Black Economic Union
| Company type | Nonprofit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Economic development |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Jim Brown |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Jim Brown, John Wooten (executive director), Carl B. Stokes (legal counsel), Arnold R. Pinkney (secretary-treasurer) |
| Products | Business development, training initiatives, financial loans, employment opportunities |
The Black Economic Union (BEU), initially known as the Negro Industrial and Economic Union (NIEU), is a nonprofit entity based in the United States, founded during the 1960s by Jim Brown, renowned NFL athlete, actor, and social advocate.
History
Founded in 1965 by Jim Brown, then a member of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, the Negro Industrial and Economic Union (NIEU) was established while Brown was still active in professional football; he retired the following year in 1966. Important contributors included fellow players Walter Beach, Sid Williams, and John Wooten, who took on the role of executive director. Legal guidance was provided by Carl B. Stokes, while Arnold R. Pinkney served as secretary-treasurer.
The organization emphasized economic self-sufficiency, business development, and growth within Black communities. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, it implemented training initiatives, extended financial loans, and generated employment opportunities. Between 1967 and 1974, it was instrumental in supporting nearly 400 Black-owned enterprises.
Initially located at 10501 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland’s University Circle, the NIEU broadened its reach to prominent urban centers such as Los Angeles and New York City. By 1967, UCLA basketball standout Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, volunteered with the Los Angeles division. The branch was led by activist and radio host Booker Griffin.
Cleveland Summit
On June 4, 1967, the NIEU organized the landmark Cleveland Summit, where Jim Brown convened eleven prominent Black athletes alongside future mayor Carl Stokes to publicly endorse Muhammad Ali’s stance against the Vietnam War draft. Ali encountered widespread opposition nationally, with summit participants also facing criticism and threats. The gathering took place at the Cleveland office, where Ali sat in the front row accompanied by Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Behind them were Carl Stokes, Walter Beach, Bobby Mitchell, Sid Williams, Curtis McClinton, Willie Davis, Jim Shorter, and John Wooten.
Expansion
During the summer of 1968, NIEU experienced growth supported by grants totaling $520,000 from the Ford Foundation and $251,400 from the Economic Development Administration. These funds facilitated openings of new branches in Kansas City, San Francisco, and Washington, along with staff increases in Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York. The national union’s launch in Missouri received backing from members of the Kansas City Chiefs, including Curtis McClinton.
Black Economic Union
In 1970, the organization rebranded as the Black Economic Union (BEU), eliminating "Negro" from its name as some regional offices began to close. That same year, Jim Brown started the Annual Jim Brown Golf Classic to promote awareness of the BEU’s mission.
By 1979, BEU maintained five community offices across Kansas City and had evolved into a city-focused entity dedicated to fostering business growth and economic development. Operating with a budget over $500,000, it provided services such as loan packaging assistance, workforce training, technical support, and other resources aimed at minority-owned and low-income businesses.