In an effort to support the Black community in San Diego, local leaders and various organizations announced Thursday the launch of the Black Community Investment Fund along with the Dr. Wilma Wooten Courage Scholarship at the Elementary Institute of Science.
The Black Community Investment Fund is co-founded by the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and The San Diego Foundation. It invests in community-led efforts that aim to increase racial equity and generational wealth for Black San Diegans.
County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher recognized the need for these investments in the Black community.
“Too many young people, particularly those from under-resourced communities face tremendous odds, and barriers, and hurdles, that are not present within other communities within the same city, “ Fletcher said.
The Black Community Investment Fund was launched with more than $1.3 million contributed by a coalition of leaders that includes San Diego Gas & Electric, Wells Fargo and Cox Communications.
Mitch Mitchell with San Diego Gas & Electric said, “This fund launch is really about opportunity, and when you create opportunities you will create forward progress.”
Grantmaking for the Black Community Investment Fund will focus on four key pillars: education, employment, housing and entrepreneurism in the Black community. Organizations supporting these pillars can apply for grants through the newly announced fund.
San Diego Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten was honored with a scholarship in her name that will be available to students throughout San Diego County.
“Throughout her life, Dr. Wilma Wooten has broken barriers and served as a role model for young people," the San Diego Foundation said in a statement. "This is especially true African American girls, who wish to pursue a career in medicine and science.”
The Dr. Wilma Wooten Courage Scholarship will be available to San Diegans who are pursuing a degree in health sciences. Applicants must come from underrepresented communities and will be their families’ first generation of college students.
The two-year scholarship means to provide opportunities to the next generation of doctors, scientists and healthcare leaders.
