The BVEC Mission: Empowering Black Veterans to Thrive by Advocating for inclusivity, Access, and Opportunity
The Black Veterans Empowerment Council (BVEC) is a non-partisan council dedicated to eliminating racial and economic disparities affecting Black veterans and their families. Through policy advocacy, benefit accessibility, and economic empowerment, we honor the service and sacrifices of Black veterans while ensuring equitable access to health care, education, housing, and entrepreneurial opportunities. BVEC is committed to fostering a future where every Black veteran can achieve their full potential, building stronger communities and a more inclusive society.
Our Vision for Every Black Veteran
We envision a nation where Black veterans and their families thrive without barriers, enjoying inclusive access to the benefits, opportunities, and recognition they have earned through their service to our great nation. By addressing systemic disparities and championing inclusion, BVEC aspires to build a society that uplifts and honors the contributions of Black veterans, fostering prosperity, dignity, and lasting impact in every community.
WHAT WE DO
BVEC bridges the knowledge gap between the various Black veteran communities, government, philanthropy, and the private sector and serves as a unified voice to inform stakeholders of the needs of Black Veterans.
Legislative Priorities
Benefit Utilization
Black and minority veterans face systemic challenges in accessing vital healthcare, housing, education, and disability benefits they have earned through service. These disparities result in underutilization and unequal outcomes for Black veterans compared to their peers. BVEC is committed to advancing legislation that ensures inclusive access to these benefits, bridging gaps in the system and fostering a pathway to success for every veteran.
We advocate for policy on issues affecting Black veterans. Lack of substantive legislation and representation in policy-making to address and resolve issues affecting Black veterans has exacerbated disparities for decades, and BVEC is taking action in the Congress to address this.
Economic Opportunities
Black veterans often encounter financial barriers that hinder their ability to compete in Department of Defense and federal contracting opportunities. BVEC champions initiatives such as VA Entrepreneurship Loans and Grants, akin to the VA Home Loan program, to provide access to startup capital. These measures are vital for overcoming cost-prohibitive regulations and empowering Black veterans to launch and sustain successful businesses.
Honoring History
From the Revolutionary War to the present, Black veterans have consistently served the nation with honor, often in the face of discrimination and erasure. BVEC is dedicated to ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized, celebrated, and preserved through legislation, educational initiatives, and community engagement. Honoring their legacy is essential to building a more inclusive future.
Enforcement
To ensure fair implementation of legislation across federal agencies, BVEC advocates for the establishment of a VA Advisory Committee on African American Affairs. This committee would serve as a vital oversight body, promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive access to benefits and resources for Black veterans, ensuring that existing laws and policies are enforced effectively.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
