Our Impact
A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity & Impact Fund
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, Ken Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Tim Johnson, Ronnie King, Eric Mann, Antoinette Rowe, Marcus 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 2020, 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
For more information, contact Wanda Willis VP, Civic Leadership, at wwillis@jaxcf.org, or donate to support local Black communities.