From Origin to Evolution Part 2

Black Wealth Unlocked

S2: Episode 2

From Origin to Evolution Part 2

About The Episode

One statistic stands out in this conversation because it represents the work that the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative has set itself: currently, 2 million Black households in the American South have zero net worth. With its rebranding into Kindred Futures and a team of experts walking arm-in-arm towards the same goal, the AWBI wants to change that. Tune into this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked to find out how.

In this second part of the conversation between Dr Janelle Williams and social justice advocate Tene Traylor, they lift the lid on why the AWBI will become Kindred Futures and what the new name means for them and their mission. Listen in as they discuss the need to create shared wealth in the Black community and what they want to achieve within the next five years, including what they would like the conversation around Kindred Futures to be.

As Tene states in this episode, the work that Kindred Futures will engage in isn’t just head work, it’s heart work. As such, it requires support from a community of people who share the vision of creating freedom through shared wealth in the Black community. 

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AWBI’s Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo​

From Origin to Evolution Part 1

Black Wealth Unlocked

S2: Episode 1

From Origin to Evolution Part 1

About The Episode

“When we think about success, it’s so easy to be seduced by the outliers. And the outliers are really important. But we need to think about ‘How do we move the mean?’” On this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, Dr Janelle Williams talks with philanthropist and social justice advocate Tene Traylor about soul work and building a better future for America’s Black communities, in Atlanta and beyond.

Tene breaks down the problem with focussing effort and attention on the ‘Talented Ten’ instead of the ‘Talented Ninety’ in the Black community and underlines why we need to work on creating shared wealth as opposed to individual wealth. Listen out for Dr Janelle’s North Star goal for Tene unpacking why now is the time to make societal changes.

This conversation is so important and thought-provoking that it’s been split into two parts, with the second half featuring a deep dive on what’s next for Kindred Futures. 

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Empowering Black Businesses: The Key Role of Ecosystem Building

Black Wealth Unlocked

S1:Episode 6

Empowering Black Businesses: The Key Role of Ecosystem Building

About The Episode

Your business can’t thrive in isolation. If you want to grow your revenue and make strategic decisions about the future, you need support and advice from people in the know. That’s what you can expect to find if you join an organization like the Atlanta Black Chambers, the Atlanta Business League, or the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network. On this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, host Kim Addie talks to three Black titans of business about building a business ecosystem and what the future holds for the Black-owned businesses of Atlanta.

Leona Barr-Davenport, Elizabeth Wilson, and Melvin M. Coleman explain what they do in their organizations to support Black entrepreneurship and what attracted them to this work in the first place. Then they share the achievements they’re most proud of and the reason why, although their organizations have similar objectives, they’re not in competition with each other. Listen out for their advice for new entrepreneurs which is great for any new business owner who’s feeling like they didn’t know what they were letting themselves in for!

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Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

The South Has Something To Say

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AWBI’s Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo​

Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

Black Wealth Unlocked

S1:Episode 5

Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

About The Episode

Atlanta is a hub for many Black-owned businesses that play a crucial role in their communities, but even the most beloved institutions can fail. In the latest episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, AWBI’s Dr. Alex Camardelle and Jarryd Bethea discuss AWBI’s recent study into Black-owned businesses and how we can support them.

Bethea unpacks the data that shows a positive link between Black-owned businesses in a neighborhood and increased child well-being in that same area. He also explains why the numbers don’t capture the full picture of what Black-owned businesses look like in Atlanta. Then the conversation moves onto the challenges that Black-owned businesses in today’s business environment, from rent hikes to lack of access to capital.

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Empowering Black Businesses: The Key Role of Ecosystem Building

The South Has Something To Say

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

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The South Has Something To Say

Black Wealth Unlocked

S1:Episode 4

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

About The Episode

In this episode of the series, host Dr. Janelle Williams is joined by esteemed guests Tamieka Mosley from GrantMakers for Southern Progress, Kelly Burton from Black Innovation Alliance, and April Albritton from Black Voters Matter, as they delve deep into the importance of collective power, shared experiences, and the assault on Black communities within the diaspora.

Our guest speakers share their personal journeys and experiences, highlighting the power of grassroots organizing and using the law to fight for justice. They touch upon landmark cases, such as the Black farmers’ lawsuit, where reparations were not fully attained but progress was made in reclaiming land taken from them.

