Black Humboldt’s Impact

Black Humboldt is a nonprofit organization structured to reflect its core values of equity, collaboration, and community empowerment. Operating under a cooperative model, our decision-making processes and internal structuring intentionally challenge traditional hierarchical models, prioritizing collective leadership, inclusivity, and community-driven input. Black Humboldt staff positions are intentionally designed to be non-hierarchical. Rather than assigning positional authority, all staff members collaborate within a collective framework. Decisions are made through unanimous agreements, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued equally. This structure fosters a sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect among team members, reinforcing our commitment to equitable practices. Our decision-making process is rooted in consensus-building. While the cooperative nature of this approach requires time and effort, it ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully, inclusively, and with input from all stakeholders.

Through creating opportunities of success for the communities we serve, Black Humboldt is drastically decreasing the vulnerability of our community. Through monetary opportunities, we are giving them financial security as well as the skills needed to maintain this security. Through community connection, we are providing space for healing and thriving which decreases racial vulnerability as well as maintains a more positive mental health. We are creating safety for our community as well as awareness that safety exists in a potentially harmful area, through these means we are continuously creating security and the tools to build the future we imagine for a liberated community whilst always being a very vulnerable community.

We measure the success of our programming through the number of community members served, event participation numbers, grants received, new programs/projects created and programs and projects continuing. We will know our project is successful based off the way communities we serve grow and prosper. We are basing growth on the number of available services, resources and opportunities that directly diminish the gaps we see in employment, education, class and incarceration between Black and Brown and non Black and Brown communities.

We evaluate the programs and projects through community listening sessions and surveys. We respond to the diverse needs of the communities and artists / cultural practitioners by engaging in our programming and including as many community members in decision making and strategic planning as possible.

Black Humboldt serves a population that represents only 2% of the region, navigating systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and economic disparities. Despite these challenges, BH has made significant progress in decreasing community vulnerability, improving access to resources, and fostering economic and cultural empowerment.

Impact Highlights:

• Safe spaces for healing and connection have improved mental health and reduced racial isolation.

• Leadership development and advocacy have increased Black and Brown representation in decision-making spaces.

• Economic empowerment programs have provided financial security and professional growth for entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals.

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Black Humboldt’s impact in 2024 is thanks to the following support and funders:

2023 ANNUAL REPORT