The African American Legacy Fund was founded in 2013 at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona as the African American Initiative. The effort, led by esteemed educator, philanthropist, and civic leader Dr. Anna Jolivet, Ph.D. who served as board chair at the community foundation from 1996-1998.
The African American Legacy Fund (AALF) works to address the educational and economic disparities faced by African Americans who call Southern Arizona home.AALF has a vision of what Southern Arizona can be when we bring together people, money, and goodwill to make sure all of our children, youth, and families have the opportunities and resources to prosper.
Since 2013, the African American Legacy Fund has invested $412,279 through its grant program and Black Led Organization initiative.
2013
The African American Initiative is founded as an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
2013
Joseph Blair appointed as Board Chair
2014
Youth Advisory Board established for leaders under 40 to support them in developing skills needed for future board service and community leadership
2015
First grants awarded totaling $19,285
2016
Saunie Taylor appointed as Board Chair
2017
Styne Hill appointed as Board Chair
2018
The African American Initiative becomes the African American Legacy Fund
2019
Surpass $50,000 in grants awarded to Southern Arizona nonprofits serving the African American community
2020
Kendal Washington White appointed as Board Chair
2020
Surpass $100,000 in grants awarded to southern Arizona nonprofits serving the African American community.
2020
Black Led Organization Initiative established to provide financial support to Black-owned business and community ventures in Southern Arizona
2020
AALF supports the establishment of the Blax Friday website and app, a black-owned business directory for Arizona business owners
2021
AALF partners with the State of Black Arizona to establish the African American Leadership Institute in Southern Arizona, supporting 8 leaders in its inaugural class
2022
Dr. Shannon Roberts appointed Board Chair
2022
AALF surpasses $200,000 in funding for both southern Arizona nonprofits serving the Black and African American community as well as Black-led organizations and initiatives
2023
Dr. Anna Jolivet Community Champion Award established in memory of AALF founder Dr. Anna Jolivet, Wanda F. Moore honored as the inaugural recipient
2024
AALF surpasses $400,000 in funding for both southern Arizona nonprofits serving the Black and African American community as well as Black-led organizations and initiatives
