Our Mission

BLK South seeks the development, vibrancy, and well-being of underserved, underdeveloped historic African American neighborhoods in the South through community development projects.

Our Values

At BLK South, our journey is anchored in the profound importance of values which serve as our unwavering compass, guiding us as we navigate this new path. We reverse migrated to Durham, not only to repair our stories and ancestral heritage, but to reclaim cultural facets that were lost during America's historical attempts at reconstruction; and learn from, honor, and actively contribute to the work that is already being done.

  • Similar to a tree relying on its roots for growth, our work is anchored in faith, the sustaining force that motivates us. We draw inspiration from Jesus Christ and the historic missional witness of the Black Church. Interwoven with Indigenous spirituality, we hold a deep belief in a profound Divine connection with all living beings. This type of faith passionately seeks harmony with the world.

  • We celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, ideas, and beliefs, honoring the beauty in our differences with utmost respect. We build a longer table to center and honor the voices of those most marginalized (women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, etc.), while creating a space where their wisdom and experiences are cherished, fostering a culture of deep listening, understanding, and radical welcome.

  • Through truth-telling, we nurture a profound awareness of the harm inflicted upon others and take decisive action to restore their well-being and dignity. We stand shoulder to shoulder, immersing ourselves in the lived experiences of others, and actively support them along their journey. Mending broken bonds by fostering accountability and promoting healing, leading to renewed relationships for both victims and offenders.

  • Black Joy is a way of resting the body, mind, and spirit in response to the traumatic, devastating, and life-altering racialized experiences that Black people continue to encounter. So, we embrace the liberating power of freedom and peace, enabling us to defy despair and oppression and bask in the delight of life's purest moments.

  • Embodying the rhythmic cadence of Jesus' life, we find solace in the sacred rhythm of rest, unyielding to the demands of the world around us, and rediscover the true essence of our humanity. Our approach is wholistic, prioritizing well-being across mental, spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial dimensions.

  • We empower individuals with knowledge and resources to positively impact culture and communities. Drawing from the rich and deep well of Black history, we learn and contribute to the advancement of Black culture and its societal significance. This formational practice creates a sacred bond that links us to our ancestral stories, whether through shared bloodlines or deep connections with kindred souls.

  • We believe the work we are called to cannot be done single-handedly. We enter into and create partnerships and collaborations with individuals, businesses, non-profits, churches, para-churches, social service entities, government, education … all of whom have an interest as we do in seeing forgotten communities reimagined and restored. Embracing the belief in the abundance of creation, we share resources, recognizing our role as blessed to be a blessing.

  • We believe that being a good neighbor is equivalent to being a good friend -- a mutual love, care, and concern for one another is foundational to ethical living.

  • We are unapologetically committed to the well-being, dignity, and future of Black people and Black places. To be Pro-Black means we intentionally center and amplify Black life—exaggerating its presence, visibility, and leadership in response to histories that have minimized or erased it. We are especially committed to the well-being of Black women, whose care, leadership, and endurance have long sustained this community; we believe that when Black women are supported and thriving, the entire community benefits. By centering Black life in this way, we are creating the conditions for shared dignity, belonging, and flourishing for all people.

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Board of Advisors

BLK South Inc. is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization with no owners, founded by Kendall and Erin Dooley. The board of advisors is currently composed of five individuals and we are excited to have them join our board and contribute to the development and growth of our organization.

  • Pastor in the Public Square and Managing Director of Power Building Faith in Action.
    The Reverend Dr. Cassandra Gould, a Pastor in the Public Square for over 30 years, Organizer, and Curator of Liberation, integrates biblical justice into her activism. A proud native of Demopolis, Alabama, an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and a passionate public theologian with a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dr. Gould is known for her role as a preacher, teacher, and advocate. She bridges the gap between the church and the streets, nationally advocates against financial predation, and holds key positions such as faith co-chair for the MO Jobs With Justice Statewide Board and Religious Affairs and Political Action Director of the Missouri State NAACP. Additionally, she serves as Social Action Chair for the Jefferson City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and contributes to various boards across Missouri.

