Build 206

Brothers United In Leadership Development (BUILD) is a grassroots organization with the vision that Black men are empowered leaders and mentors who make positive changes in our community by instilling pride, hope, and perseverance in Black men. We focus on civic engagement, leadership development, mentoring, and community partnerships throughout the greater Seattle area. Since 2013, BUILD has developed a strong core group of Black male leaders who are deeply connected to our community and focus on grassroots organizing. We came together to address concerns in the Black community, including but not limited to the murders of Black men, a limited number of Black role models/mentors for our young people, and the need to build our community (especially due to gentrification). Over this time, we have developed strong community partnerships, provided developmental workshops for wealth & skill-building, hosted hundreds of Black-joy-filled community events, engaged hundreds of volunteers, and have well over social media followers. While our target population is Black men and youth, we also engage the overall Black community and partner with other ethnic/racial/cultural community groups. We have consistently focused on grassroots community organizing by using fun and interactive events, workshops, and activities that foster the development of life skills for students in elementary, middle, and high school as well as adults of color in team building, leadership, goal setting, employment, navigation of systems, etc. One of our focuses is developing current leadership while also cultivating the next generation of community leaders and organizers.