Honoring Gamechangers
Kicking off with a celebration of Black Philanthropy Month and running through GivingTuesday, CFMT is recognizing 21 Nashville Gamechangers—visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to the community. These individuals, ranging from nonprofit leaders to business executives, have demonstrated unparalleled creativity, courage, and commitment to enhancing the well-being of Nashville’s Black community.
Nashville Gamechanger: William Mwizerwa
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William, is originally from Rwanda. Him and his own family survived the genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994 and killed a million of Rwandans in 100 days. William’s parents and other family members were murdered. By grace him, his wife and his family fled to Nairobi, Kenya. where they stayed over 6 years. William and his family finally made it to United States and made their home in Nashville Tennessee.
In 2001 William founded the Refugee ministry, which later became a non-profit 501 (C3) Legacy Mission Village. Its mission and vision is to give Hope and Healing to many refugees resettled in Nashville. They help them to integrate successfully into America society.
Legacy’s unique focus on community makes it possible to bring the Nashville community to welcome international communities , to befriend refugees, educating them on the culture and offering skills to facilitate stability and mutual transformation. For over 20 years, William and his family have served refugees and their impact is felt in all communities in Middle Tennessee area. Legacy Mission Village was uniquely founded by refugees for refugees. We seek out those who are looking for opportunities to better themselves, their families and the community.
Three concrete actions that I commit to as a change agent are:
1.Engage black communities to welcome refugees and facilitate their integration through a mutual relationship building and culture education and discovery of common bond.
2. Relationship Building and Partnerships with grassroots black community leaders. Engage with authentic relationships with African refugees and black communities. Understand the needs and challenges and aspiration of the community. Strengthen our network with Black organizations, leaders, and individuals to increase our voices and uplift one another in alleviating the challenges facing our communities/society.
3.Prioritize diversity equity and inclusion. Demonstrating a commitment to uplifting black communities and addressing systemic inequalities.
