As we close out Black History Month, we must reflect on the vital role of Black non-profit leaders. Often lacking in funding and support, Black non-profit leaders are driving the work to liberate Black communities and bring in an age of equity and reconciliation. This week, we welcome Travis Claybrooks, founder and CEO of the Raphah Institute. Raphah Institute envisions a cradle-to-homeownership pipeline that has replaced the cradle-to-prison pipeline. Through partnerships and programming, Raphah helps marginalized community members access the housing, healthcare, social support, education, and economic resources they need to heal and thrive. Travis completed his Master of Divinity at Liberty University and is a doctoral candidate in Strategic Leadership there. He has worked as a police officer in Nashville, TN, served in the US Army, and ministered as a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. Travis is an active community volunteer. He holds membership on the First Horizon Bank Community Advisory Board, the Partners in Care Stakeholder Committee, the Nashville Group Violence Intervention Advisory Board, the Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment Steering Committee, Adverse Childhood Experiences Nashville Leadership Committee, the Nashville Child and Youth Collaborative, and the Nashville Health Equity Coalition. He is a restorative justice practitioner and trainer. Travis previously served as a Restorative Justice Working Group member at the United States Department of Justice. He is launching an expansion of Raphah Institute’s Restorative Justice Diversion Initiative in partnership with the Memphis/Shelby County DA, Juvenile Court, Public Defender, and community organizations. Raphah is also piloting a community investment project in early childhood education in HUD housing communities in Nashville. Travis enjoys playing video games and weekend outings with his family. He is a North Nashville native residing in White House, TN.

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Your gift of $250 will support our efforts to provide free programs and events that educate the public about both positive and adverse childhood experiences, like this one, our Historical Trauma in America series and our Creating Resilient Communities Accelerator.  Your gift of $1,500 will ensure that our top-rated podcast, History. Culture, Trauma., continues to raise awareness of historical trauma, racism, and social determinants of health. A monthly contribution of $250 will support the PACEs Connection Resource Center for an entire year. The cost to sponsor a community in our Cooperative of Communities is $5,000 annually.  The strength of our organization is evidenced by our support of our members and communities. Any amount is helpful and appreciated.

             With Love & Justice,