Madison365: "Community Shares of Wisconsin Announces $6,000 in 2020 Inspiring Voices Grants"
August 20, 2020
By Madison365 staff
Community Shares of Wisconsin announced on Thursday that 2020 Inspiring Voices grants will be given to Inspire Barber College, Natural Circles of Support and Urban Triage.
“Community Shares of Wisconsin is proud to support these boots-on-the-ground groups working in support of Madison’s vibrant Black community,” said Executive Director Cheri Dubiel in a press release. “From career development to supporting students in our schools and encouraging people of color to have a political voice through direct action, these groups are finding innovative ways to keep people connected at a time when we’re experiencing a renaissance in Black power.”
Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) and its members have worked together to advance social justice, protect the environment and defend civil rights in Dane County and across Wisconsin. In 2016, CSW developed the Inspiring Voices program to highlight people of color-led organizations working to reduce racial disparities and advance racial equity.
“We are more than just a barbershop/salon. We promote spiritual, mental, physical and financial growth for individuals who are committed to enhancing their lives and the lives of others,” said Brian Britt, Inspire Barber College founder, in a statement.
In past years, two groups have been selected to each receive $1,000 and fundraising support as nonprofits that prioritize the progress of communities of color. Due to the extraordinary events of 2020, Community Shares has issued grants of $2,000 each directly to three organizations to meet immediate and urgent needs. The grants will also be announced during the virtual Community Change-Makers Awards event online on September 17 at 5:00 p.m.
“My life mission and the mission of Urban Triage, Inc. is to empower and inspire breakthroughs and transformation in Black people and Black communities by way of dynamic programming rooted in transformative education, leadership, and cultural heritage,” said Urban Triage founder Brandi Grayson in a statement. “We understand at Urban Triage, Inc. that healing and self-sufficiency go hand-in-hand and that they are the foundation for Black liberation. Which is why everything we do incorporates trauma recovery and discovery.”