Help Black Americans Regain Their Wealth

Black Americans have faced systemic racism and violence throughout history; some of these events happened “Just Yesterday,” while others took place a long time ago. One century ago, Tulsa, Oklahoma, witnessed a tragic event. Believed to be “the single worst incident of racial violence in American history,” the Tulsa Massacre took place on May 31 and June 1, 1912, during which more than one thousand homes and businesses in the Greenwood District were destroyed — known as the “Black Wall Street,” the wealthiest Black community at the time — and hundreds of people (mostly Black) were killed.

Being subject to injustice for more than 400 years, Black Americans are due a refund. Wanting to bring economic justice to Black communities and families, the activists at #BreatheWithMe Revolution have announced the Black America ReFund on the 100-year anniversary of the massacre, an “engine of repair for economic autonomy and empowerment.” The movement confronts systemic racism by turning protest into policy and is implemented to invite people, especially white allies, to take action and help eradicate poverty in Black communities.

The campaign seeks to bring economic justice to Black Americans and is accompanied by a short video, made with the help of the newly formed creative agency Atlantic New York. Produced with archival footage in collaboration with Cut & Run, Heavy Duty Music, and Ameba, the film highlights Black Wall Street’s history and subsequent forms of oppression that have led to the fund’s urgent implementation.

“We say fuck racism. Period,” says Leigh Blake, Co-Founder of #BreatheWithMe Revolution and the Black America ReFund. “We are here to end white supremacy, regain Black wealth, and refund Black America,” continues Blake, who worked with the #breathewithme Revolution team to raise and distribute over $120 million+ in economic relief via organizations such as Fund A Mom, Red Hot Organization, Keep A Child Alive with Alicia Keys, We Are Here Movement with Alicia Keys, and explore.org.

“We are not directly responsible for the acts of our ancestors that affected Black families, but we have a responsibility to lead by example,” adds João Coutinho, Atlantic New York Co-Founder.

#BreatheWithMe Revolution, Co-founder Prophet: “When my father was born, Black people could not vote. It was 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation and Black people were dying to have rights. Black Lives are still being sacrificed for these rights. It’s time for real action and for everyone to decide — how are you going to use your power, your influence, your resources, your pocketbook, to end systemic racism?”

The campaign’s goal is to raise funds to help fight poverty in Black communities and also to reduce the current wealth gap. The initiative’s founders invite people to take action, go beyond hashtags, and support economic justice for Black families and communities.

The #breathewithme team has dedicated their time pro bono over the past year to creating the movement and studying racial justice solutions. The funds raised will be used initially to support single mothers and kids with a year of direct cash relief. Support services for financial opportunities, job training, mental health and wellness support, and educational opportunities will be included in the program with the goal to pave the path for future economic empowerment and autonomy. The ReFund will also focus its efforts on helping community organizations and provide funds and resources to help people succeed.