2023 Convening
Celebrating and Preserving Black History in Houston Neighborhoods: Centering Racial and Economic Justice
The BFWA convening has always been a time for our members to come together with purpose and learn from each other. It is an opportunity to get technical information on that what has worked for the Alliance so far. And perhaps most importantly, it is a chance to draw new energy and new strength for our shared work.
When we spend any real time in our communities, we see very quickly that culture is a resource. It is a system of values, and a system of knowing. Culture is knowing something in a certain kind of way and people arrive to situations bringing that knowledge with them. That knowing shapes everything that they do.
Repa Mekha, NDC Board Member
This work happens at the level of the individual—the local entrepreneur. But the broader context is what makes large-scale change possible. This means scaling our model on the both the local and the national level though intentional partnerships and mission-driven economic development in our communities.
There is no better catalyst for economic development and neighborhood revitalization than a resident entrepreneur because of how visible they are and the qualities they display to their community and the energy they can ignite around them simply by doing a thing they are good at.
Mihailo Temali, Founder of BFWA
