WRP and BVF

Introducing the Black Venture Fund: Taking Action for Change

WhiteResponseProject.org is proud to announce the launch of the Black Venture Fund. We invite corporations to join this fund with the aim of investing in Black and Brown communities. The fund's resources will contribute to addressing the historical impacts of slavery, Black codes, Jim Crow segregation, and centuries of racism. We are taking reparative actions into our own hands, refusing to wait for others. The time has arrived for all of us, regardless of race, to reconcile with history and progress unitedly towards a brighter future.

If you're a Black or Brown entrepreneur seeking funding for your business or idea, connect with Joe Bruno at 386-562-0312 or email joebruno@whiteresponseproject.org. Our dedicated team at WRP is committed to initiating the process, utilizing our expertise and resources to support you.

The past mistreatment of Black and Brown communities was a tragedy we acknowledge and refuse to tolerate. The problems that persist, including wealth, income, education, housing, and health disparities, stem from historical injustices. We are resolved to address these issues within our generation, partnering across racial lines to facilitate positive change.

White Response Project and the Black Venture Fund share a mission to tackle the following issue:

In the United States, 140 million individuals are impoverished or low-income, constituting around 43% of the total population. Among the 42 million Black and Brown people in America, 60% fall within this category, amounting to over 25 million individuals. Unacceptably, most of these individuals lack the means to manage a $500 emergency expense. In the wealthiest nation globally, this situation is untenable.

"When you're in a challenging situation, our priority is to help you rise above it."

400 years of racism has real repercussions. Intergenerational wealth disparities, limited educational opportunities, and suppressed income levels contribute to this inequality. Additionally, housing and education segregation play significant roles. Education and housing form the bedrock of wealth and income. While the 13th amendment marked the end of slavery and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 abolished segregation, racism was not entirely eradicated. It was dimmed, not extinguished, much like a dimmer switch. Changing beliefs and behaviors takes time. Institutionalized systems of racism persisted even after centuries, causing systemic racism to persist for Black and Brown communities.

Imagine waking up and shouldering a 50-pound bag of sand on your back, 25-pound bags in each hand, and 30-pound bags around each ankle. Now visualize going to work, voting, pursuing an education, purchasing a home, seeking medical care, and integrating into a society that resists your integration. The rules, starting lines, and subsequently, opportunities, differ for Black and White individuals. However, we have the power to effect change and we will.