Rooted in Unity: A Conversation with Salaam Witherspoon
When Salaam Witherspoon talks about the Unity Fund, you can hear the deep care in her voice—care for her community, for equity, and for building a better future, together. A community change champion, Salaam brings both vision and heart to her role. She’s committed to sustaining a momentum of change that is rooted in lived experience and fueled by hope.
The Unity Fund is a grant program by and for African Heritage communities in our region. It’s designed to remove barriers and spark opportunity, offering flexible funding and support to individuals and grassroots efforts that have too often been overlooked. We sat down with Salaam, who currently serves as the Chair of the Unity Fund, to learn more about what makes this fund so unique, and why your support matters.
What is the Unity Fund, in your own words—and why does it matter to our communities?
In my own words, the Unity Fund was created as a starting point for African Heritage communities to be in a space where opportunities aren’t far out of reach. We intentionally designed the application process differently and with care. It’s accessible, has fewer restrictions, and it’s a welcoming place for folks who may have little or no experience with grants.
The Unity Fund matters, because not only was it the first fund that was made specifically for the African Heritage community, It was tailored, designed, and is led by the community. It provides opportunities for folks to receive a grant, get experience writing grants, and have more confidence. This fund is not only for folks looking for a start point, it is also available for entrepreneurs to receive funds, as most funding sources have limits and restrictions.
What motivated you to get involved with the Unity Fund? Why does this work matter to you personally?
I was inspired by the commitment of the Community Foundation. They didn’t just talk about equity, they acted on it. That meant a lot. It’s one thing to receive support, but giving back to your community—that’s powerful. I stay committed because I believe in showing up, in being part of something that creates real, lasting change.
The Unity Fund focuses on equity. What does that look like in action?
Equity in action looks like providing tools for advancement. Not providing crumbs, or handing things down, it looks like being courageous and daring to be different. To reinvent the wheel and go beyond what we already know to be broken. It looks like making a direct action and giving space for a reaction.
Can you share an example of the kind of work or community efforts the Unity Fund helps make possible?
One example that comes to mind is Juneteenth. For over 30 years, Juneteenth and Grandma’s Marathon have fallen on the same weekend. Through the Unity Fund, we helped build a bridge between these two major events. We promoted Juneteenth celebrations, made meaningful connections, and even got invited to table at Grandma’s. That kind of visibility and recognition is huge, it’s historic. It shows what’s possible when community is centered.
What makes the Unity Fund different from other funding opportunities?
This is the first fund of its kind in our area. Just knowing it exists has brought a kind of healing to the community. It’s more than funding, it’s a sign that our ideas, our leadership, and our future matter.
What gives you hope right now?
Honestly? Knowing there are people who truly care and want to help. I do this for my kids, so they won’t have to keep fighting the same battles. The Unity Fund is one of the fruits of that hope.
Support the Work. Grow the Impact.
Learn more about the Unity Fund and view projects the Fund has supported since its founding in 2021.
The Unity Fund is a seed planted in trust, equity, and community leadership. With your support, it can grow even deeper roots and broader branches. Give today and help build a future where everyone can thrive.