About Us
Mission
Our mission is to harness financial and human resources to effectively meet the specific physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, economic, educational, and social needs of members of underserved Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Metro Atlanta and beyond.
Vision
Thriving Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities are completely free from the influence and control of any people, groups or entities with interests opposed to their freedom and success.
Values
Love – Complete rejection of any private or public displays of self-hatred towards Black and Indigenous people.
Produce – Complete rejection of blind consumerism and a commitment to acquiring the means of production to meet all Black and Indigenous community needs.
Support – Complete rejection of support for businesses owned by any groups that do not respect Black and Indigenous people and making a conscious effort to keep financial and human resources circulating within Black and Indigenous communities as the basis for real political power and long-term change.
Your Own – Commitment to learning and promoting a proper Knowledge of Self; complete rejection of partnerships with exploiters and saboteurs disguised as Black/Indigenous community allies.
Our Team
Hanifah Shakir - Chair
Hanifah Shakir is a Master’s Prepared Registered Nurse with over 25 years of neuro-surgical trauma, intensive care, mental health and emergency nursing experience. She has worked at elite, magnet, Level I trauma centers and top-rated behavioral health facilities across the United States where she has developed proficiency with head-to-toe assessments, neurological diagnostics and pharmacological interventions. However, her real passion is the integration of Eastern Healthcare Practices into traditional evaluation and treatment modalities. Over the past two decades she has used her adeptness with alkaline herbal formulations to assist with detoxification in drug and alcohol dependent patients, particularly those facing homelessness. She brings her deep passion for serving and holistic healing to her leadership role as the Chair of the Foundation.
Sophie Houenou - Treasurer
Sophie is a Public Defender in Metro Atlanta who is deeply passionate about social and racial justice, especially within the criminal legal system. Prior to completing her Juris Doctor at Georgia State University College of Law, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, along with a minor in Spanish. Throughout her time in law school, Sophie gained experience in state and federal level public defense and has interned with non-profits doing civil rights impact litigation and policy advocacy. She also served as treasurer for several student organizations. In her free time, Sophie is intentional about organizing within her community, supporting those who have been impacted by police violence and mass incarceration, and aspires to share her budding legal knowledge with those who may not otherwise have access to a lawyer. Sophie is excited to bring her skills, expertise, and commitment to community-centered advocacy to her role as Treasurer.
Keaira Muhammad - Secretary
Keaira is an Advanced Emergency Technician and nursing student with extensive experience in emergency medical services and community health education. Her healthcare background has strengthened her leadership skills, ability to effectively communicate, and remain composed while coordinating responsibilities in fast-paced environments. Raised in New York City, Keaira was introduced to the importance of women’s healthcare at an early age through her mother, an OBGYN nurse, whose dedication to caring for women inspired Keaira to pursue a similar path. She is currently advancing her nursing education with a focus on women’s health and a long-term goal of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. As Secretary, Keaira contributes her attention to detail and commitment to effective communication and collaboration. She is dedicated to supporting our mission to advance initiatives that improve maternal and infant health, expand access to health education, and address disparities affecting BIPOC women and underserved communities.
Nkem Anizor - Executive Director
Born in Buffalo, New York and raised in Toronto, Canada, Nkem has decades of experience in community activism including founding a youth organization and a registered charity to advocate for social justice and create opportunities for high-risk communities, particularly Black youth. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Toronto and pursued her Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing from Georgia State University and Western Governors University respectively. Nkem is dedicated to using her extensive experience in non-profit management, political advocacy, Emergency and Home Health nursing, natural nutrition, e-commerce, business consulting and marketing, to help lead the organization with laser focus to accomplish its mission.
Masia Dailey - Volunteer Coordinator
My name is Masia M. Dailey. I have an extensive background in Early Childhood Education, Money Management and Household Budgeting. I absolutely love to work in the community, volunteering on a weekly basis at numerous community service programs and projects for over a decade with a focus on feeding the hungry and homeless populations. Continually obtaining Knowledge of Self and learning how to optimize one’s health are priorities of mine that I feel all can benefit from. I believe that with a commitment to learning and taking care of each other, we can all make a real difference. I love to be of service to those in need and look forward to applying my passion for service within the Foundation.