Organizing Black
About Organizing Black
Organizing Black, formerly known as Black Leaders Organizing for Change (BLOC), emerged from Baltimore, MD in 2016 when young organizers Michaela Brown, Ralikh Hayes, and Tre Murphy—raised in the heart of Baltimore City—responded to social injustice by founding an organization rooted in Black liberation and community power. Co-founded alongside Hani Bello, Justin Johnson, and Rob Ferrell, Organizing Black represents a collective commitment to cultivating a social justice movement based on authentic relationships and co-development of leadership among those most impacted by systemic oppression.
The organization's vision is grounded in the belief that true Black liberation and a just, equitable democracy require reimagining the systems that enable racism and oppression. Drawing on the legacy of organizers like Ella Baker, Organizing Black operates as a member-led collective where community members share power in decision-making and institutional leadership. The organization has been instrumental in Baltimore's social movements, including leadership during the Baltimore Uprising and sustained work on transforming how the city's institutions serve Black residents.
Organizing Black envisions a world where all Black people are free to exist as their full authentic selves—economically, politically, and socially liberated. Built on principles of mutuality, respect, and justice, the organization uses collective narrative, centered presence, and transformational relationships to build a better society. Operating from Baltimore, Organizing Black continues to prove that through authentic community relationships and participatory governance, systemic change is possible.