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The Center Brings People Together

The Center has already become a project that brings people of all backgrounds and ages together to create a stronger, vibrant Wisconsin.

Led for and by the Black community: Over 300 Black donors and their honorees kicked off our fundraising effort.

Overall, donors from across Wisconsin have collectively contributed over $28 million to make The Center a reality, and we’re raising more dollars every day. We are so grateful for generous public and private support.

We aren’t done yet! With less than $3 million to raise to build a debt-free building and additional funds needed to support program development, operating reserves, and start-up costs, we are still seeking donors to help us launch a strong start for The Center. Join us in this historic moment for Wisconsin and its Black community.

When the Black Community Thrives, the Region Benefits

Madison’s need for The Center is clear, and we can only make it a reality if the city’s philanthropic community, business community, and individual donors come together to build this project that will benefit all of us from Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, and beyond. To learn more about the project, download our case statement.

The Black Excellence Campaign

More than 300 Black community members and their honorees donated the first, foundational gifts and with your help we plan to open the doors of The Center in 2025.

The Capital Campaign Leadership Committee

The Capital Campaign Leadership Committee is in charge of raising the $33 million necessary to bring The Center to life.

Anthony Cooper, Sr.

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Reentry Services, Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development

Susan Pierce Jacobsen

Vice President, Director of Administration Operations, JLA Architects

Brian Burns

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Morgan Murphy Media

Rev. Dr. Alex Gee

Co-Chair, Lead Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, President and Founder of the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development and Justified Anger

Jim Bower

Principal, Bower Group LLC

Cedric Ellis

Executive Vice President & Chief Enterprise Services Officer, CUNA Mutual Foundation

Alan Fish

Retired Vice Chancellor of UW- Madison

Jim Yehle

President & CEO, Findorff

Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper

Co-Chair, Madison College District Board of Directors, retired Dane County Human Services Professional, former Mayor of Fitchburg

Neil Heinen

Co-Chair, Retired Editorial Director at WISC-TV and Madison Magazine, civic leader

Hon. Rick Phelps

Project Strategy, Former Dane County Executive, Chaired Redevelopment of East Washington Ave/ Capital East District

Mike Victorson

CEO, M3 Insurance

Betty Harris Custer

Founder & Managing Partner, Custer Financial

Sverre Roang

Attorney and Local Business Leader

Ray Allen

Former Wisconsin Secretary of Workforce and Development

Peter Feigin

President, Milwaukee Bucks

Marla Frank

Retired Chief Financial Officer, Frank Productions

Kim Sponem

CEO/ President, Summit Credit Union

John Milton

Minority Services Coordinator, La Follette High School

George Austin

President, AVA Civic Enterprises

Michelle A. Behnke

Principal, Michelle Behnke & Associates

A Word from Our Co-Chairs

“It’s time! We are ready to showcase intergenerational Black achievement from yesterday, today, and for the future. Are you ready?”

– Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper, Capital Campaign Co-Chair

“I am thrilled to be working with Rev. Dr. Alex Gee on one of the biggest ideas in the city’s history, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The Center will be transformative, changing the narrative of the Greater Madison region and its future to one that is truly inclusive and welcoming. It will celebrate the culture and contributions of the Black Madisonians who have been a part of the fabric of Madison since its inception. And it will be a Black inspired and designed space where all can gather, learn, create, celebrate, and promote Black excellence and culture.”

– Neil Heinen, Capital Campaign Co-Chair

With this campaign underway, we’re a step closer to improving the quality of life for Black Madisonians and enriching the region’s culture. You too can become a part of building The Center by contributing to its success today.