.
Introducing the Black Radiance Network
The Black Radiance Network (BRN) is a community-powered network created by and for Black leaders reshaping Minnesota. Through BRN, Headwaters invests in Black-led organizations and connects organizers, organizations, ideas, and coalitions working to transform the experiences of Black Minnesotans.
This program was born from the recognition that our movement needs spaces where Black power can flourish.
The Black Radiance Network program brings two important elements together: a fund and a network. The Network is a space where Black power and leadership can flourish through collaboration and connection. The Fund provides grants to advance and strengthen the Black movement ecosystem in Minnesota. Together, we’re investing in a future where justice, dignity, and self-determination for Black Minnesotans is centered.
Announcing the Justice & Liberation Fund
The Justice & Liberation Fund, housed within the Black Radiance Network, provides financial resources to Black-led groups working on the frontlines of justice.
We are excited to announce that applications for the first grantmaking round of the Justice & Liberation Fund will open on January 14th, 2025. Find more information, including grant criteria, key dates, and more, on our website.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to join one of our upcoming information sessions:
The Justice & Liberation Fund will use Headwaters’ community grantmaking approach. We are excited to announce that the following leaders and elders will serve on our grantmaking committee:
- Antonette Kamara, Communications Manager
- Binta Kanteh, Writer and Public Policy Advisor
- Carla Hamilton, Artist
- Danyale Green, Beyond Dollars Program Director
- Jhaelynn Elam, Founder and CEO
- Kowsar Mohamed
- Baba Louis Alemayehu
- Nonkululeko Shongwe, Community Wealth Building Director
- Regina Jackson, Elder
- Sagirah Shahid, Poet
- Sydney Oundo, Youth Organizer
- Tehout Selameab, Senior Learning Officer
- Theodore Rose, Manager Director – Policy
- Tolu Afolabi, Operations Analyst
Looking Ahead
Throughout 2025 and 2026, the Black Radiance Network will host events and create spaces for all Black Minnesotans to gather and learn about the work that’s happening. Because the network we hope to build will be expansive and inclusive, these gatherings will be open to more than just the people awarded funding through the Justice & Liberation Fund.
We are so excited to be launching this new chapter of supporting Black movement work at Headwaters. To learn more about the Network, the Fund, and the work we are leading, visit our new webpage where we’ve posted videos with more details!
Toward radiance,
Abena Abraham
Program Officer, Justice & Liberation Fund