BLAC Outreaches
The Black Legacy
Advancement Center
8339 Linwood Ave
Detroit, Michigan 48206
“A Beacon of Promise”
This commercial space will be named the Black Legacy Advancement Center, and it will be redesigned as a mixed- use facility for both business and living. The BLAC Center will function as “Ground Zero” for the project’s central efforts in the neighborhood. Lodging for select apprentices will be provided, where they will have the dual opportunity to live and learn independently on site, while working responsibly.
Four residential apartments will be renovated on the second level of the Legacy Center facility. We will operate a barber shop in the first commercial space. In the second space, we will operate a take-away food restaurant and catering service, led by a black-American chef restaurateur. A full-service kitchen will be secured to make this space functional. During this two-year period, apprentices living in the facility will receive training in business management, business planning, basic engineering, leadership development, life skills, and other such topics.
The wrap around curriculum and services will help to ensure that participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge to be successful in their own long-term business ventures when graduating the Ground Up Project’s apprenticeship.
The residential spaces above the businesses will house (4) studio apartments, (2) bathrooms, as well as laundry facilities. The commercial property sits on a total of four lots. In the initial phase of development, a portion of the lots will be converted into parking and a garden space, producing fresh produce for the restaurant. In later phases of development, additional apartment units will be built on the additional three lots.
The Ali Legacy House
2420 Virginia Park
Detroit, Michigan 48206
“A Haven of Hope”
The Ali Legacy House is a residential property, named in honor of the late Ishmail Ali. Ishmail is the original inspiration behind the Coalition’s male mentoring group, The Man to Man Project. Man to Man was founded in 2010 by BLAC President Dexter Sullivan, shortly after Ishmail’s passing. Since that time, hundreds of young people have been impacted nationally.
The Ali Legacy House will serve as our first incubator for Detroit’s rising business owners and philanthropists. This space will be used to serve Ground Up apprentices with training and equitable solutions. By providing this affordable housing resource, we will accelerate opportunities for our young people, empowering them to take their future by storm.
The Ali residence is in direct proximity to BLAC’s future Legacy Center, creating an additional layer of support and efficacy for our overall programming.
Ground Up Leadership
Dexter Sullivan
Founder and Lead Operator
Black Legacy Advancement Coalition13+ years of impact in nonprofit leadership
Extensive expertise in education, business, diversity and inclusion, international relations, sales, marketing, mentoring, and development
Development lead and fundraiser for the Ground Up Project
Oversight of the Ground Up facilities
Ground Up programming support
Tiffany Johnson
Lead Designer and Facilitator
Black Legacy Advancement Coalition12+ years of experience as an educator, coach, designer and facilitator
Master’s of Arts Candidate in Clinical Psychology Candidate at Columbia University
Highly skilled at building individual and collective impact by creating spaces of healing and connection
Designs transformative communal experiences to elevate teams and organizations
Partnership
“Give today, where it makes a difference tomorrow.”
Why Partner?
The Ground Up Project presents a unique environment within our urban context. It creates a safe place where seeds of potential can fully germinate in a setting equipped with the proper support and guidance for learning.
Partner with the Ground Up Project today – a community development effort committed to uplifting our communities. Tremendous value is at stake, and we are committed to being a key partner in rebuilding America’s historically Black communities. Consider investing into this pivotal project today!
Be sure to add Ground Up to the comment section to help us direct your gift.
Make all Checks and/or Money Orders out to BLAC.
Mail to:
BLAC
PO Box 32088
Detroit Michigan 48232
Ground Up In the News
WXYZ-TV Chanel 7 News Interviews Dexter Sullivan, Black Legacy Advancement Coalition
Dexter Sullivan Interviews with Fox 2 Detroit, Talking Ground up Project
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