From the earliest days in New York City there have always been organizations that existed to address specific segments of the Black population, but none has offered a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the human service and economic development issues of Blacks as a whole.

In 1999 a prominent group of Black leaders met to identify civic and social challenges facing their community of New York City. Gathering strength through collaboration, their research and discussions led to the creation of a proposal that addressed the complex, interrelated challenges facing New Yorkers of African descent. Intent on creating a collaborative effort among businesses, individuals, faith-based and community development organizations, The Black Equity Alliance formed in 2003.

Black Equity Alliance (The Alliance) is a not-for-profit organization that actively supports and strengthens Black communities and underserved neighborhoods in New York City. The Alliance strives to achieve economic and civic equity for Black New Yorkers of all ethnicities by promoting economic development in Black communities and by supporting non- profit leaders of African decent.