ORLANDO – Dear Partners and Friends,
Following the recent announcement of our appointments as interim co-Chief Executive Officers (co-CEOs) of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), we wanted to share our vision for the future and reflect on the enduring legacy of the late Inez Long. As BBIF continues its mission, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to economic development and support for diverse entrepreneurs.
It is with profound respect and gratitude that we step into these roles. Inez Long was a remarkable leader whose vision and dedication shaped BBIF into the CDFI powerhouse it is today. Her legacy is one of empowering and providing economic resources to underserved communities, and we are committed to continuing her vision. Our focus remains on empowering Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and other underserved entrepreneurs through innovative financial solutions and unwavering support.
Working alongside Inez for many years has prepared us to uphold and advance her vision. The strength of BBIF lies in its team, and together, we embody the resilience and determination that Inez instilled in us. We are confident in our ability to navigate this transition and lead BBIF into a future that honors her incredible contributions. The true mark of Inez’s leadership is the thriving organization she left behind, filled with capable and passionate individuals ready to carry the torch.
As BBIF moves forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering economic development and supporting diverse entrepreneurs. We assure our funders, partners, and the community that BBIF’s mission and values are stronger than ever.
We want our stakeholders to know that while the loss of Inez was great, her spirit and drive live on within us and the entire BBIF family. We are united in our purpose and resilient in our approach, ready to face the challenges ahead and seize new opportunities for growth and impact.
Our organization is stronger than ever and will continue to execute on our strategy with precision and passion. We will continue to carry the torch forward, building on the momentum created by Inez. Our leadership team is dedicated, experienced, and committed to driving progress, innovating, and delivering results.
Warm regards,
Duane Lewis and Oraine Reid
Interim Co-Chief Executive Officers
Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF)
