Our Impact

A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund

Join Us for An Evening with Bryan Stevenson

Tickets are now available for a special evening with Mr. Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, followed by an engaging interview of Mr. Stevenson by Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole. 

All proceeds will benefit the A.L. Lewis Fund grantmaking.

Now Accepting Applications!

The A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund supports nonprofit organizations and programs/projects working within predominantly Black neighborhoods in Duval County.

Left to right: Joe Louis Barrow, Branita Mann, J.D. Staton, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Nina Waters, The Honorable Brian Davis, Wanda Willis, Velma Monteiro-Tribble, Carol Alexander, Gregory Owens, Darnell Smith, Dr. Atiya Abdelmalik, Dr. Floyd B. Willis. Not pictured: Martha Baker, Mark Bennett, Mrs. Tanya Davis, Fred Franklin, Jan Healy, Chuck Hyman, Ken Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Tim Johnson, Ronnie King, Eric Mann, Antoinette Rowe, Jim Stallings, Cleve Warren

Supporting Black Communities & Philanthropy

Abraham Lincoln Lewis was a local entrepreneur, humanitarian and philanthropist who became Florida’s first African-American millionaire. Over his lifetime, he established many businesses, and founded American Beach to strengthen Black communities. Today, his vision and legacy continue with the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund. This collective giving fund invests in solutions to advance equity, justice and transformational change in Black communities.

Igniting Transformational Change

Established by 22 community stewards in 2022, the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund is the first of its kind in Northeast Florida. Supporting this important work achieves enduring change in three focus areas to strengthen Black neighborhoods and the organizations that serve them.

Economic Development

Increased access to opportunities that create inclusive and economically thriving communities.

Education

Investments in educational resources that equip individuals and organizations with the tools to succeed in a career, business and/or industry.

Healthcare

Solutions that target eliminating social, racial and economic barriers to achieve optimal health and well-being in Black communities.

“‘When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’
{African proverb}
That’s what philanthropy is about. We brought with us the tradition of being of service to others.”

– Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, great-granddaughter of A.L. Lewis

More about the A.L. Lewis Fund

Here to Help

For more information, contact:

Wanda Willis, M.A.

Vice President, Civic Leadership

 

WWillis@jaxcf.org

904.356.4483