Advancing philanthropy and empowerment in the African American community since 2003.
$2.4 Million
Dollars Granted
75+
Grant Recipients
600+
Active Donors
500+
Organizations Impacted
October 2022: The African American Legacy Newsletter
The past two years have been filled with change, but in all that has transpired, AAL has continued its mission to uplift and support the Black community in Chicago so that they will thrive. There’s more work to do, and we hope you’ll join us and stay engaged with African American Legacy.
African American Legacy (AAL) is a philanthropic initiative led by African American civic and community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among African Americans throughout metropolitan Chicago. AAL engages African Americans in philanthropy, collectively and individually, and provides support to nonprofit organizations that work at the grassroots level to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions addressing community problems.
| Baronica Roberson, Chair | Suzanne Griffith |
| Troy Boyd Jr., Vice Chair | Deborah Harrington |
| Brenda Asare | Natashia Holmes |
| Daniel Ash | Diane Latiker |
| Claudette Baker | Sequane Lawrence |
| Kimbra Bell | Robert McGhee |
| Andreason Brown | Suzet McKinney |
| Inger Burnett-Ziegler | Nicole Robinson |
| Sharon Bush | Darryl Rodgers |
| Kimberly A. Casey | Christal Stinson |
| Tyrone Forman | Andrea Wright |
| Denitra Griffin |
| Carol Crenshaw | Marguerite Griffin |
| Amina Dickerson | Loann Honesty King |
| Rebecca Ford Terry | Julian Coleman |
| Denise Gardner | Mary Pattillo |
| Corliss Garner | Shawnelle Richie |
| Graham Grady | Melody Spann-Cooper |
African American Legacy
Since its founding in 2003 as an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, AAL has granted more than $2 million to numerous nonprofit organizations with innovative ideas for impact. AAL is driven by its mission and is committed to supporting innovation that catalyzes real change in the community, innovation that creates a positive shift toward the sustainability, longevity, and prosperity of Chicago’s African American community.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Trust is featuring insights from philanthropists and leaders who are making a difference in the Chicago…
When deciding to take its philanthropy in a new direction last year, the Glasser Rosenthal Family Foundation (GRFF), a supporting organization at The…
In celebration of Black History Month, the Trust is featuring insights from philanthropists and leaders who are making a difference in the Chicago…
Donate + Stay Connected
African American Legacy activates an engaged network of community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life of African Americans in Chicago through the power of collective giving, community engagement, and grant making.
Make a GiftAffinity funds are groups of donors united by a shared heritage, identity, or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving.