The discussion also reveals the powerful connection between economic empowerment and political participation, showcasing the transformational impact of providing mortgages to the Black communities. Our guests stress the importance of understanding the historical movements for independence and supporting nations fighting for wealth-building policies.

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Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

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AWBI’s Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo​

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

Black Wealth Unlocked

S1:Episode 3

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

About The Episode

In this episode, host Kim Addie, Vice President of Strategy and Impact at the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, and special guest Harriett Williams, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Village Micro Fund, as they delve into the transformative power of partnerships in building and empowering Black businesses. In this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, you’ll discover how Village Micro Fund is bridging the gap in investments for underserved communities and providing creative financial solutions.

Together, Kim and Harriett explore the importance of trust and meaningful relationships in empowering communities. They discuss the urgent need to address the predicted decline in Black families net worth and the innovative community wealth-building practices that can reverse this trend.

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Empowering Black Businesses: The Key Role of Ecosystem Building

Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

The South Has Something To Say

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AWBI’s Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo​

Strategies For Advancing Economic Justice and Liberation

Black Wealth Unlocked

S1:Episode 2

Strategies For Advancing Economic Justice and Liberation

About The Episode

In this episode, AWBI CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Janelle Williams and AWBI VP of Research and Policy Dr. Alex Camardelle delve into the concept of Black wealth and its significance for the Black community. In this thought-provoking episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative’s groundbreaking podcast, they explore how wealth equates to freedom and liberation, along with the role that data and public policy play in shaping Black wealth outcomes.

Janelle and Alex also explore the dynamic and diverse meaning of Black wealth, and how it is vital to create better outcomes for Black communities. Through this episode, discover how Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative is working towards building Black wealth by amplifying community voices, challenging policymakers and philanthropy, and rewriting existing policies and practices.

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Empowering Black Businesses: The Key Role of Ecosystem Building

Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

The South Has Something To Say

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

AWBI’s Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo​

AWBI’s Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo​

Black Wealth Unlocked

S1:Episode 1

AWBI's Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo

About The Episode

In this episode, AWBI CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Dr. Janelle Williams invites a special guest, co-founder of AWBI, Tené Traylor, to the mic for an intimate conversation about the genesis, growth, and the future of AWBI. Join us as Janelle and Tené traverse the remarkable journey of AWBI including the organization’s birth during the challenging times such as the pandemic and civil unrest, its unwavering commitment to Black empowerment, and its profound impact on communities in Atlanta and beyond. Janelle and Tené also discuss the future of the AWBI and its mission to redefine wealth for Black communities, focusing on shared prosperity as the cornerstone of its vision.

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Empowering Black Businesses: The Key Role of Ecosystem Building

Standing On Business: The Role of Black Businesses

The South Has Something To Say

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

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A Beloved Community, A Brighter Tomorrow: Acknowledgements, Methodology & Technical Notes

A Beloved Community, A Brighter Tomorrow: A Call for Climate Resilience to Safeguard Wealth in the City of Atlanta​

