The CAFE Group

Check out our incredible CEO Liz Thompson on The Bridgespan Group Dreaming in Color Podcast! Liz detailed her journey in the social impact sector, and highlighted how her unwavering commitment to love and service drove her to a trailblazing career and the work we do at The Cafe Group today! Listen here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/guYdvkRq

This Fourth of July, we celebrate the enduring journey toward a more perfect union—a vision enriched and propelled by Black American communities and shared by all who value justice and equality. Our national fabric is intricately woven with threads of Black creativity, resilience, an unwavering pursuit of justice, and countless contributions from diverse communities. These efforts collectively define what it truly means to advocate for a nation that upholds its promise of freedom and equality for all. At The CAFE Group, we know creating meaningful change requires everyone's participation. By supporting Black education innovators and future philanthropists, we're building pathways for learning and leadership that are essential for a just and vibrant society. This work is a tribute to the true spirit of the Fourth of July—resistance, tenacity, and the aspiration for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As we reflect on today's symbols of freedom, let us honor the quilt-like tapestry of American history, where each piece—a story of love, community, and hope—binds us closer to fulfilling the dream of a more perfect union. Today, we invite you to join us in reflecting on our shared history and taking action toward a future defined by greater justice, progress, and inclusivity. We are dedicated to this mission, today and every day, for generations to come. ** This graphic features quilts by artists Mary Lee Bendolph, Faith Ringgold, Loretta Pettway, and Queen Quet. These quilts symbolize the creativity, resilience, and rich traditions of Black American communities, weaving stories of love, community, and hope into the fabric of American history. #SocialInnovation #Philanthropy #FourthOfJuly #GeesBend

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the genius, resilience, and innovation of the Black community. Today, we reflect not only on emancipation but also on the ongoing journey toward freedom and equity that persists in the present. 🌟 🌻 🌈 We know there's still a long way to go. It will take *all* of us to achieve a future where everyone can thrive. Committing to the promise of what Juneteenth represents is a radical expression of love and belief that a better future is possible. ❤️ 🖤 💚

Huge congratulations to our founder & CEO Liz Thompson and Don Thompson on receiving the Jane Addams Making History award for distinction in Social Service! We are proud of their visionary leadership and the lasting impact they make on Chicago and the world.

Today, as we mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we reflect not only on this landmark decision that promised integration and equity in education but also on these unmet promises and the devastating impact on Black educators sidelined in its wake. The CAFE Group launched the 1954 Project inspired by the genius, resilience, and innovation of Black people who continued to make a way in the decades since this decision. Parents, organizers, teachers, and young people who have continued to claim their narratives, invest in one another, and work tirelessly to make the road smoother for those who come after them. The Luminaries and Beacons we invest in are about fulfilling the promises of the Brown v. Board decision. As we take stock today, we know we have a ways to go. It’ll take all of us to get there. Looking ahead to the next seventy years, we envision a future where every young person is supported to live into their genius. Join us in honoring this historic day by committing to a future where the promises of Brown v. Board are fully realized. Because when we get it right, the impact is boundless. https://lnkd.in/gjMyAntH #BrownvBoard70 #EducationEquity #The1954Project #BlackLeadership

📢 We're Hiring at The CAFE Group! 🌟 The CAFE Group is looking for talented, driven folks to join our team at an exciting moment of growth for the organization. Take a look at open roles and help us spread the word in your networks! We are currently hiring for: *Manager of Data and Operations (remote, US-based role) 🔗 Apply here: https://ow.ly/r4ou50RHftW *Director of Development 🔗 Apply here: https://ow.ly/q74X50RHftX 📌 Job not here? Bookmark https://lnkd.in/dA8mcPhv to keep track of open roles. #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #SocialImpact #Philanthropy #EducationInnovation #BlackLeadership #TheCAFEGroup #1954Project

Huge congratulations to The CAFE Group 1954 Luminary Reuben Ogbonna and The Marcy Lab School on securing a remarkable $1.5 million follow-on funding grant from New Profit! 🎉 As supporters of the Marcy Lab School's we are elated to witness this significant milestone in their journey. Reuben's vision to close gaps in the education-to-employment ecosystem is changing the game, and this grant is a resounding validation of the impact they are making. This follow-on funding grant from New Profit is not just an investment in The Marcy Lab School - it's an investment in the futures of countless young people of color. We are proud to be a part of their journey, and we look forward to seeing their continued success. 🥂✨

News alert! Read CBS’s coverage of 1954 Network Luminary Adrian Mims and the work of his organization, The Calculus Project. “It's not just about learning math, it's also about building community and the students forming relationships," says Mims. Completing math beyond Algebra II during high school is one of the most significant influences on whether a student will graduate college. The Calculus Project is solving that equation with its Boston-area programs tailored to historically underrepresented students. Their programs go deep to work with 7th through 12th-grade students of color and low-income students, preparing them for advanced math courses and, ultimately, improving their long-term economic futures.

ICYMI: Read Cora Daniel's February op-ed on fulfilling the promise of Black futures in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Organizations, programs, and leaders are disrupting cycles of disinvestment to ensure a future where all Black people can lead prosperous and healthy lives. We're honored to have our 1954 Project initiative featured as an example of long-term commitment to financial and social capital growth of Black-led organizations. "...the problem with thinking about the fight for Black liberation as only a moment in history is it both overlooks the critical racial-justice work happening today and ignores the work still required to build an equitable future." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eieDgMda

We are so excited for The CAFE Group's 1954 Project Luminary William Jackson and his organization Village of Wisdom for landing a $4M grant from the U.S. Department of Education! This grant will support Village of Wisdom's "That's Just Good Teaching" program over five years. The innovative program will equitably support teachers and parents by centering Black parent wisdom in designing culturally affirming learning strategies and digital resources tailored to students' socio-emotional and academic needs. By fostering collaboration between teachers and parents, K-12 Black students will experience culturally-affirming learning environments that embrace their genius. William Jackson and the Village of Wisdom community have been on a decade-long roll to scale their transformative programs that have implications for learning across the Nation. The Village of Wisdom is making good on its vow to protect Black genius and is the kind of visionary effort we are proud to fund and celebrate. We can't wait to see the additional impact to come. Join us in congratulating the Village of Wisdom community on this incredible milestone! Image courtesy of Village of Wisdom.