MBCRE will sunset on December 31, 2025. As the journey ends, we acknowledge the milestones that have defined our impact and the lessons that will pave the way for the next set of torch bearers.
In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, many in the business community acknowledged that they could play a more meaningful role in making our state a safer space for Black Minnesotans to work, live, and prosper. More than 80+ companies joined MBCRE to work towards shared goals.
Much of our efforts in our inaugural year focused on putting in place the necessary people, tools, and protocols to launch the coalition. We listened to the community to learn what it felt was needed and took appropriate action on behalf of our member companies.
We created convening pillars in the areas of philanthropy, workplace, policy, and allyship. We also developed the Allyship Toolkit and shared it among member companies as a benchmark for best practices.
“MCBRE is an amazing and essential asset in Minnesota. During these difficult times, marked by racial inequity, we are grateful to have them as a resource to help our organization move forward.”
— Jen Dobossy and Andriel Dees,Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System
Tri-chairs James Burroughs, Lee Anderson, and Reba Dominski co-wrote the Star Tribune op-ed, New Business Coalition is Investing in Racial Justice. They cited a report that found “the opportunity cost of racism in Minnesota, via loss of income, lack of homeownership, tax burdens, and business losses, is estimated to be $287 billion,” further cementing the need for broad action to improve the economic mobility of Black Minnesotans.
2022 marked the first year of leadership under Tiffani Daniels, on loan from General Mills, with more than 60 members of the business community partnering to advance racial equity together. Daniels pivoted MBCRE’s focus to advance Employment Opportunity; invest in and support Black Business Development; and influence policy in housing, safety and policing through our Community Well-Being pillar. Rising diversity, paired with continued economic exclusion, posed a core challenge that the business community had to address to remain competitive and support our regional economy.
MBCRE identified Twin Cities’ Black-owned media as not only worthy of support, but also as a central partner in amplifying the coalition’s work. It highlighted content from Black media in a special policy newsletter throughout the Minnesota legislative session that was sent to members’ inboxes. MBCRE also published sponsored content in the Spokesman-Recorder to shine a light on MBCRE member GreenLight Fund Twin Cities’ then-new L.E.A.D. program. MBCRE’s media coverage included op-eds published in the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press.
MBCRE’s commitment to Black talent retention continued with a deliberate investment of time and resources into ERGs at our member companies. In addition to social convenings, we connected members with powerful voices like that of activist Kevin Powell, who spoke at our Juneteenth celebration.
Our investment in the community took shape through several initiatives, including support of legislation that earmarked $150 million to assist with homeownership and $70 million in grants allocated for youth programming.
MBCRE also gave members expanded access to TurnSignl, a mobile app that connects motorists to an attorney in the midst of a traffic stop—at a time when the news was filled with Black drivers being harmed or killed during encounters that began as routine.
2023 was also the year that MBCRE raised $2.5 million for the Black Collective Foundation MN and fueled $3.2 million in deposits at First Independence Bank, the latter expanded opportunities in the community for business owners to get financing and for home-buyers to secure a mortgage.
We invested 60% of our revenue in Black businesses and continued to convene members at All-Hands Meetings and other in-person events for meaningful dialogue.
These deposits will assist in our capacity-building of resources and have a positive impact on our communities.
—Damon Jenkins, First Independence Bank
At the top of the year, we assessed what it would take for the MBCRE to continue moving forward while expanding opportunity. It remained abundantly clear that the pursuit of racial equity was not merely a priority, but a fundamental imperative for the people of Minnesota, our business community, and the long-term vitality of our state’s economy.After three years as managing director, Tiffani Daniels returned to General Mills and transitioned to a voluntary role as MBCRE’s Advisory Council chair. Dr. Angela Spranger was hired as interim managing director, and our top priority became responding to members’ needs for support as they continued to advocate for racially equitable policies inside and outside their organizations.
“While we have made some progress, the road to equity requires continued effort.”
— Dr. Angela Spranger
While MBCRE began with about 80 members in 2020, it closed 2024 with only 26 actively participating members. The coalition still sought to offer meaningful programming in response to the expressed needs.
Virtual Member Learning Sessions offered interactive, hour-long discussions centered on specific topics — such as creating actionable practices — while C-Suite Convenings were intimate, in-person breakfast meetings that explored how leaders’ commitment to social impact can drive business growth. These gatherings facilitated honest dialogue and learnings across companies and industries.
All-Hands Meetings continued to bring together MBCRE member companies at all levels and across functions—from DEI to government relations to philanthropy, and from HR to supplier diversity. These meetings fostered discussions on racial equity, highlighted actions to take, and amplified the collective impact of a business community working together.
MBCRE’s continued commitment to support members was reflected in talent development and retention. The coalition launched the 2nd Minnesota Black Fellows Cohort with The Partnership. MBCRE also launched an Expanding Equity cohort, a three-month program created by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to help members stay on track with DEI principals through deeper learning around equity-focused themes.We truly appreciate the continued leadership and investment from U.S. Bank, General Mills, and Best Buy, which made multi-year commitments to sustain MBCRE programming. We also value all the companies that joined, renewed, and made long-term pledges to the coalition.
Under a new federal administration the pursuit of racial equity was met with increased tension, intentional road blocks and the dismantling of related programs. The coalition remained steadfast in its commitment to member support by welcoming the third cohort of Black Minnesota Fellows and launching our supplier diversity cohort. We welcomed veteran experts to provide guidance and created space for members to converse in real time regarding the challenges they were facing including an event with Twin Cities Diversity in Practice centering the wisdom of Mary-Frances Winters.We hosted a healing-and-action event following the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. Guided by Dr. Catherine Squires, members practiced a series of reflective writing prompts, gentle movement and breathing practices. We also experimented with practices to ground and explore where, when, and how we might build capacity to skillfully engage with others during uncertain times.
“The seeding of this endowment is the next marker on the path. The BCF possesses the fuel necessary to keep the flame steady and growing.” – James Burroughs
“This endowment is a critical step toward long-term, self-determined prosperity. Social change calls for constant revision, and we must be willing to redo, refine, and reimagine our efforts until we get it right.”
—Lulete Mola, Black Collective Foundation