References

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  2. United Nations. “Atlanta: Building up Climate Resilience.” United Nations. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/atlanta-building-climate-resilience.
  3. Risk and Resilience: How Weather-Related Disasters  Impact Economically Marginalized Communities. 2024. https://www.atlantafed.org/-/media/documents/community-development/publications/discussion-papers/2024/02-risk-and-resilience-how-weather-related-disasters-impact-economically-marginalized-communities.pdf.
  4. United Nations. “What Is Climate Change?” United Nations. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change.
  5. Hand, Emma, David Shaffer, Linda Willard, Clarence Hawkes, Rebecca Kennedy, and Dena Sholk. “Utility Disconnections and Shutoffs.” Energy Law Journal 46, no. 2 (n.d.): 299–334. https://www.eba-net.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7-Hand-et-al299-334.pdf.
  6. US EPA, OAR. “Climate Change Impacts on Energy.” Overviews and Factsheets. October 19, 2022. https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-energy.
  7. Brink, Derek Van Dam, Haley. “‘Hotlanta’ Is Even More Sweltering in These Neighborhoods Due to a Racist 20th-Century Policy.” CNN, September 18, 2021. https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/18/weather/extreme-urban-heat-environmental-racism-climate.
  8. Jeremy S. Hoffman, Ph.D. “THROWING SHADE IN RVA.” Accessed September 2, 2025. http://jeremyscotthoffman.com/throwing-shade.
  9. Kann, Drew, and Meris Lutz. “Heat Risk Is Growing. These Are Atlanta’s Most Vulnerable Neighborhoods.” Local News. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, n.d. https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/heat-risk-is-growing-these-are-atlantas-most-vulnerable-neighborhoods/BBMOP3BNH5CQDEWBHRWCDVUP5M/#:~:text=Extreme%20heat%20and%20humidity%20of,urban%20landscape%20and%20mitigating%20flooding.&text=The%20findings%20come%20during%20an,to%20keep%20this%20city%20livable.%E2%80%9D.
  10. Southern Environmental Law Center. “Tackling the South’s Energy Burden.” August 27, 2025. https://www.selc.org/news/tackling-the-souths-energy-burden/.
  11. Brookings. “How Extreme Heat Threatens Black Renters, and What Policymakers Can Do to Fix It.” Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-extreme-heat-threatens-black-renters-and-what-policymakers-can-do-to-fix-it/.
  12. Aspen Institute. “From Rent to Riches? A Profile on the Wealth and Financial Well-Being of Renter Households.” November 14, 2024. https://www.aspeninstitute.org/publications/from-rent-to-riches-a-profile-on-renter-wealth/.
  13. Kindred Futures. Roots of Wealth. n.d. https://kindredfutures.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RootsofWealth-R4.pdf.
  14. Zillow Media Room. “Climate Risk Threatens to Widen the Racial Wealth Gap – May 13, 2025.” Accessed September 1, 2025. https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-05-13-Climate-risk-threatens-to-widen-the-racial-wealth-gap.
  15. Brookings. “The U.S. Needs Better, More Accessible Home Weatherization Programs.” Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-u-s-needs-better-more-accessible-home-weatherization-programs/.
  16. Brookings. “The U.S. Needs Better, More Accessible Home Weatherization Programs.” Accessed September 1, 2025. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-u-s-needs-better-more-accessible-home-weatherization-programs/.
  17. Tonn, Bruce, Erin Rose, Beth Hawkins, and Michaela Marincic. “Health and Financial Benefits of Weatherizing Low-Income Homes in the Southeastern United States.” Building and Environment 197 (June 2021): 107847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107847.
  18. CLEAN ENERGY ATLANTA. “WeatheRISE ATL.” Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.100atl.com/weatherise-atl.
  19. “Owner-Occupied Rehab.” Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.investatlanta.com/homebuyers/owner-occupied-rehab.
  20. “Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience.” https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-sustainability-and-resilience.
  21. xxi Howell, Junia, and James Elliott. “Damages Done: The Longitudinal Impacts of Natural Hazards on Wealth Inequality in the United States.” Social Problems 66, no. 3 (n.d.): 448–67. https://academic.oup.com/socpro/article-abstract/66/3/448/5074453.
  22. Rae, Matthew. “The Implications of Federal SNAP Spending Cuts on Individuals with Medicaid, Medicare and Other Health Coverage.” KFF, June 26, 2025. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/the-implications-offederal-snap-spending-cuts-on-individuals-with-medicaid-and-other-health-coverage/. 
  23. “The Truth About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.” https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-truth-about-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-acts-cuts-to-medicaid-and-medicare/.
  24. “Protecting Older Adults From the Growing Threats of Extreme Heat.” https://www.americanprogress.org/article/protecting-older-adults-from-the-growing-threats-of-extreme-heat/.
  25. U.S. Department of Energy. “Weatherization Assistance Program.” Accessed September 19, 2025. https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program.
  26. U.S. Department of Energy. “Weatherization Assistance Program Allocation Formula.” Accessed September 19, 2025. https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program-allocation-formula.
  27. “The Implementation Timeline of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-implementation-timeline-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/.
  28. “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services.” Accessed September 19, 2025. https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap. 
  29. “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).” May 7, 2025. https://acf.gov/ocs/programs/liheap.
  30. “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services.” Accessed September 19, 2025. https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.
  31. “Trump Guts LIHEAP, Threatening $378M in Energy Assistance Already Approved by Congress | Utility Dive.” Accessed September 19, 2025. https://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-guts-liheap-threatening-378-million-energy-assistance-already-approved/744323/.
  32. https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy26_lhhs_bill_text.pdf#page=96.
  33. “House Bill 1263 .” https://legiscan.com/GA/text/HB1263/2023.
  34. “GA House Bill 346.” https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20192020/181736. 
  35. “GA House Bill 404.” https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/229083.
  36. Olmos, Anastassia. “‘It Fell Short’: Mableton Mayor Says Renters’ Rights Ordinance Fills Gap in State Law.” Https://Www.Atlantanewsfirst.Com, October 1, 2025. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/10/01/it-fell-short-mableton-mayor-says-renters-rights-ordinance-fills-gap-state-law/.
  37. https://mableton.gov/safe-housing-ordinance-1
  38. Olmos, Anastassia. “‘It Fell Short’: Mableton Mayor Says Renters’ Rights Ordinance Fills Gap in State Law.” Https://Www.Atlantanewsfirst.Com, October 1, 2025. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/10/01/it-fell-short-mableton-mayor-says-renters-rights-ordinance-fills-gap-state-law/.
  39. Local Solutions Support Center. “Equitable Housing.” Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.supportdemocracy.org/equitablehousing.

