Black United Fund of Illinois

The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) is designed to improve the quality of life for African Americans through reliance on self-help at the local community level. It encourages individuals to support economic development, alternative education projects, arts and culture, health and human service programs, social justice, legal services, research, and emergency needs. With this award, BUFI presents a screening of the documentary, The Big Payback, and hosts a panel discussion on reparations for Black residents of Evanston, Illinois.

Founded in 1985, the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) provides philanthropic support to projects and programs that address critical needs in African American communities. With this award, BUFI partners with Christianaire, Inc., a violence prevention initiative in the Shouth Shore neighborhood. Together they convene civic and community leaders to build trust between the police, elected officials, and city residents, and to collaborate in efforts to bring healing and reconciliation to the City of Chicago.