The Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund celebrated a powerful milestone this fall—its 5th Anniversary—bringing together donors, grantees, partners, and community members for an afternoon filled with laughter, purpose, and heartfelt reflection. What unfolded was more than an anniversary celebration; it was a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to strengthening Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the state.

The event featured a dynamic fireside chat with two special guests: award-winning actor, comedian, and producer Anthony Anderson, and Denver native and acclaimed writer/director Dallas Jackson. Their conversation, moderated by BRIC founder and executive director LaDawn Sullivan, served as an energizing reminder that passion, persistence, and collective action remain essential ingredients for building thriving Black communities.

Throughout the afternoon, Anderson and Jackson shared personal stories, lessons learned, and energized the audience with calls to invest deeply—in ourselves, in each other, and in the work that strengthens our communities.

“I’m a firm believer that I have willed everything into my life; I’ve manifested it … and we all have that power, so tap into it, believe in it and spread it, then it will come back to you tenfold,” shared Anderson.

Jackson echoed this spirit, reminding attendees that following a dream requires courage and consistency. His own path began in Denver, continued through Los Angeles mailrooms, and eventually led to writing and producing films and TV series. “Listen to the dream in your heart,” he urged. “It’s never too late to start working on that dream, so take things one step at a time, put one foot in front of the other, and go do it.”

In addition to storytelling and inspiration, guests were encouraged to prioritize wellness, protect their peace, and hold one another accountable for health and prevention—an affirmation that resilient communities begin with resilient individuals.

The anniversary offered space to reflect on BRIC’s extraordinary growth and influence since its founding on Juneteenth 2020. In just five years, BRIC has become one of the most significant philanthropic initiatives supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Colorado.

  • $6 million invested in more than 400 organizations across housing, education, health, cultural preservation, economic justice, and more.
  • Over $200,000 in low-interest capital improvement loans for Black-led nonprofits.
  • Leadership and organizational development delivered to 300+ leaders of color.
  • Support in helping historically marginalized organizations secure $33 million in capacity grants statewide.

Board chair Javon Brame underscored the meaning behind the Fund’s name: “Black resilience is the force that continues to drive us forward. It’s a story of unbreakable strength.”


He added, “BRIC was built by us, for us, and with us. It ensures that Black voices will continue to be heard.”

Sullivan reflected on her vision for the Fund—conceived seven years before its launch—and the power of what the community can build when resources are moved where they matter most. “As we enter our next chapter,” she said, “we will continue to build pathways for equity, ownership and opportunity—BRIC by BRIC—so that our past and our present are never forgotten.”

With sponsorship support led by The Colorado Health Foundation, the 5th Anniversary Celebration honored the achievements of BRIC’s first chapter while rallying the community for what comes next. The stories shared, the wisdom offered, and the commitments reaffirmed all pointed toward a collective vision: a future where Black communities throughout Colorado thrive through investment, advocacy, and unwavering resilience.

As BRIC looks toward the years ahead, the celebration served as a reminder that while much has been accomplished, the work continues—and the strength of the community will continue to fuel the journey forward. Visit bricfund.org to find out how you can help strengthen Colorado’s Black communities, BRIC by BRIC, through the power of your 5T’s – time, talent, treasure, testimony, and social ties.