Freedom BLOC (c4)
Organization Description
The Freedom BLOC mission is to build Black leadership and political infrastructure in Black communities through civic education and engagement, leadership development and economic reinvestment.
2026 Programs
The Freedom BLOC is a Black-led Ohio organization building political power for social, racial, and economic justice. The 2026 political plan targets 80,000 voters and 175,000 door knocks across six targeted wards, aiming for 65–70% turnout among those engaged. A core strategy is registering **5,000 new voters** (renters, young, returning citizens) with guaranteed follow-up. The organization will host **100+ voter education events** and enroll **185 participants** in BLOC University to develop leaders. Key electoral goals include passing two Housing and Safety Ballot Initiatives (minimum **26,298 YES votes**) and picking up the Ohio Governor and two Ohio Supreme Court seats.
2025 Programs
The Freedom BLOC’s 2025 strategy achieved historic wins by focusing on deep engagement in Akron's lowest-turnout precincts (Wards 3, 4, and 5). The organization pioneered a "registration year equals voter year" accountability model, which successfully increased turnout among approximately 2,000 newly registered voters through direct follow-up. Electoral successes included a 100% win rate on all general election endorsements, securing three School Board seats, one City Council seat, and a ballot issue. Furthermore, one participant from the leadership pipeline was elected to the School Board. Civic education expanded significantly, with BLOC University enrolling 152 participants and graduating 86 leaders.
2024 Programs
Our 2024 plan involves running a ballot initiative focused on Housing Is A Human Right, initiating community conversations and surveys for our Defining Safety campaign and driving local engagement.
Budget Size: Small: Previous year budget $20,000 - $1M
States Engaged: OH
Geographic Coverage by Congressional District:
OH-13 Geographic Density Focus: Rural / Suburban / Small city (<100k), Urban – Large city or suburb of large city (>100k)
Core Constituencies: Black, Multi-racial (including white), Youth and Students (aged 17-35)
Leadership Diversity: BIPOC-led, Youth-led (aged 15-35), Women-led
Staff and Volunteer Balance: Volunteer boosted - <50% of the programmatic activities are executed by volunteers
Top Priority Issues: Civic engagement, Voter participation, Economic justice
Lead Contact:
Rev Raymond Greene Jr, Executive Director, he/him, ray@thefreedombloc.org
Last Updated: May 27, 2026