  • Founding Co-Pastor, Kaleo Phoenix
    With over 15 years of leadership experience, Chris serves as Co-Pastor at Kaleo Phoenix, bringing a wealth of expertise to his role as an accomplished author, writer, and transformative path-walker. Co-planting Kaleo Phoenix in 2018, he drew inspiration from a dream of establishing a church that embraces shared leadership and centers life around the table. Chris's commitment transcends traditional ministry, involving passionate engagement in transformative journeys with others—whether enjoying coffee, shared meals, or basketball. Having recently completed is Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary, Chris recently embraced his identity as a writer, marking a significant milestone in his multifaceted journey. This academic dedication seamlessly aligns with his vision for Kaleo Phoenix, where diversity, shared leadership, and enriching community connections converge around the communal table.

  • Expressive Arts Facilitator and Educator, Founder of Collective Tapestry, and Co-Founder of UMBRAL
    Shabrae Jackson is an expressive arts facilitator and educator who has worked internationally and in the US, focusing on belonging, trauma, healing, group dynamics, and peacebuilding. Believing in the power of the arts to foster connection and healing, she is mapping how the arts and rites of restoration can promote well-being and social change. Shabrae is the founder of Collective Tapestry, which creates community labs for exploration and inquiry, and co-founder of UMBRAL, a Mexican organization offering arts-based trauma training at the border. She holds multiple certifications and degrees in social work, conflict transformation, and expressive arts therapy.

  • Bishop Clarence Laney, Jr. is an American preacher, teacher, and shepherd whose ministry spans nearly five decades, marked by deep commitment to transforming lives through Word and service. A native of Selma, North Carolina, Laney answered his call to ministry at the age of 13 and has led with conviction and compassion ever since.

    He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from St. Augustine’s University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School Leadership Institute and a 2021 inductee into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College, reflecting his commitment to both theological depth and community uplift.

    Since 1996, Bishop Laney has served as the Senior Pastor of Monument of Faith Church in Durham, North Carolina, where his leadership has helped the congregation grow into a thriving, justice-centered ministry known for its progressive liturgical style and bold community engagement. In addition to his pastoral role, he serves as Presbyter of Region #3 for the NC Church of God of Prophecy, offering oversight to multiple congregations, and is active in ecumenical and social justice efforts.

    Beyond local ministry, Bishop Laney’s voice has been heard through preaching and teaching across the U.S., Canada, and West Africa. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and contributes to denominational leadership through roles such as serving on the North Carolina COGOP State Ministerial Review Board.

    Married to educator Lisa Laney, the couple are parents to two sons, Caleb and Joshua, and share life with their family dog, Max. Bishop Laney enjoys reading, travel, exercise, and time with loved ones—guided by the words of Frederick Douglass: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

  • Co-Founders & Directors, BLK South
    With over 20 years of martial arts experience, seven years in marketing, more than 40 years of combined church leadership experience, and 11 years of pastoral experience, we bring a diverse range of expertise to our mission. Kendall holds a Master’s in Missional Theology and is currently working on his dissertation and research focused on Black Missional Theology. Erin is enrolled at Eden Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Community Leadership. This unique blend of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives shapes a culture that sets BLK South apart from others.

  • Portrait of a smiling Black woman wearing a clerical collar, black leather jacket, and a colorful patterned scarf, standing in front of stained glass windows depicting religious figures, in a church.

    Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould

    Pastor in the Public Square and Managing Director of Power Building for Faith in Action

  • Smiling woman with black twisted hair wearing patterned earrings, standing against a brick wall.

    Shabrae Jackson

    Expressive Arts Facilitator and Educator, Founder of Collective Tapestry

  • Bishop Clarence Laney, Jr., DMin

    Senior Pastor, Monument of Faith Church (Durham)

  • A smiling man with a beard, wearing a black short-sleeve button-up shirt with tiny white pattern, standing outdoors near white brick wall and green bushes with red flowers.

    Dr. Chris Townley

    Author, Writer, Founding Co-Pastor, Kaleo Phoenix

  • A smiling man with glasses and dreadlocks standing outdoors in an urban setting with buildings in the background

    Kendall Dooley

    Co-Founder, BLK South

  • A smiling woman with braided hair styled in a bun, wearing a floral-patterned jacket and blue jeans, standing outdoors in an urban area with tall buildings in the background.

    Erin Dooley

    Co-Founder, BLK South