Robert Gordon IV’s Post

A couple of weeks ago, as we commemorated Juneteenth, we were reminded of the power of community, the importance of resilience, & the transformative potential of diversity, equity, & inclusion in venture capital. Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans & serves as a powerful symbol of freedom & resilience. It also stands as a poignant reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality & justice—a journey that continues today. At BLCK VC, our mission has always been driven by the collective progress we aim to achieve towards a more inclusive & equitable venture capital landscape. Since our inception in 2017, we have been dedicated to connecting, engaging, empowering, & advancing Black venture investors. Our journey has been fueled by a vision to drive systemic change, reduce the Black wealth gap, encourage entrepreneurship within the Black community, & stimulate economic growth & innovation. Our community is the heart & soul of BLCK VC. It's more than a network; it's a family that uplifts & empowers. The support, mentorship, & opportunities within our community have enabled many to excel in the venture capital industry. I am proud of your dedication & resilience. Your efforts show that investing diversely is investing in the future. Our achievements, including continued investment in high-potential, under-resourced founders despite current challenges, underscore the importance of our collective effort. Shout to: WAV; Zeal Capital Partners; Capitalize VC; Collab Capital; Collide Capital The ongoing challenges we face highlight the critical need for our work. Recent legal decisions & growing opposition to DEI initiatives underscore the persistent systemic barriers in society. These challenges emphasize the urgent need for organizations like us & others to champion equitable access to capital for historically excluded groups. These setbacks are not isolated incidents, but broader challenges to inclusion & fairness. They are a call to action for us to intensify our efforts, counter regressive forces, & continue advocating for equity in venture. Our work is guided by the belief that DEI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage - & by promoting diversity within venture capital, we're creating opportunities for Black investors & driving better outcomes for the entire industry. To the BLCK VC community—our members, mentors, partners (Salesforce Ventures, GV, AWS for Startups, SVB, Cooley, NEA, Norwest) & supporters—thank you for your relentless pursuit of excellence & equity. In the spirit of John Lewis's powerful words, "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." Let's continue to rise together; lift as we climb; & create a legacy of opportunity, empowerment, and success for future generations. -rob

SAVE THE DATE! BLCK VC is back on Martha's Vineyard this August!