The Problem As We See It

Homeownership rates among Black Americans are higher today than they were in the 1980s.

Black Americans have yet to reach a rate of 50% homeownership in United States history.

If you responded True for statement 1 and False for statement 2, you have a strong pulse on the state of systemic inequity and anti-Black racism in the United States of America.

The Problem As We See It

Homeownership rates among Black Americans are higher today than they were in the 1980s.

Black Americans have yet to reach a rate of 50% homeownership in United States history.

If you responded True for statement 1 and False for statement 2, you have a strong pulse on the state of systemic inequity and anti-Black racism in the United States of America.

Our Solution

The Ground Up Project is a large-scale effort to revitalize property in one of Detroit’s historic African American neighborhoods, promoting new construction and restoration development within the Dexter/Linwood and LaSalle Gardens communities. Through this initiative, we intend to expand substantial access to secure quality housing, retain and restore Black ownership, and build a culture of generational wealth communally. We intend to see 1,000 families and 1,000 homes impacted by the Ground Up Project. This vision has already started taking root in the Coalition’s headquarters city, one of the nation’s most significant historically Black metropolises – Detroit, Michigan.

The Ground Up Project is committed to renovating homes and renovating lives through the following ventures:

  • The Ali Legacy House 
    • The Legacy Builders – Leadership Development Program
  • The Black Legacy Advancement Center
  • The BLAC Real Estate Commission

Our Solution

The Ground Up Project is a large-scale effort to revitalize property in one of Detroit’s historic African American neighborhoods, promoting new construction and restoration development within the Dexter/Linwood and LaSalle Gardens communities. Through this initiative, we intend to expand substantial access to secure quality housing, retain and restore Black ownership, and build a culture of generational wealth communally. We intend to see 1,000 families and 1,000 homes impacted by the Ground Up Project. This vision has already started taking root in the Coalition’s headquarters city, one of the nation’s most significant historically Black metropolises – Detroit, Michigan.

The Ground Up Project is committed to renovating homes and renovating lives through the following ventures:

  • The Ali Legacy House 
    • The Legacy Builders – Leadership Development Program
  • The Black Legacy Advancement Center
  • The BLAC Real Estate Commission

GROUND UP LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Built for Impact

MIS·SION

/ˈmiSHən/

Through the Ground Up Project, we will strengthen our relationships and impact in the community while developing the next generation of business leaders in the City of Detroit.

The Ground Up Leadership Program functions as a purpose accelerator designed to bring out the very best of potential residing in each of its participants. Fellows of the program experience an integrated model of full spectrum support to ensure that they foster the skills, talents and competencies necessary to thrive intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Each participant is empowered to walk away from this experience with the tools necessary to thrive while sustaining themselves in the business or career venture aligned with their life’s purpose.

All applicants are required to complete a rigorous application prior to participation in our purpose incubator. We select applicants between the ages 18-35 from three talent pools – local Detroit talent, applicants representing our partnered ally organizations, and the Coalition’s broader national audience. As a result of the Ground Up Project’s curriculum, programming, formal learning and the work assigned by industry mentors; fellows will strengthen their skills and mindsets, distinguishing themselves as leaders in their community.

Criteria:

  • Age: 18-35 years of age
  • Motivated to learn and grow
  • Demonstration of academic aptitude

Learning Paths:

  • Entrepreneurship & Business
  • Professional Career Development
  • Skill Trades

Interested in joining the program?

 

GROUND UP LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Built for Impact

MIS·SION

/ˈmiSHən/

Through the Ground Up Project, we will strengthen our relationships and impact in the community while developing the next generation of business leaders in the City of Detroit.

The Ground Up Leadership Program functions as a purpose accelerator designed to bring out the very best of potential residing in each of its participants. Fellows of the program experience an integrated model of full spectrum support to ensure that they foster the skills, talents and competencies necessary to thrive intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Each participant is empowered to walk away from this experience with the tools necessary to thrive while sustaining themselves in the business or career venture aligned with their life’s purpose.

All applicants are required to complete a rigorous application prior to participation in our purpose incubator. We select applicants between the ages 18-35 from three talent pools – local Detroit talent, applicants representing our partnered ally organizations, and the Coalition’s broader national audience. As a result of the Ground Up Project’s curriculum, programming, formal learning and the work assigned by industry mentors; fellows will strengthen their skills and mindsets, distinguishing themselves as leaders in their community.

