DEARBORN, Mich. — As the company's philanthropic arm, Ford Fund partners with organizations and invests in initiatives that empower and positively impact the African American community—during Black History Month and all throughout each year.

This year during Black History Month, Ford Fund is celebrating the achievements of African Americans—how they have shaped our country's history and are laying a foundation for its future. Throughout the month, we will honor the past and look forward to a better future by recognizing individuals and trailblazers committed to social justice and equity through their words, art and activism.

We invite you to follow along on FGB.Life—a digital space dedicated to Ford Fund's support of the African American community—and on Ford Fund's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Men of Courage National Leadership Forum
On Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 16-17, Ford Fund will host a Ford Men of Courage Leadership Forum in partnership with Morehouse College and Sirius XM radio. Joined by Sirius XM hosts Dion Summers and Joe Madison, the virtual summit will be streamed on Men of Courage's Facebook and YouTube channel each evening from 8-9 p.m. EST. Topics include personal branding and enhancing leadership skills, as well as conversations about racial and social justice. Ford Men of Courage is a grassroots initiative designed to build communities by advancing the narrative of Black men through storytelling, intergenerational forums and community programs.

Andrew Young Film Series
Ford Fund's Men of Courage initiative has joined forces with the Andrew Young Foundation to present a series of monthly films documenting important milestones and renowned leaders of the civil rights movement. Hosted by Andrew Young—the former United Nations Ambassador, U.S. congressman and civil rights icon—the film series focuses the difficult journey, historic achievements and inspiring moments that still resonate today. A new hour-long film, "Change in the Wind," will be available for viewing at midnight, Thursday, Feb. 18 to 3 a.m. EST, Friday, Feb. 19 on the Men of Courage Facebook and YouTube pages. Join us throughout the year as we showcase new films on the third Thursday of each month.

HBC-You Mobility Challenge
Ford Fund invites students, alumni, faculty, and administrators at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to apply for a one-time grant to help them address a mobility need on campus or in their community. The deadline to submit is March 31, 2021. Now in its third year, the HBC-You Mobility Challenge has contributed $60,000 in grants to help address critical campus or community needs at HBCUs around the country.

Ford Gives Back Award
Ford Fund provides opportunities for community organizations to receive supplemental funding to build on the vital work they are doing to make positive changes within their communities. Previous Ford Freedom honorees (Ford Freedom's Sisters and Ford Freedom Unsung Heroes award recipients) are eligible to apply. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 28, 2021.

Many of the nonprofits and organizations we partner with are offering special Black History Month programming and resources, as well.

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. The museum is hosting virtual activities forums for adults and children throughout February.
• Located in Detroit, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosts a month-long exploration and celebration of African American history with free in person and online events.
• Join the National Civil Rights Museum on Friday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. EST for a virtual panel discussion led by authors Ibram X. Kendri and Neisha N. Blaine. The discussion surrounds the book Four Hundred Souls—a community history of African American from 1619 to present.
• The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation present free virtual programming on topics such as the Underground Railroad to the Harlem Globetrotters to help patrons learn about the continuing struggle for Black equality and civil rights.

For more than 100 years, Ford has invested in programs that enable social mobility and economic success in the African American community. Today, Ford Fund is building on that legacy by investing in organizations and initiatives that empower and positively impact the African American community.

To learn more about how Ford Fund is supporting the African American community yesterday, today and tomorrow, click here.