Racial Equity Organization · Est. 1985 · Baltimore, MD

Creating Opportunities for Black People to Thrive

ABC works as educator, advocate, supporter, and convener — addressing and eliminating the barriers created by structural racism and advancing long-term solutions for Baltimore's Black community.

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"ABC is a racial equity organization that works to address and eliminate the barriers created by structural racism and to advance long-term solutions that create new opportunities for Black people to thrive."

Our Mission & History →

Who We Are

Mission, history, leadership, and the research driving our work forward.

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What We Do

Racial equity programming — education, advocacy, training, and community convening.

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Get Involved

Participate, collaborate, and invest in a more equitable Baltimore.

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"Creating opportunities for Black people to thrive — through education, advocacy, and community power.

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Our Programs

What We Do

From workforce development and board leadership to digital equity and racial equity training — here's how we create change.

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ABC Education & Academy

Workforce development programs, financial health clinics, and youth entrepreneurship summits designed to build generational wealth.

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Board Pipeline Program

Connecting Black professionals with nonprofit boards to diversify leadership across Baltimore's civic institutions.

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Racial Equity Training

Customizable DEI toolkits, the 10 Essential Questions framework, and workplace equity consulting for organizations.

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Advocacy & Policy

Building relationships with government leaders, analyzing legislation through a racial equity lens, and amplifying community voices.

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Digital Engagement

Closing the digital divide by expanding technology access and digital literacy for Baltimore's Black communities.

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Film & Community Convos

Documentary screenings and community dialogues exploring structural racism — including the landmark History of Structural Racism in Baltimore.

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40+

Years advancing racial equity in Baltimore

2,100+

MWBE businesses in ABC's network

14+

Board Directors guiding our mission

$1B+

Community investment influenced over 40 years

Our Leadership

Meet the Team

ABC's leadership is powered by dedicated professionals committed to dismantling structural racism and creating lasting opportunities for Black communities in Baltimore.

President & CEOChrissy M. Thornton

Chrissy M. Thornton

President & CEO · Associated Black Charities

Chrissy M. Thornton serves as the dynamic President and CEO of Associated Black Charities, a 40-year-old racial equity organization headquartered in Baltimore. With a career built on community empowerment, coalition-building, and economic justice, she brings not just leadership but a movement-driven approach to everything she touches.

With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, digital engagement, and program execution, Chrissy is also an author, consultant, and sought-after public speaker on DEI, health equity, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment.

Baltimore Sun Top 25 Woman to Watch 2023MD Top 100 Woman 2023 & 2025Most Influential Marylander 2024Most Admired CEO 2024BBJ PowerShift Honoree 2024Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award 2025

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Board of Directors

Meet the 14 civic, legal, and business leaders who guide ABC's mission and governance.

Board of Directors →

Upcoming Events

ABC Events

Join us for convenings, conferences, and community gatherings designed to advance equity.

Apr

Community Convos: Reparations for the Black Community

Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church · 4217 Primrose Ave, Baltimore · 5:30 PM · Free

May

Men's Night Out: Iron Sharpens Iron

An evening of brotherhood, mentorship, and empowerment featuring Dontae Winslow · Baltimore, MD

2025 Registration

Jun

Women On The Move 2025

Annual celebration of Black women's leadership and excellence in Baltimore and beyond

Sep

Equity In Action Conference

Annual convening of leaders in racial equity, policy, workforce, and community development

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News & Updates

ABC News & Stories

Stay connected to our latest community conversations, research, and impact stories.

Community

Feb 18, 2024

The Power Of Listening: A Govans Community Convo

ABC's ongoing listening series returned to Govans, bringing together residents to share their experiences with structural barriers and co-create solutions for their community.