Bank of America announced the inaugural honorees of its Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award, a new recognition that honors individual leaders who are advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities.
According to a release, the five honorees are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to break down systemic racial barriers and create opportunities for people of color across the country.
“Through this program, we are recognizing the impact of inspiring leaders in our country who are creating real change,” said D. Steve Boland, chief administrative officer at Bank of America.
“Supporting nonprofits and their leaders has been core to our approach of investing in the local communities we serve. We are proud to honor these brilliant leaders and empower nonprofits with resources to continue their work in support of communities of color.”
The Racial Equality Award is an extension of Bank of America’s signature philanthropic program, Neighborhood Builders®, which focuses on economic mobility and nonprofit leadership, according to a press release. Awardees have the opportunity to direct $200,000 in flexible funding to a nonprofit of their choice and the selected organizations will also be invited to participate in the company’s year-long Neighborhood Builders Leadership Program, which provides strategic growth and development trainings, setting the organizations up for long-term success.
– Nathaniel Smith, founder and chief equity officer of Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) – Atlanta, Ga.: Smith and his organization work toward balanced growth and shared prosperity in Georgia and the American South. In collaboration with its ecosystem of diverse partners, PSE helps local communities of color advocate more effectively for themselves on relevant state, local, and federal economic issues, including energy policy through its ‘Just Energy’ program. Smith plans to direct funding to Partnership for Southern Equity.
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