PROUD PARTNERS + FUNDERS
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
SOL Development: Founding Partner
SOL Development
BE-IMAGINATIVE was founded in partnership with SOL Development (Source of Light) — an Oakland based Hip-Hop, Soul, and Jazz collective of educators and freedom fighters whose music mirrors Nina Simone’s quintessential words: “It’s an artist’s duty is to reflect the times.” The band offers music to illuminate today’s socio-cultural and political climate, matching it with a sound that allows the listener to feel empowered in finding their activism and healing.
The band released their full-length debut album, The SOL of Black Folk: Of The Dawn of Freedom in February 2019. The album title pays homage to W.E.B Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk and is especially connected to his chapter “Of the Dawn of Freedom.” SOL Development’s hope filled messages have created and supported spaces centered around healing Black and Brown communities. Evidence of their work, of which has received national acclaim, can be found in the Emmy award-winning film Dear Beloved: Music & Storytelling with SOL Development & BE-IMAGINATIVE.
The Song Remedy: Sister Organization
The Song Remedy
BE-IMAGINATIVE’s sister organization, The Song Remedy, is a collective of Black and Brown women-identified educators and facilitators cultivating sacred spaces for communities to heal from oppression individually, interpersonally and institutionally through rituals, song, affirmations work, critical consciousness development, and bearing witness to collective struggle and healing.
The Song Remedy was founded by Brittany Tanner after experiencing the profound impact of a BE-IMAGINATIVE healing circle. Inspired by this transformative experience, The Song Remedy emerged as a product of BE-IMAGINATIVE's commitment to fostering healing and well-being. Together, we collaborate to create and hold healing experiences that empower individuals and communities to thrive. This partnership exemplifies our shared dedication to harnessing the power of creativity and connection for personal and collective healing.
fiscal sponsor
DADS EVOKING CHANGE
Dads Evoking Change serves as BE-IMAGINATIVE's fiscal sponsor, a vital role that enables us to access grants and resources as a 501(c)(3) organization. Through this partnership, we uphold our commitment to charitable work by offering free healing experiences to individuals who may not have the means to access such opportunities. By leveraging Dads Evoking Change's nonprofit status, we can expand our impact and ensure that everyone has access to transformative healing experiences that promote well-being and community empowerment. This collaboration exemplifies our shared dedication to creating positive change and fostering inclusivity within our initiatives.
FUNDERS
PICO CALIFORNIA
In 2017, BE-IMAGINATIVE received its initial seed funding from Pico, California, during its ideation phase. This crucial support provided the foundation to turn ideas into action, empowering us to launch and begin our mission of fostering creativity and social impact. The partnership with Pico California marked a significant milestone, fueling our journey to inspire positive change through innovative initiatives and community engagement.
KATALY FOUNDATION
The Kataly Foundation is a valued funder of BE-IMAGINATIVE, supporting our mission to empower communities of color to realize their visions for justice, well-being, and shared prosperity. They are committed to advancing a world where Black and brown individuals have the resources, power, and agency to shape their own destinies and drive collective liberation. By partnering with the Kataly Foundation, we are working together to dismantle systemic barriers and foster self-determination within communities of color, aligning our efforts toward a more just and equitable future for all.
AKONADI FOUNDATION
The Akonadi Foundation is our esteemed funder, dedicated to advancing racial justice and eliminating structural racism. Through their strategic investments in racial justice organizing and policy advocacy, the Akonadi Foundation is instrumental in our collective efforts to create a racially just Oakland where young people of color can thrive. Their emphasis on ending the criminalization of Black youth and youth of color aligns closely with our mission, and we are honored to collaborate with them in driving enduring systems change and fostering equitable and empowering communities. Together with the Akonadi Foundation, we are committed to making a meaningful impact and advancing our shared vision of a more just and inclusive society.
eastbay community foundation
Our partnership with the East Bay Community Foundation is dedicated to advancing racial equity and removing barriers to opportunity in the East Bay region, with a specific focus on arts and culture for social and racial justice. We are committed to creating a fair and inclusive East Bay where everyone can thrive. Through their support as our funder and our joint initiatives in arts and culture, we are working towards lasting systemic change that benefits our community.
SPONSORS
BOLD WOMAN BRANDS
BWB brand development process - Revolutionary Growth in Action - is not about fitting in, conforming or tidying up your business into a predetermined ‘market ready’ box. They’re all about blowing up the box to bring to life the unique brand spirit that’s ready to be born.
They believe there is no “one way” to grow your business, and they take an alternative approach to marketing.
bryr clogs
Bryr Studio is a collection of hand-made clogs inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. Founded in 2012 and based in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco, every pair of Bryr clogs are hand-made in our factory. Dedicated to the simple idea that the best products are made with the best materials, Bryr clogs are constructed using the strongest, most supple American leathers and traditional European solid wood bases.
The name Bryr (pronounced B·rye·r, like the old English word for a thorny thicket) means to care in Swedish. We believe whole-heartedly in the intrinsic value of well-made things. With a nod towards 70's California design and a closet full of vintage clogs, we hope to bring a modern eye to classic craftsmanship.
PARTNER WITH US!
Do you believe we have a shared vision? Is there alignment? Do the synchronicities call for us to join together? If so, then let’s explore the possibilities, together.