We need real Economic Development for the African Community!

The African People's Education & Defense Fund (APEDF) calls for true economic development for the African community. Every community has the reasonable expectation of success for their people and a future for their children. This vision requires a total transformation of the current economic relations, and a very different program than the traditional responses by city governments and local financial interests whose approach has resulted in economic development at the expense of the black community. read more >

Economic Development Programs

Uhuru Furniture

APEDF has three very successful and popular Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles stores that make excellent quality used furniture accessible and affordable for all.

Uhuru Furniture allows for broad support of APEDF programs by picking up donations of furniture, vehicles, computers, and household items. Everyone can shop, donate, and volunteer. read more >

Uhuru Holiday Pies

Since 1981, the Uhuru Holiday Pie Campaign has been a holiday tradition allowing the broadest sector of our communities to support economic development and social justice for African people.

Uhuru Holiday Pies are delicious, fresh-baked with all natural ingredients. Uhuru Holiday Pies are delicious, fresh-baked with all natural ingredients. read more >

Quick Facts

Wide Economic Disparities

In 2003, the recorded national unemployment rate for Africans in the US is 11.8%, as compared with 5.5% for whites.
The median income for black families is only 60% of that for white families.
Black families with children are more than three times as likely as white families to live below the government poverty level.
In 2001, Africans made up 13% of the US population but owned 3% of the assets.
From 1995 to 2001, the net worth of typical families of color fell 7% while white families' net worth rose 37%.
The typical white family has more than six times as much wealth as the typical black family ($120,900 for whites compared to $19,000 for blacks.)
Typical African families have debt of 30% of their assets, while the debt of typical white families was 11% of their assets.