About Us
The Brackeen Family
This organization as a tribute to the Brackeen family’s enduring legacy of public service and community empowerment. For generations, the Brackeen family has been at the forefront of efforts to create meaningful change, rooted in a commitment to justice, opportunities, and compassion.
Inspired by this rich heritage, The family’s values creating an organization that uplifts underserved communities and dismantles systemic barriers. By focusing on healthcare access, education, cultural preservation, spiritual growth, social advocacy, and environmental stewardship, the foundation reflects the Brackeen family's unwavering dedication to building a brighter, making more opportunities for all. This initiative continues their tradition of service, honoring the past while shaping opportunities for future generations.
Our Founder, Chairman/CEO
The Honorable Darryl Brackeen Jr., MRE/MBA is a visionary leader whose life's work exemplifies the values of service, support, and community empowerment. As a proud member of the Brackeen family, known for their long-standing commitment to public service, Darryl has dedicated his career to creating meaningful change and advancing opportunities for underserved communities.
Darryl’s distinguished career spans multiple arenas, including serving as an elected official, community organizer, executive leader, academic, minister, and professor. In these roles, he has championed education reform, racial injustice, social justice, and environmental sustainability, leaving a lasting impact at every level. His leadership has been instrumental in passing climate-related legislation, advocating for civil rights, and spearheading initiatives that empower economically disenfranchised individuals, particularly communities of color.
Motivated by his family's legacy of service and his own passion for justice, Darryl founded this organization to address systemic inequities and foster holistic growth. With a focus on education, cultural preservation, spiritual and ethical development, social advocacy, and environmental stewardship, the foundation reflects his vision of building resilient, thriving communities rooted in sustainability and justice.
Darryl’s deep commitment to service, coupled with his strategic leadership and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire others to join the mission of creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Our Delaware Reads Program Director
Chaz Brackeen, LMSW serves as the Founding Program Director of Delaware Reads, the flagship initiative of the Brackeen Family Foundation for Community and Cultural Advancement. A licensed social worker with a deep commitment to empowering communities, Chaz brings years of experience in social services, advocacy, and program development to this transformative literacy program.
With a proven track record in fostering education opportunity and supporting underserved populations, Chaz leads Delaware Reads with a focus on creating impactful, inclusive opportunities for lifelong learning. Her passion for community engagement and expertise in social work make her a pivotal leader in addressing literacy challenges and inspiring a culture of reading across Delaware.