“The South is the origin point of Black culture in America. It is impossible to be a proud Black person in America and to be ashamed of the South, to be averse to the South, to consider southern Black culture inferior and wanting. Southern heritage is intertwined with the very concept of American blackness.”
CHARLES M. BLOW
Our overarching vision is to move to Durham, NC, with an established non-profit, BLK South, dedicated to community development and community organizing to further the Black story in the South.
BLK South was birthed from the concept of reverse migration, urging a return to the Black South to mend narratives and ancestral heritage while reclaiming cultural aspects lost during America's historical reconstruction efforts. We aim to actively engage with and contribute to existing work, particularly in Durham, NC, by offering martial arts and leadership development, creative justice through art, and spiritual formation. Our focus is on unlearning and relearning Jesus on the margins while embracing the rich tapestry of history, voices, and identities that have shaped the Black community in the South.
As we step into Durham, our intention is not to overshadow or assimilate; rather, we wholeheartedly embrace the time-tested and proven methodology of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). It's all about recognizing the incredible strengths, talents, and resources that already exist within the community. Instead of focusing on what's lacking, we are committed to learning from and contributing to the inherent beauty that surrounds us.
But this is just the initial phase of our journey. Looking ahead…
We will collaborate with local non-profit organizations that share our passion for community and dedication to advancing the Black story.
We will launch three transformative advancement projects for Black communities in Durham.
And here's the best part: we're not there to take the spotlight. We're on a mission to resource a generation of leaders right there in the city. We want to help resource the gifts and talents of other trailblazers who share our passion and want to take these projects to the next level.
Our goal is to receive from and contribute to the city of Durham and we look forward to seeing how God uses BLK South to inspire other cities to do the same thing!
Our Vision
Black Advancement Projects
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Spiritual Formation
A discipleship curriculum made for the Black soul in search of renewed spirituality by deconstructing their faith from the woes of White Supremacy, and reconstructing it from a lens of solidarity, inclusivity, justice, and liberation. Eventually, we would love to partner with an HBCU and help teach seminary studies in an unconventional way.
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Martial Arts School
With a black belt and over 20 years of experience in Martial Arts, Kendall desires to start a school for the Black community designed to teach self-confidence, self-defense, and mindfulness practices. Tang Soo Do is an art form that was historically born out of oppression and has great benefits for mental health, depression, and anxiety.
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Creative Justice
Imagine using all forms of art (storytelling, film, dance, writing, music, painting, drawing, etc.) to create a community that is collectively focused on truth-telling in art form. A seasonal, project-based initiative that platforms the voices of those most marginalized, to tell the truth and further the process of healing and liberation in a community. This is what we like to call Creative Justice!
Buy Clothing
Buy Clothing
Introducing the BLK South Saint Collection – honoring the impactful legacy of Black ancestors who left an unforgettable mark on the South and our nation at large. Designed by Erin, our tees celebrate these figures, affectionately called "saints" for their profound impact on the Black community and culture. Click below to explore their stories and support our work in Durham, NC.
“Black culture is in the jazz and blues that were born in the South, and in the Black social welfare organizations and Black fellowship organizations that thrive there. ”
In the South, Black culture is primary: it is expressed in powerful Black churches and impressive Black colleges, which, according to a Newsweek report citing United Negro College Fund data, ‘produce 70 percent of all Black dentists and doctors, 50 percent of Black engineers and public school teachers, and 35 percent of Black lawyers.’”
Excerpt From: Charles M. Blow. “The Devil You Know.”
