Working to end the school-to-prison pipeline in Washington State.

Student speaking during a classroom activity focused on learning and self-expression.

UFSI volunteer assisting students with a hands-on classroom activity focused on learning and engagement.

Two community partners smiling in front of an Up From Slavery Initiative banner.

UFSI volunteer supporting a student during a hands-on classroom activity focused on learning and mentorship.

Promotional graphic for the Women of Color Conference hosted by Up From Slavery Initiative

UFSI volunteer mentoring young students during a classroom activity focused on learning and encouragement.

Community partners standing together during a UFSI financial literacy program.

Three community leaders standing together at an indoor UFSI event.

Panel discussion featuring UFSI leaders speaking about community justice and empowerment at a public event.

UFSI leader speaking to an audience during a community event.

Participants engaging in a UFSI re-entry simulation during a community event.

Student presenting during a UFSI financial literacy class focused on money skills and confidence.

UFSI speaker addressing an audience during a community event focused on empowerment and engagement.

Participants engaging in a re-entry simulation at a UFSI community event.

UFSI co-founder and community partner standing beside an Up From Slavery Initiative mission banner.

Students and volunteers working together during a UFSI classroom activity focused on learning and collaboration.

Students and community mentors standing together during a UFSI classroom program.

Community partners posing together in a shared workspace during a UFSI gathering.

Students working on laptops during a UFSI financial literacy lesson focused on self-employment concepts.

Children participate in a hands-on learning activity at a classroom table while an adult facilitator guides them through a cr

A large group of children and adult mentors stand together holding certificates and a donation check during a celebration.

Teen participants engage in a group discussion and problem-solving activity during a financial literacy workshop

Community partners standing together indoors following a UFSI event.

Promotional flyer for a UFSI men’s wellness golf event focused on prostate cancer awareness, held July 13, 2024

UFSI volunteer guiding students through a collaborative classroom activity focused on learning and creativity.

Promotional flyer for the World Peace Day Leadership Retreat focused on inner peace and community healing, held September 21,

Participants taking part in a UFSI re-entry simulation during a community event.

Community leaders and partners gather in a library for a collaborative meeting focused on education, equity, and community.

Students presenting project ideas during a collaborative classroom activity.

Promotional graphic for the Banking Beyond Bars program highlighting financial access opportunities for individuals

Developed from firsthand experience, the UP From Slavery Initiative offers marginalized youth and adults of color a Pathway to Freedom from the school-to-prison pipeline.

RACIAL JUSTICE

Fighting Racial Inequality and Social Injustice

Despite claims that racism ended with slavery, we still see blatant discrimination and bias in media, leadership, and communities. We craft programs to train schools, law enforcement, and other institutions on Black culture and history. These conversations, though tough, are crucial for uniting communities, addressing stereotypes, and ending the school-to-prison pipeline.

RACIAL JUSTICE

UFSI volunteer mentoring a young student during a classroom activity focused on learning, encouragement, and youth

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Building Wealth By Planning Financial Futures

Proper money management is essential to avoid lifelong financial mistakes. We help youth and adults navigate budgeting, saving, investments, and business—in addition to college and employment to help recover credit, promote home ownership, prevent bankruptcy, manage personal loans, and set up long-term financial planning.

FINANCIAL LITERACY

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Addressing Mental Health Disparities

The Black community battles with high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Yet, culturally, seeking help is often discouraged due to concerns about privacy or a show of strength and resilience among black individuals and families. We aim to raise awareness of mental health and empower youth to seek support and advocate for their needs.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Smiling young man representing UFSI youth leadership programs and positive outcomes for participants.

SUPPORT

Help build a better future for all.

Make a difference by donating, volunteering, and advocating for real change in our communities.