African American Leadership Council is a network of engaged African American and minority leaders who seek to harness their power and philanthropy to create bold community change. We leverage resources to advance education, financial stability and health throughout the Tri-County region.
Trident United Way African American Leadership Council (AALC) was founded on April 22, 2015 as a shared vision of 47 local Black philanthropists and an initial investment of $81,982. Inspired by a goal to raise $2 million dollars for initiatives in the African American community, the founding members focused on the four pillars of Leadership Development & Mentorship, Being A Social Nexus, Advocacy and Service Projects.
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2024 AALC Sip & Serve Happy Hour
Thank you to everyone who attended the AALC Sip & Serve Happy Hour! We loved seeing new and familiar faces, and look forward to our next gathering.
Questions? Contact Leah at LRhyne@tuw.org.
2024 Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar
Thank you to everyone who participated in the African American Leadership Council Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar!
On July 13, 2024, 50 young men of color gathered to spend their Saturday morning at the Trident United Way African American Leadership Council Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar, engaging with community leaders to learn how their dreams are realistic, achievable opportunities.
Thank you to our incredible panelists and moderator who shared their personal backgrounds, career paths and challenges they've overcome to be successful community leaders. You've made a powerful impact on these young men!
Panelists:
Mayor Reggie Burgess City of North Charleston
Chief Chito Walker City of Charleston Police Department
Dr. Anthony Dixon Superintendent, Berkeley County School District
Clay Middleton Managing Director, Mercury Public Affairs
Moderator:
Raphael James Anchor and Reporter, Live 5 News
Thank you to our event sponsors for their generous support
2024 AALC Book Drive Ninth Annual Book Drive
Over 1,150 books were collected for the African American Leadership Council Book Drive!
For the ninth year, Trident United Way African American Leadership Council collected books to distribute to students at St. Stephen’s Elementary, EB Ellington Elementary and Mary Ford Early Learning & Family Center, providing children access to books to read over the summer months.
On average, students' achievement scores decline over summer vacation by one month's worth of school-year learning, and this can often have a greater impact on students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have less resources available. By providing books to students from Title I schools you're providing an additional resource to help them continue their path towards literacy.
Thank you to everyone who supported the AALC Book Drive!
2024 Black History Month Happy Hour
Members of the AALC closed out Black History Month with a Sip & Serve Happy Hour at The Montague Room in North Charleston. Attendees assembled 100 donated care kits for nonprofit partner Sunflowers of HOPE, Inc. and connected with one another over delicious appetizers and cocktails.We enjoyed seeing so many new and familiar faces at the event - thank you to everyone who joined!
2024 Care Kit Drive
Thank you to everyone who dontaed to the Trident United Way African American Leadership Council Care Kit Drive! Stay tuned for more information on total kits donated! These Care Kits will provide everyday essential items for Tri-County children and adults experiencing homelessness. Care kits will be assembled by AALC members and provided to the community through nonprofit partner, Sunflowers of HOPE, Inc..
2023 Winter Coat Drive
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Trident United Way African American Leadership Council virtual Winter Coat Drive! Thanks to your generous support, we surpassed the goal of providing 100 winter coats to children from families in need. Coats were distributed through Trident United Way Berkeley Resource Connection Center and St. Paul's Food Pantry and Clothing Closet.
Our Vision:
• We work to solve pressing community issues through Trident United Way’s education, financial stability and health programs.
• We support Trident United Way with our time, talent and treasure, using our experiences and our voices to make a difference for our neighbors.
• Network and inform: We share data about community conditions to increase our knowledge — strengthening our collective ability to create change.
Trident United Way African American Leadership Council consists of African American philanthropists who contribute $1,000 or more to Trident United Way. Members have unique opportunities to see the impact that their financial support and volunteerism have on community issues.
AALC Step-Up Program
For those individuals not quite ready to invest in Trident United Way at the $1,000 level, the AALC Step-Up program allows donors to gradually increase their gift over a period of three years. Step-Up members will make a commitment to increase their Trident United Way gift, giving at least $500 in year one, $750 in year two and $1,000 in year three. Step-Up members are recognized as full AALC members and have access to all AALC benefits.
Steering Committee 2024-2025
Ruhamah Dunmeyer Grooms, Chair
Jennifer Brown
La Quetta Coulter
Janon German
Marc Gibson
B. Shawan Gillians
Sonia Hanson
Danielle Hardee
Kay Herrington-Simmons
Amanda Lawrence
Sharon Mazyck
Liza Peace
Patrice Simmons
Shareka Sullivan
For more information, or to join Trident United Way African American Leadership Council, contact Leah Rhyne at lrhyne@tuw.org.