Building, Protecting, and Sustaining Black Community Institutions

The purpose of the New Timbuktu Community Education Institute is to provide high quality professional development that is based on and draws from methodologies that are derived from the bodies of work and community based institutions that have traditionally been marginalized. These seminars will provide a variety of African Centered, Liberation Focused, Community Empowerment tools that are substantively informed by racial equity. These tools are useful particularly for individuals who are building new Black-led institutions or seeking solutions to strengthen, protect, and sustain existing ones.

If you have any questions, contact: Candace Handy, Chief Operating Officer – LBS – [email protected]

A Six-Week Course for Institution Builders and Stewards

Co-led by Danielle Torain-Victor and Dorcas Gilmore

October 3 – November 7, 2025, Friday evenings, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Refreshments Provided

Black institutions have long served as the backbone of community resilience, resistance, and self-determination. From churches and mutual aid networks to cultural centers, direct service organizations, cooperatives, and advocacy groups, these institutions have played a pivotal role in shaping the social, economic, and political landscape of Black communities. However, sustaining these institutions amid growing social, political, and economic challenges requires intentional strategy, deep knowledge, and collective effort.

• Understand the Historical and Contemporary Landscape of Black InstitutionsParticipants will analyze the historical significance of Black institution-building efforts, assess present-day challenges, and explore the role these institutions play in advancing self-determination and collective power.

• Develop Strategies for Legal, Financial, and Operational SustainabilityParticipants will gain practical knowledge of legal structures, funding mechanisms, and management practices that protect and sustain Black institutions, ensuring long-term resilience and impact.

• Apply Institution-Building and Problem-Solving Frameworks to Real-World ContextsParticipants will refine their institutional vision or troubleshoot existing challenges through guided consultation, strategic planning, and peer learning to fortify and sustain Black-led institutions.

Participants should come prepared with a vision for creating a new institution or ready to address challenges within an existing one. Through guided discussions, case studies, and interactive consultations, this course will equip institution builders and stewards with the tools and strategies needed to establish, protect, and sustain Black-led institutions for generations to come.

Course Format:

• Six weekly sessions (in-person or virtual)
• Guest speakers and case studies
• Structured learning and open consultation time
• Resource guides and templates for implementation

Join us in this critical conversation and strategy-building space as we collectively work toward stronger, more sustainable Black institutions.

Host or Publisher Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle