The Model

Black Marriage Movement is a Detroit-based comprehensive community development initiative advancing racial, economic, and other forms of social justice by centering marriage, family, and future generations.

Each of our programs work toward the common goal of generational wealth and prosperity. This means members receive common experiences and layered support whether they come to us for relationship coaching; job placement, business development, and financial coaching; or community violence intervention. Here, all roads lead to Rome. We are "one band, one sound" driven by three core program principles.

If you a tell a child she is broken, she may believe it; and if you call her "messiah" she may very well save the world. Philanthropist, global DEI leader, and national community BMe founder Trabian Shorters said, "You can't lift people up by putting them down." This means young people must be able to define themselves according to their own strengths, contributions, and aspirations rather than the challenges they face. That requires us to leave behind disparaging and misleading narratives that paint youth as "at-risk," "needy," and "less fortunate" by seeing them as the heroes and heroines of their own stories. This also means we must help our young people see themselves as part of a wonderful race of people and a community poised to offer a global model for racial, economic, and other forms of social justice. Black Americans have a rich tradition of "speaking life" into our children, of naming them with meaning, and of "speaking things into existence." This is because we've always understood that inspiring beliefs can spur people toward purpose, action, and accountability. In short, we witness Black Marriage Movement when Black people, especially youth, believe that is what's happening. And this messaging is reinforced in every aspect of our programming.

"Knew better would do better." Within the Black Marriage Movement, education serves as a cornerstone in our pursuit of generational wealth and prosperity. Through our programs, we provide comprehensive support that addresses the diverse needs of our community members. Whether individuals seek relationship coaching, job placement, business development, financial coaching, or assistance with community violence intervention, they receive a continuum of services designed to empower and uplift. Our commitment to education extends beyond traditional academics to encompass life skills, financial literacy, and professional development. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed, we lay the groundwork for building strong families, thriving businesses, and vibrant communities. In essence, education is the catalyst that propels us toward our shared vision of a more just and prosperous future for all Black Americans.

In our engagement initiatives, we embody the essence of collective action deeply ingrained in Black American culture, epitomized by the adages "action speaks louder than words" and "to go fast, go alone, but to go far, go together." Rooted in our history of community resilience and solidarity, we host cocktails & conversations as spaces for dialogue, healing, and strategizing. Through community-based participatory action research, we empower members to shape their narratives and drive change from within. Our grassroots advocacy efforts mobilize voices at the local level, ensuring that Black Americans are not just heard but actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that impact their lives. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, we harness the strength of unity to confront systemic challenges and advance our collective well-being. Together, we honor our ancestors' legacies and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.