Preserving and amplifying the historical legacy of William & Ellen Craft
A B O U T
To commemorate the 175th Anniversary ...
of the legendary 1848 escape from enslavement by William and Ellen Craft, direct descendants of The Crafts in the United States established the William & Ellen Craft Foundation (WECF) in December 2023.
The William and Ellen Craft Foundation (WECF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to advancing Black American history, education, and civil rights by amplifying and preserving the legacy of its ancestors, William and Ellen Craft.
WECF achieves these objectives through the establishment of sustainable, long-term programs aimed at providing educational opportunities for Black Americans, and promoting access to a diverse range of resources to all Americans in mediums such as books, literature, film, art, and other materials pertaining to Black History. Additionally, WECF seeks to broaden the reach of events and activities celebrating Black History, African-American culture, and Civil Rights.
Rooted in the courageous vision of William and Ellen Craft, renowned authors and international activists, WECF is dedicated to promoting literacy, educational advancement, and civic engagement within the Black American community, particularly among youth and through intergenerational family and community involvement. Central to this effort is the provision of comprehensive access to a vast collection of Black History books, essential for preserving cultural heritage often overlooked in traditional educational settings.
Furthermore, WECF aims to empower future generations with a deepened appreciation of their shared legacy and civic responsibility, fostering a "call to action" to acknowledge, preserve, and promote Black American historical contributions and ongoing engagement in American democracy. Embracing principles of equity and inclusivity, the foundation envisions offering scholarships to deserving recipients, enabling them to pursue education at institutions of their choice.
Ultimately, the William and Ellen Craft Foundation strives to serve as a catalyst for the transformative power of education and cultural heritage, shaping lives and influencing the course of future generations.
Our Vision
Inspired by the work started by our formerly enslaved ancestors, international abolitionists William and Ellen Craft, we believe passionately in the power of education, advocacy and respect for cultural heritage to change lives and shape future generations.
Our Mission
The mission of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation (WECF) is to preserve and amplify the legacy of William and Ellen Craft; to champion the depth, breadth and richness of Black History through supporting endeavors in education and preservation, in addition to advocating for human rights through public education, as William and Ellen tirelessly pursued in the U.S. and abroad.