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A Beloved Community, A Brighter Tomorrow: References

A Beloved Community, A Brighter Tomorrow: A Call for Climate Resilience to Safeguard Wealth in the City of Atlanta​

Acknowledgements, Methodology & Technical Notes

Acknowledgements

This report was authored by the Policy & Research Department of Kindred Futures, including: Alex Camardelle, Ph.D; Joseph-Emery Kouaho, Ph.D; Miriam Van Dyke, Ph.D, M.P.H.; and Joni Webster, Ph.D, M.P.H.

This report was made possible with generous support from the Sustainable Cities Fund.

We acknowledge and appreciate the lived expertise and perspectives shared by community members in this report. We thank those who engaged with us in this endeavor for entrusting us with their stories so we can collectively strive for a brighter future.

Special thanks to Mike Carnathon and Tommy Pearce of Neighborhood Nexus for critical support in the implementation of the community resident survey and Saba Long of Atlanta Civic Circle for media and communications support throughout this initiative.

We are also grateful to the Atlanta Partnership Table for their partnership in stewarding this work and providing expert feedback on an early version of the community resident survey.

We are especially grateful to Janelle Williams, Ph.D, Chief Executive Officer of Kindred Futures, and Katrice Mines, Senior Storytelling and Communications Associate, for their thoughtful review and editorial guidance and Streamlined Media & Communications LLC for the report design and data visualization.

Methodology & Technical Notes:

Survey: Kindred Futures partnered with Neighborhood Nexus to conduct a survey to gather residents’ opinions on climate change, weatherization, utility bills, and their families’ ability to build wealth. The survey was fielded June 16 – June 23, 2025, and respondents were recruited using a combination of direct email and text message outreach using Atlanta POV, a panel of City of Atlanta residents, and registered voter lists. Residents from Southwest Atlanta zipcodes were oversampled, given the disproportionate climate risk burden Southwest communities experience. The first 200 people to complete the survey received a $50 gift card incentive. A total of 385 City of Atlanta residents completed the survey. The distribution of participant residence zipcodes is visualized below. The six zip codes with the highest number of participants included: 30331, 30311, 30310, 30354, 30315, and 30318. These zip codes represented 261 of the 385 total survey respondents. Survey responses were analyzed by Neighborhood Nexus using Microsoft Excel.

Interviews: Kindred Futures conducted five in-depth semi-structured interviews with four community residents (three renters, one homeowner) and one Atlanta business owner to understand how they are affected by climate change and extreme weather events. Participants provided their consent. The interviews covered participant characteristics, housing and business tenure, climate awareness and risks, home and business weatherization, energy and utility costs, neighborhood environment and infrastructure, and participant-informed recommendations for lawmakers for solutions to help manage the impact of climate change and extreme weather. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was performed using MAXQDA.

Maps: Administrative data from various sources were mapped at the census tract and zip code level using PolicyMap.

Data indicators included:

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