Criteria:

  • Age: 18-35 years of age
  • Motivated to learn and grow
  • Demonstration of academic aptitude

Learning Paths:

  • Entrepreneurship & Business
  • Professional Career Development
  • Skill Trades

Interested in joining the program?

 

The Ali Legacy House

2420 Virginia Park
Detroit, Michigan 48206

“A Haven of Hope”

The Ali Legacy House is a residential property on Detroit’s West Side 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 the Coalition’s President, Dexter Sullivan, shortly after Ishmail’s passing. Since that time, hundreds of young people have been impacted nationally through the organization’s work.

The Ali Legacy House now serves as our first residential affordable housing solution for Detroit’s rising young adult population. The space is also used to serve our Legacy Builders leadership development program. By providing this affordable housing resource, we accelerate opportunities for young people, empowering them to engage their future with the tools needed for success.

The Ali residence is located in direct proximity to the future Black Legacy Advancement Center, creating an additional layer of residential support for our growing geographical footprint.

The Ali Legacy House is the first project in Detroit’s real estate rehabilitation effort, and Detroit is the first pilot project in a comprehensive ten-city plan. The next phase of Detroit’s Ground Up Project is a commercial building, the Black Legacy Advancement Center, which will be housed less than one block west of the Virginia Park residence. This center will be activated as a transformative business incubator – run both by and for Detroiters.

The Ground Up Project is committed to renovating homes and renovating lives through the following ventures:

  • The Ali Legacy House 
    • The Legacy Builders – Leadership Development Program
  • The Black Legacy Advancement Center
  • The BLAC Real Estate Commission

The Ali Legacy House

2420 Virginia Park

Detroit, Michigan 48206

“A Haven of Hope”

The Ali Legacy House is a residential property on Detroit’s West Side 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 the Coalition’s President, Dexter Sullivan, shortly after Ishmail’s passing. Since that time, hundreds of young people have been impacted nationally through the organization’s work.

The Ali Legacy House now serves as our first residential affordable housing solution for Detroit’s rising young adult population. The space is also used to serve our Legacy Builders leadership development program. By providing this affordable housing resource, we accelerate opportunities for young people, empowering them to engage their future with the tools needed for success.

The Ali residence is located in direct proximity to the future Black Legacy Advancement Center, creating an additional layer of residential support for our growing geographical footprint.

The Ali Legacy House is the first project in Detroit’s real estate rehabilitation effort, and Detroit is the first pilot project in a comprehensive ten-city plan. The next phase of Detroit’s Ground Up Project is a commercial building, the Black Legacy Advancement Center, which will be housed less than one block west of the Virginia Park residence. This center will be activated as a transformative business incubator – run both by and for Detroiters.

The Ground Up Project is committed to renovating homes and renovating lives through the following ventures:

  • The Ali Legacy House 
    • The Legacy Builders – Leadership Development Program
  • The Black Legacy Advancement Center
  • The BLAC Real Estate Commission

The Black Legacy Advancement Center

12

Within the next few years, we plan to erect The Black Legacy Advancement Center. This space will serve as the main site of our work as well as a community center, living quarters and Black-owned businesses. It will be a physical manifestation of our commitment to and partnership with the city of Detroit. People will come to The Black Legacy Advancement Center to acquire tools and resources to improve the quality of their lives. They will also come to the space to learn, build community and nourish themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. 

On the grounds, we will also have a community garden, which will be an organism that allows us to educate the surrounding community about food sustainability and sovereignty. There will also be a mural that is a tribute to the people of the city of Detroit and our rich historical and cultural legacy. From the inside-out this physical project will be rooted in the principles of empowerment, accountability and community. Together, we will continue to build our vision for renovating homes and renovating lives.

The Ground Up Project is committed to renovating homes and renovating lives through the following ventures:

  • The Ali Legacy House 
    • The Legacy Builders – Leadership Development Program
  • The Black Legacy Advancement Center
  • The BLAC Real Estate Commission

The Black Legacy Advancement Center

12

Within the next few years, we plan to erect The Black Legacy Advancement Center. This space will serve as the main site of our work as well as a community center, living quarters and Black-owned businesses. It will be a physical manifestation of our commitment to and partnership with the city of Detroit. People will come to The Black Legacy Advancement Center to acquire tools and resources to improve the quality of their lives. They will also come to the space to learn, build community and nourish themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. 

