LeQuan Hylton, a community leader committed to service, chairs the Ujima Legacy Fund, a giving circle supporting youth-focused nonprofits in underserved communities.

“Ujima means collective work and responsibility in Swahili,” Hylton said. “This is Black men coming together — not just to give — but to learn, lead and leave something lasting for the next generation.” 

Since its founding in 2013 by three community-minded Black men and 17 contributing members, the fund has provided more than $500,000 to 21 organizations through education-focused initiatives. Hylton plans to expand membership to 100 men, including at least 10 under 30, to create a pipeline of future leaders. 

“I want to make sure the Ujima Legacy Fund is set up right — in posture for future generations,” he said. “We’re just keeping these seats warm for the next generation of leaders.” 

Hylton’s forward-looking approach stems from a career of service. A combat veteran of Afghanistan, he serves as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and was appointed interim Dale District supervisor in November. He has also served on the Chesterfield County Planning Commission and co-chaired the county’s Housing Diversity and Affordable Housing Working Group. 

Hylton brings that same commitment to his real estate brokerage, which he runs with his wife, mother and cousin. The company focuses on affordable housing, converting units for the people experiencing homelessness and those at risk through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. He is also president-elect of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors. 

“People don’t focus on low-end real estate because there’s not much money there,” Hylton said. “We focus on a few different things, but it’s an important part of the business.” 

Hylton credits his wife and mother for supporting him in his entrepreneurial and community service pursuits. 

“I’m able to do so much because I have a good support system,” he said. “Anything great has a team around it.” 

What is the Ujima Legacy Fund?

[It’s] an organization of Black men committed to improving outcomes for youth — primarily through education. We are not a nonprofit but a philanthropic resource for nonprofits, pooling our resources and collectively deciding where the money goes. 

How does Ujima work?

Each year, the number of men who contribute at least $1,100 by Aug. 31 determines the total grant pool. Nonprofits apply in mid-summer, and members review proposals through several rounds of discussion and learning. Every member gets one vote, and grants are awarded by majority vote. The process is as much about education and engagement as it is about funding. 

Where does the money go?

Ujima grants support nonprofits focused on after-school and out-of-school programming, college preparation and career development, literacy, tutoring and mentoring, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, technology training and sports-based youth development. 

What are some of the most impactful things Ujima contributes to?

During my time in military training, one of the most challenging things for Black candidates was swimming with their gear, since we don’t tend to have many pools in our communities. It was a barrier for them. The Ujima Legacy Fund contributed to SwimRVA, which offers swimming lessons to underserved youth. We’ve also helped fund the Broken Men Foundation, a nonprofit mentoring program for boys designed to foster accountability, emotional support and life skills to overcome past trauma. 

What’s the value of Ujima beyond grantmaking?

We’re not just writing checks — we’re learning deeply about community needs and effective solutions. We’re helping raise the philanthropic profile of Black men. Members gain access to a powerful, values-aligned network focused on impact and accountability. 

What are Ujima’s goals?

We want to grow the membership to 100- plus. Typically, we have around 60 men. Reaching 100 members would allow us to give $140,000-plus annually through member contributions and the endowment. We’re intentionally recruiting 10 men under the age of 33 at a reduced rate of $550. 

We want to ensure sustainability and build a pipeline of future leaders and philanthropists. We wanted a tool that allows Ujima to give beyond the current membership — to give in perpetuity. 

Also, we’re being more intentional about identifying members’ skills and interests. We connect members to board service, leadership roles and organizations that need their expertise. 

What are some of the organization’s milestones?

In December 2025, we surpassed our endowment goal. The endowment now exceeds $800,000, supported in part by a $100,000 matching grant over three years. This allows us to distribute at least $40,000 every year forever, regardless of annual membership fluctuations. 

What kind of men join Ujima?

Our membership of African American men is committed to community and collective work. We have a strong interest in education, mentoring and youth outcomes. We’re results-driven, impact-oriented and philanthropic, but often stretched thin — Ujima allows us to do more together than we could alone. Additionally, we are well-connected and eager to bring others into the work. 

How can someone join?

Anyone interested can reach out directly — we’re always happy to have the conversation. Membership pledges can be paid online, by mail or in person. If you’d like to become a member, you can make payments via credit card, check, bill pay or stock gifts. We also offer an installment plan. 

Where are you from?

Martinsville. 

What’s your educational background?

I hold a bachelor’s in business management from Virginia State University, an MBA from Averett University and a doctorate in public policy and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

How did you end up at Virginia State?

I was mad when I got a rejection letter, so I called the school and persuaded the administrators to meet with me. 

After that, I gained admission. I had goals when I started at VSU: graduate debt-free in three years, revive the NAACP chapter on campus, become a commissioned officer in the Army and pledge Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Now, I teach courses there on Black politics and urban issues, although I’ll be taking a year off for my Dale District supervisor campaign. 

Tell me about your family.

I’m married, and we have three daughters: 8, 7 and 2 years old. My mother and I are very close, and I have half siblings who are all older than me. 

Where do you live now?

Chesterfield. 

How do you start the day?

With prayer. 

What do you do in your downtime?

I enjoy golf, and I play three or four rounds with my kids. I do road trips in my Jeep, and I go mountain biking but, above all, I value quality time with family and friends. 

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I love cowboy boots, and I collect them. I have a pair of my dad’s. My kids have cowboy boots, too. I think I’m into it because I watched a lot of Westerns with my dad, and I did military training in Texas. As a kid, I wanted to either be a cowboy or in the Army. 

What’s next?

I will be formally running for supervisor this year; [to] make sure Ujima reaches 100 people; and I want to help my kids get better at pickleball, golf and chess.