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The Black Legacy Advancement Center
“The Heart of the Neighborhood”
This commercial space will be designed 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. Residential apartments will be developed at the Legacy Center facility. Affordable housing for the Ground Up Leadership Program will be provided on site. Fellows of the program will have the opportunity to live and learn independently on site, while also work responsibly in their career.
We plan to rent one of the commercial spaces to a barber shop operator. In the second space, we will rent to 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 services and curriculum will help ensure that our Fellows are equipped with the necessary knowledge to be successful in their own long-term business ventures when graduating the Ground Up Project’s leadership program.
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 the property’s development, additional apartment units will be built on the additional three lots.
The Black Legacy Advancement Center
“The Heart of the Neighborhood”
This commercial space will be designed 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. Residential apartments will be developed at the Legacy Center facility. Affordable housing for the Ground Up Leadership Program will be provided on site. Fellows of the program will have the opportunity to live and learn independently on site, while also work responsibly in their career.
We plan to rent one of the commercial spaces to a barber shop operator. In the second space, we will rent to 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 services and curriculum will help ensure that our Fellows are equipped with the necessary knowledge to be successful in their own long-term business ventures when graduating the Ground Up Project’s leadership program.
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 the property’s 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 through the organization’s work in communities across America.
The Ali Legacy House serves as our first incubator for rising leaders and business owners in Detroit. 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 overall programming.
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 through the organization’s work in communities across America.
The Ali Legacy House serves as our first incubator for rising leaders and business owners in Detroit. 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 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
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
The Black Legacy – Detroit Real Estate Development Commission
DETROIT IS FIRST
FUTURE IMPACT CITIES: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AUSTIN, TEXAS COLUMBUS, OHIO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA BALTIMORE, MARYLAND ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The Real Estate Development Commission convenes a diverse collaborative of social change agents including: developers, investors, real estate agents, and community members. The shared perspectives and collective voice of this group help to further clarify the imperative investments needed most in Black communities. This group serves as a primary extension of the Ground Up initiative, extending the project’s impact to surrounding neighborhoods. The Commission’s Ground Up real estate development program crafts a unique solution for the sustainability of property assets, measurable population density, property value increases in blighted neighborhoods and generational wealth creation for Black families. All of these outcomes collectively support the organization’s mission of ensuring upward mobility for Black communities.
Goal
To foster systemic value creation for inner-city neighborhoods previously impacted by generational poverty and severe blight.
Focus Points
- Define what real estate development needs exist.
- Identify real estate opportunities.
- Identify the challenges that impede progress.
- Determine what strategy should be deployed to make progress.
Vision
1,000 families: 1,000 homes. The Real Estate Development Commission is interested in contributing to the accelerated neighborhood reinvestment happening in Detroit. Our desire is to see families retained and returning to occupy historically Black neighborhoods in Detroit’s inner city. In collaboration with our community partners and other supporting agencies throughout the city and State of Michigan, BLAC’s Real Estate Development Commission will be a major player in the development space by organizing collaborative partners to identify capital deployment strategies that ultimately bring Black families back to Detroit.
The Black Legacy – Detroit Real Estate Development Commission
DETROIT IS FIRST
FUTURE IMPACT CITIES: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AUSTIN, TEXAS COLUMBUS, OHIO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA BALTIMORE, MARYLAND ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The Real Estate Development Commission convenes a diverse collaborative of social change agents including: developers, investors, real estate agents, and community members. The shared perspectives and collective voice of this group help to further clarify the imperative investments needed most in Black communities. This group serves as a primary extension of the Ground Up initiative, extending the project’s impact to surrounding neighborhoods. The Commission’s Ground Up real estate development program crafts a unique solution for the sustainability of property assets, measurable population density, property value increases in blighted neighborhoods and generational wealth creation for Black families. All of these outcomes collectively support the organization’s mission of ensuring upward mobility for Black communities.
Goal
To foster systemic value creation for inner-city neighborhoods previously impacted by generational poverty and severe blight.
Focus Points
- Define what real estate development needs exist.
- Identify real estate opportunities.
- Identify the challenges that impede progress.
- Determine what strategy should be deployed to make progress.
Vision
1,000 families: 1,000 homes. The Real Estate Development Commission is interested in contributing to the accelerated neighborhood reinvestment happening in Detroit. Our desire is to see families retained and returning to occupy historically Black neighborhoods in Detroit’s inner city. In collaboration with our community partners and other supporting agencies throughout the city and State of Michigan, BLAC’s Real Estate Development Commission will be a major player in the development space by organizing collaborative partners to identify capital deployment strategies that ultimately bring Black families back to Detroit.
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
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
BLAC’s Ali Legacy House + Ground Up Programming Promo Video
Dexter Sullivan Interviews with Fox 2 Detroit, Talking Ground up Project
Interview – Ground Up Project
Ground Up Project Update – Ali Legacy House
WXYZ-TV Chanel 7 News Interviews Dexter Sullivan, Black Legacy Advancement Coalition
Dexter Sullivan Interviews with Fox 2 Detroit, Talking Ground up Project
Fox 2 Detroit, BLAC’s Ground up Project Receives Donation from 1-800-HANSONS
CBS Detroit CW50 News Highlight, The Ground Up Project
Ground Up In the News
BLAC’s Ali Legacy House + Ground Up Programming Promo Video
Dexter Sullivan Interviews with Fox 2 Detroit, Talking Ground up Project
Interview – Ground Up Project
Ground Up Project Update – Ali Legacy House
WXYZ-TV Chanel 7 News Interviews Dexter Sullivan, Black Legacy Advancement Coalition
Dexter Sullivan Interviews with Fox 2 Detroit, Talking Ground up Project
Fox 2 Detroit, BLAC’s Ground up Project Receives Donation from 1-800-HANSONS
CBS Detroit CW50 News Highlight, The Ground Up Project