— answering the call
Igniting the flame.
The Jesse Owens Initiative is a transformative campaign to repair historic injustice and ignite future equity. Through storytelling, financial empowerment, and a citywide celebration of resilience, we reclaim the legacy of one of America’s greatest heroes to drive lasting impact for Cleveland’s Black and disenfranchised communities.
— RAISING TO THE OCCASION
On the mark.
Saturday October 25, 2025 will mark the culmination of a 90-day community education and outreach campaign. A campaign to empower Black Cleveland and others through financial literacy and social empowerment, along with expanding the oral and documented history of Jesse Owens, sustainably integrating his legacy in the fabric of Greater Cleveland.
— COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Over the hump.
The Jesse Owens Initiative will host a Gala & Auction, powered by the Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland that will bring together the business, sports, civic and political communities to amplify and solidify Jesse Owens’ position in history and demonstrate the power of his legacy to inform the future.
The gala will feature special auction of the only professionally grafted and certified saplings in existence from a Jesse Owens Sapling awarded by Hitler to Gold medal Olympians at the 1936 Olympics.
Choose your impact
The Jesse Owens initiative is seeking partners and collaborators to support the vision of the Jesse Owens Initiative. Opportunities range from named sponsorship to programming partners to outreach and activations. The following is a summary of engagement levels. Cleveland Black Equity & Humanity Fund looks forward to exploring these opportunities further with your team.
Branze Sponsor
$20,000
J.O.I. Sponsorship (branding)
8 VIP Gala Tickets
1 Activation at CBEHF Event
Program Booklet Ad (1/2 page)
Website(s)
Meet & Greet w/ J.O. Family
Donate
Silver Sponsor
$30,000
J.O.I. Sponsorship (branding)
2 Activation at CBEHF Event
8 VIP Gala Tickets
Website(s), media, gift bags
Program Book Ad (1/2 page)
Meet & Greet with J.O. Family
Donate
Gold Sponsor
$50,000
J.O.I. Sponsorship (branding)
3 Activation at CBEHF Event
8 VIP Gala Tickets
Website(s), media, gift bags
Program Book Ad (Full page)
Meet & Greet with J.O. Family
Donate
Cleveland Champion
$75,000
J.O.I. Sponsorship (branding)
4 Activation at CBEHF Event
8 VIP Gala Tickets
Website(s), media, gift bags
Program Book Ad (Full page)
Meet & Greet w/ J.O. Family
Donate
Race for Change Presenting Sponsor
$100,000
CBEHF Community Events, Activation at Gala
8 VIP Gala Tickets
Website(s), media, gift bags
Program Book Ad (Inside or Back Cover)
Meet & Greet with J.O. Family
Donate
Donate