There’s a wide array of Black-led organizations in greater Baltimore, but there are qualities that will grant a higher chance of receiving funding. CLLCTIVLY is looking for, “Black-led organizations that are deeply rooted in community and accountable to the people they serve,” said Wooten, “There is also a fundamental question beneath our work: Is it good for Black people? What does it have to do with the liberation of Black people?”An organization’s degree of collaboration is a key-factor they look at when considering funding. Black Church Food Security Network (BCFSN) is one of many organizations to partner with CLLCTIVLY. Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III founded the organization in 2015, from his garden at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in Baltimore.This organization was founded with the purpose of addressing food insecurities nationwide through local Black-owned food systems. AFRO News spoke with Yekatit Bezooayehu, deputy director of Black Church Food Security Network, for more insight on the impact of their organization and what further funding will help them do. “We’ve already built a church network of 300 people, coalesced together so we can bridge the food system gap,” said Bezooayehu. “The church is already an established pillar in the community. With CLLCTIVgive, we’ll be able to put more policies and roles in place for staff to help us focus on legislation and take the ideas that we’ve already created up to the federal level.”Attendees of the CLLCTIVGive fundraiser will have the opportunity to learn more about the organizations funded through the annual initiative. Those who purchase tickets for elevated access may arrive at 7 p.m., with general admission beginning at 8 p.m.When asked about the decision behind the Dandyism theme for the evening, Wooten explained that it was deeper than mere aesthetics, it was a means of celebration. “Summer Dandyism gives us a way to celebrate Black joy, creativity, freedom and self-expression. Too often, Black communities are discussed only through the language of crisis, struggle, or need. We wanted the evening to reflect the fullness of who we are,” stated Wooten, “Black joy is not separate from the work. It is part of what sustains us in the work.”



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