About the Foundation
We are a movement rooted in history, driven by justice, and committed to building the economic sovereignty that Black Americans have been denied for four centuries.
Restorative Justice Through Economic Power
The Black Renaissance Foundation exists to establish direct monetary awards for Black Americans as a form of restorative justice — acknowledging the generational wealth stolen through slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic exclusion, and beginning the work of making it right.
A Renaissance of Black Economic Sovereignty
We envision a future where Black Americans have achieved full economic sovereignty — where the wealth gap created by centuries of oppression has been closed, and where Black communities control their own economic destiny through independent monetary systems, community investment, and generational wealth.
"We are not waiting for permission to be free. We are building freedom ourselves."
Foundation History
From a gathering of visionaries in Atlanta to a national movement — the story of how the Black Renaissance Foundation came to be.
The Foundation Is Born
Marcus J. Williams convenes a group of economists, historians, attorneys, and community leaders in Atlanta to lay the groundwork for a new kind of reparations organization — one focused on direct action and economic sovereignty.
Legal Framework Established
The foundation's legal team completes a landmark research report documenting the economic harm of slavery and Jim Crow, establishing the methodology for calculating individual award amounts.
National Advocacy Campaign
In the wake of a national reckoning on racial justice, the foundation launches a major advocacy campaign, reaching over 2 million Black Americans and testifying before three Congressional committees on reparations legislation.
Awards Program Launched
The Black Renaissance Foundation officially launches its monetary awards program — the first of its kind — distributing direct awards to eligible Black Americans and establishing the community investment fund.
Economic Sovereignty Initiative
The foundation expands its mission with the launch of the Our Economy initiative — establishing community currency, investment vehicles, and financial infrastructure to build lasting Black economic sovereignty.
The Renaissance Continues
With a growing national membership, expanded awards program, and partnerships with HBCUs and community banks across the country, the Black Renaissance Foundation enters its most impactful chapter yet.
Leadership
Our leadership team brings together decades of experience in civil rights law, economics, community organizing, and nonprofit management.
Marcus J. Williams
Founder & Executive Director
A lifelong advocate for economic justice, Marcus founded the Black Renaissance Foundation after two decades of community organizing and civil rights law. He has testified before Congress on reparations legislation and led landmark economic equity campaigns across the South.
Dr. Aisha M. Carter
Chief Programs Officer
Dr. Carter brings 20 years of nonprofit leadership and a PhD in African American Studies from Howard University. She oversees the awards program, eligibility framework, and community investment initiatives that define the foundation's core work.
James E. Robinson, Esq.
General Counsel & Legal Director
A constitutional attorney and former NAACP Legal Defense Fund staff member, James leads the foundation's legal strategy, advocacy efforts, and the research team building the historical and legal case for reparations at every level of government.
Simone T. Okafor
Director of Community Engagement
Simone has spent 15 years building grassroots coalitions across Black communities nationwide. She leads the foundation's outreach, volunteer programs, and partnerships with churches, HBCUs, and community organizations in all 50 states.
The Foundation by the Numbers
Join the Movement
The renaissance of our people is not a distant dream — it is being built right now, by people like you. Stand with us.