On the grounds, we will also have a community garden, which will be an organism that allows us to educate the surrounding community about food sustainability and sovereignty. There will also be a mural that is a tribute to the people of the city of Detroit and our rich historical and cultural legacy. From the inside-out this physical project will be rooted in the principles of empowerment, accountability and community. Together, we will continue to build our vision for renovating homes and renovating lives.

The Ground Up Project is committed to renovating homes and renovating lives through the following ventures:

  • The Ali Legacy House 
    • The Legacy Builders – Leadership Development Program
  • The Black Legacy Advancement Center
  • The BLAC Real Estate Commission

The Home for Women

The Home for Women – a haven of hope, healing and complete restoration.

A Ground Up Development of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

The Home for Women will provide a residence for young women in transition. This haven of hope will support its residents with mentorship, career guidance and holistic community. The ultimate goal is complete life transformation for women by receiving mentorship that provides guidance and resources for their overall development.

Transformational targets include:

  • Career
  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Spiritual health
  • Financial health
  • Friendships

Requirements:

  • To engage residency, there is a required application and interview process. Women who qualify will be selected to live in the home and participate in the programming.
  • As women transition from the program as alumna, pathways will be provided for them to engage in ongoing mentorship for the community’s incoming residents.

For more information, visit theblac.co/GROUNDUP.

To donate, visit theblac.co/DONATE.

Ali Legacy House Tranquility Garden

The Ali Legacy House Tranquility Garden is a beautifully transformed backyard space at the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition’s first property of its Ground Up Initiative. The program aims to renovate property, while renovating lives. The gardening practices used in the space are used to holistically center and ground the young adult residents in ongoing nature therapy by providing them with an unbroken connection to the earth, health and wellness benefits, and an overall stronger position with mental health. Dexter Sullivan, President of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition, and beautification partner and strategist, Audra Carson of Izzie LLC, collaborate in oversight of the project.

The Tranquility Garden is maintained by the support of our volunteers and community partners. Gardening Service Days are held during the spring, summer and fall months. Should you or your group be interested in volunteering, we would love to have you! Fill out this form, and one of our team leads will be in touch with you soon!

Host Organization: Black Legacy Advancement Coalition
The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition is a movement that builds Black power by providing education and resources that uplift our communities.

Ally Financial
Busch’s of Farmington Hills
The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot of Dearborn
The Home Depot of Farmington Hills
The Home Depot of Northville
Huntington National Bank
IFF Fund
Sierra Club – MI Chapter
Skillman Foundation
Steinkopf Nursery

Backyard Bullies led by Jordan Kelly
Department of Health and Human Services/Oakland County
Eagle Landscaping and Supply led by Debbie Eagle
Focus Four Seventeen led my Martell Fletcher
Izzie LLC led by Audra Carson
RJ’s Assembly Services LLC  led by Raymond Jackson
RoLin Advanced led by Jerome Neal
Taylor Made Renovations and Landscape led by Andre Taylor
Transformations Landscaping LLC led by Wesley Mayes

Dexter Sullivan, Project Director and Black Legacy Advancement Coalition President
Jesse Vance, Jr., Ali Legacy House Manager
Ground Up Fellows
Coalition Volunteers

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Media

BLAC’s Ali Legacy House + Ground Up Programming Promo Video

Dexter Sullivan Interviews with Fox 2 Detroit, Talking Ground up Project

0:09 / 3:07 Health Is Wealth Detroit Interview on Live in the D with WDIV Channel 4

Health Is Wealth – Detroit TESTIMONIAL VIDEO #3

Health Is Wealth Detroit Featured on Fox 2 Detroit

Detroit 60 Feature – Dexter Sullivan, President of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

WXYZ-TV Chanel 7 News Interviews Dexter Sullivan, Black Legacy Advancement Coalition

Ali Legacy House Dedication RECAPPED

Dexter Sullivan at the Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Awards 2022

Get Involved

We are always looking to expand our impact by joining forces with like-minded individuals. Connect with us today!

Contact Us

The Black Legacy Advancement Coalition
PO Box 32088
Detroit Michigan 48232
(313)327-1449
[email protected]