Unity, on purpose.
Created by David Malone Jr. and Quinton Sankofa on December 26, 2015 in Oakland, California: the first day of Kwanzaa.
Umoja (oo-MO-jah)
A Swahili word that means unity, the first of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
It asks people of African ancestry to strive for and keep unity in the family, the community, the nation and the race. Our fund puts that principle to work with money: we pool a little, help each other in need, and build something that lasts past us.
From a promise to a plan
What started as two family members making a promise grew into a fund the whole family can count on.
2015 · The startDavid, a strategic planner and tech strategist, and Quinton, who works in funding and urban development, brought the fund together in California and started it on the first day of Kwanzaa, with a simple rule: help family in need with gifts and short-term loans.
A co-founder joinsSoon after the start, cousin Jeff Malone joined as a co-founder, the fund's financial and wealth management strategist.
2021 · Our first goalSix years of steady giving brought the fund past $5,000.
2023 · Protecting the familyA $350,000 life insurance policy that protects our family and funds the plan for those who follow.
2024 · Loans to familyShort-term loans to family members in need, agreed together and paid back on terms.
Showing upGifts to family gatherings, and support for families in times of loss.
2026 · RebuildingBack to $5,000, then growing: reinvesting in family and investing for the long run.
Our fund managers
They give every month, review every request and report to the family.
David Malone Jr.
Co-founder · Strategic planner and tech strategist
Quinton Sankofa
Co-founder · Funding and urban development strategist
Jeff Malone
Co-founder · Financial and wealth management strategist
Our Circle Leads
Family members who lead an initiative, an event or family news. Anyone can step up for a role.
"Our children inherit what we leave on purpose."
From The Malone-Davis Legacy, a family conversation