Financial Literacy
& Planning
Responding to the research done by the
African American Leadership Association
of Milwaukee (AALAM), J.A.Y. intends to
reset and grow the value of Milwaukee's
Black dollar. Attacking this point of leverage
at a local level allows us to create impact
across a span of disparities i.e., housing,
food security, and employment.
Professional
Development
Wisconsin has the largest employment
disparity of any U.S. state among white and
Black workers ages 25-54. While 85% of
white residents that age are employed, just
61% of Blacks of the same age have jobs, the
biggest difference among all states. The
unemployment difference between Black
and whites was also noted as the biggest
disparity in the nation — nearly 9% and 3.3%.
Financial Literacy & Planning
1. Transitional Housing: Four apartments located above the center will be used as
transitional housing for a Fellowship program for first-time homebuyers.
2. Collect Your Coins: A workshop series taught by industry professionals focused on
financial literacy i.e., budgeting, banking, saving, credit, and investment.
3. Riches or Wealth?: Continuous series featuring known personalities, addressing the
difference between being rich and being wealthy.
4. Coin Coach: Black Financial Advisors will be available for one-on-one mentorship.
Professional Development
1. Secure the Bag: A career-preparedness module that walks through the steps of
interviewing i.e., resume review, portfolio creation, networking, and interview skills.
2. Pipeline Program: We will partner with local businesses on job placement for those
who complete our Professional Development modules.
3. Discover Your Dream: Keynote discussions led by professionals across a diaspora of
industries to educate members on different trades, professions & career opportunities.
4. On-Site Internship: Internship opportunities will be available, feeding to entities
within the J.A.Y. Portfolio.
Politics for the People
Milwaukee County, with around 950,000
residents, is home to 240,000 African
Americans, or 69% of the state’s Black
population. The highest concentration is in
the city of Milwaukee, which largely remains
segregated. In order to shift this dynamic
and bring the power back to the people, it is
necessary to educate the people on the
power they hold and organize them for change.
Politics for the People
1. What’s Good?: A resource bank to educate the community on what’s happening on the
city, state & federal level, and how this effects them locally.
2. Your Voice, Your Vote: Monthly discussions with local leaders to reinforce the power
of lifting your voice through your vote. Includes Voter Registration.
3. Organize Now!: Resources available on-site to assist local grassroots organizers i.e.
protest signs, permit assistance, face masks, water bottles
4. New Pathways: 18-month rehabilitation program for incarcerated adults who are
restarting their lives.
Life Readiness
New research on Black-white disparities in
Milwaukee shows that Black students attend
the most racially segregated schools in the
nation. This type of separation also includes
being separated from the resources that will
prepare the next generation of Black leaders
professionals and families.
Life Readiness
1. Meal Prep 101: Ongoing module that illustrates how to create health-conscious meal
plans, from budget to shopping to prep.
2. Blessing Box: Neighborhood food bank located within J.A.Y. Center.
3. The Workshop: A wifi-enabled digital lab filled with computers, printers, cameras,
Wacom tablets etc. available for members.
4. J.A.Y.’s Closet: Neighborhood run secondhand shop.
Arts Education
Paying homage to our namesake and
purpose, Arts Education will be a constant
within the walls of the J.A.Y. Center.
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With limited pathways available for Black
people in fashion, entertainment and
design, we aim to fill that gap and prepare
the next generation of creatives.
Arts Education
1. Skill Certification: Partner with design educators and existing programs to offer
certification in technical & graphic design.
2. J.A.Y. School: Six month education module that teaches the skillsets behind DJing,
songwriting, music production, contracting and licensing.
3. Up Next!: Live streamed monthly open mic.
4. Storytellers: Ongoing workshops led by industry professionals focused on storytelling
through product, music, photography or design.
Wellness
From 2014 to 2016, Black men in
Milwaukee lived, on average, 7.34 years less
than white men; Black women lived 5.61
years less than white women, which is 115
percent higher than the national racial
life-expectancy gap for women. In both
cases, much of the divide is attributable to
health disparities.
Wellness
1. Culinary Kings & Queens: Monthly hands-on workshops led by local Black chefs,
focused on the link between food and mental / physical health.
2. Basketball Tournament: Yearly tournament for local leagues.
3. Sister Circle: Monthly gathering of women leaders and community members, sparking
intergenerational support.
4. Get Well: Ongoing Q&As with medical professionals and advocates focused on health
education around vaccines, doctor - patient relationships and well checks.
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5. Speak Your Piece: A safe space for young Black men and mentors, to address the
challenging climate and mental health concerns.