Greetings NCNC Folk.
I’d like to share both an update on the Black Wealth Builders resolution of 2023, as well as an invitation and a [loving] challenge. As you may recall, at our Annual Gathering in June, 2023, NCNC representatives from our churches voted affirmatively (with only one “no” vote) to support the Black Wealth Builders program, to encourage all Conference churches to consider learning about and engaging in the program, and to assign to the Conference Justice and Witness Team the role of implementing the Black Wealth Builders resolution.
Following the Annual Gathering we held an orientation for a number of churches, sharing three easy steps to implementing the Black Wealth Builders program in a congregational setting. A frew NCNC congregations have made some progress in making the Black Wealth Builders program a part of their ministry. Skyline Community Church has offered fundraising concerts. One of our sister churches, Epworth United Methodist Church in Berkeley, has made a significant commitment to support the BWB ministry. To date, they have raised more than $180,000. One of the most courageous and successful approaches that Epworth has taken is to place the Black Wealth Builders Fund on their annual pledge card. Each member is encourage to make a pledge to both the general ministry of the church, and a separate pledge to the Black Wealth Builders Fund.
The sad news is that the Justice and Witness Team went fallow for a period of time. During that time, there was no Conference-wide endeavor to promote or encourage participation in the program. The GOOD NEWS is that under the leadership of Associate Conference Minister Rhina Ramos, the Justice and Witness Team has been reestablished and our hopes are that this new Team will take the mantel of work to begin implementing the Black Wealth Builders resolution.
To bring you up to date, as of the beginning of August, 2026, we have raised and spent almost $1 million. Yes, we’ve spent every dollar we’ve raised through churches, real estate organizations, foundations, etc. What’s wonderful to tell you is that we’ve helped 54 Black families to buy their first home.
A quick reminder is that through assisting Black first-time homebuyers, we hope to address repair some of the structural damage that has resulted in generations of Black families and individuals being unable to purchase a home.
Here’s the invitation.
I invite every church in the Northern California Nevada Conference to have a discussion among the congregation. I’d like to suggest that the discussion focus on what it means to be a part of a denomination that works every day to heal the wounds that we inflict upon each other. What can one person do to affect change in our society. What can one congregation do to heal the change the lives of our brothers and sisters. I invite you to invite me to make a presentation at your church.
Here’s the challenge.
I challenge you to make supporting the Black Wealth Builder program one of the ways you live out your faith. I challenge you to be the one to start the conversation in your congregation. I challenge you to challenge others to join you in the conversation and in the work.
I am so very much aware of how busy we all are. How overwhelmed we all feel. How financially stretched many of us and many of our congregations are.
A pastor friend of mine used to always start a request of me with the words, “I’d like you to prayerfully consider….”
That’s what I’m asking you. Set aside your practical concerns for just a few moments and spend those moments in reflection. If you discern that this might be something for you to consider, send me an email at info@blackwealthbuilders.org.
When I shared about the Black Wealth Builders Fund with a young man some years ago he scoffed and said that what Susan and I started wasn’t going to change things. He was right. We haven’t cured racism, or poverty, or lack of healthcare and education, or employment. We haven’t changed the world. BUT WE HAVE MANAGED TO CHANGE THE FUTURE FOR 54 BLACK FAMILIES. Please help us to continue this important work into the future.
Rev. Barry Cammer
Co-founder, Black Wealth Builders Fund
