Black Family Summit, Inc.

The Origin Story

Hurricane Katrina served as the precipitating event that led to the establishment of Black Family Summit, Inc. (BFS) The distressing reality of the impact of the natural disaster further exacerbated by poverty and structural racism called several individuals and organizations into action. Following a conversation with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, in preparation for the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March, Leonard G. Dunston, President Emeritus of the National Association of Black Social Workers and former Commissioner of the NYS Division for Youth, conceptualized Black professional organizations working collaboratively to strengthen Black families and communities.

A letter was sent to Presidents of 39 Black professional organizations, inviting them to attend a full day strategy session at Howard University in Washington, DC. On October 14, 2005, 36 Presidents of National Black professional organizations attended the initial convening, which was historic and impactful!

BFS operated as a program under the auspice of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, Inc. (IBW) from 2005 – 2022 with Leonard G. Dunston serving as the organization’s first Convener. This phase of operations was documented on IBW’s website and is available on the BFS Archive Page.

Continuing The Story

BFS affirms African-centered principles and values, which guide aspects of programming and operations. In recognition of need to address leadership succession and organizational sustainability, 2022 was declared as a Season of Sankofa for Black Family Summit to Remember our Past to Protect our Future!

On January 14, 2022, BFS became recognized as a nonprofit corporation and received its Articles of Incorporation from the State of North Carolina. In November of that year, BFS received the determination of its public charity status 509 (a) (2) and federal income tax exemption under Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) (3).

A core support grant was awarded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to facilitate BFS transitioning to an independent organizational entity. A Second Chance, Inc. served as the fiscal sponsor and provided organizational consultation and executive coaching. BFS implemented a comprehensive workplan to achieve the grant project’s expected results. Activities focused on organizational development, programming and operations, stakeholder engagement, visibility and communications.

Legacy of Leadership

In 2022, Leonard G. Dunston’s title was elevated to Founder and Elder Griot. The model of African-centered succession planning developed during the Season of Sankofa, resulted in Dr. L. Zakiya Newland assuming the role of Convener. The legacy of BFS will remain active through individuals and organizations committed to catching our vision, and carrying out our mission! With the passing of Baba Leonard, as he is affectionately known to the BFS collective, we are grateful for his visionary leadership and love-ship. We endeavor to honor his favorite African proverb that states; working together, the ants ate the elephant.