Joseph Black

Joseph Black is a deeply committed, results-oriented community organizer and philanthropy professional with over a decade of experience leveraging public and private resources to benefit underserved predominantly Black communities in Greater Cleveland. As the Sisters of Charity Foundation's Central Promise Neighborhood Health Equity Officer and Community Engagement Manager, Black is known for his resident-centric, equity-focused approach to community outreach and grantmaking. Guided by data collection and innovative engagement strategies, Black collaborates with community stakeholders leveraging over $4M in resources to benefit Cleveland's most marginalized communities, including recipients of the Cleveland Foundation's COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund grantmaking team.

Since 2017, Black has coordinated a "Reverse Ride Along" community engagement training program for over 500 law enforcement and medical professionals, designed to improve community/police relations and public safety. Looking ahead, Black sees a continued need for deeper community conversations leading toward more equitable and sustainable funding strategies for communities of color in Cleveland and beyond.

Joseph is a proud member of the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program Cohort 8, Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland Class of 32 and National Urban Fellows Class of 2017. Joseph also serves on the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Hitchcock Center for Women Board of Directors, chairing the Fund Development and Marketing committee. 

While undeniably devoted to his work in the community, Joseph is equally committed to his family. Joseph affectionately loves his wife, Amber, and sons Jordan and Isaac to whom he admits keep him motivated and grounded.