Arthur M. Brazier Foundation
Establishing a brand for the new foundation for one of America's most impactful and prominent social, economic and faith-based leaders in our lifetime.
In close collaboration with Dr. Byron Brazier and J.B. Brazier, the family’s second and third generations, JinJa Birkenbeuel named the Arthur M. Brazier Foundation and developed its original brand promise. Serving on its first board, she created its identity and digital presence while helping leadership make its case for funding.
The Challenge
A prominent family of faith leaders and activists was establishing a new institution while actively seeking funding. With its name, brand and digital presence still to be created, the work had to advance alongside the organization itself. We needed to communicate its mission, support funding conversations and prepare staff to manage unfamiliar digital tools.
The Insight
The Brazier family puts faith into action through political engagement, community building and Black self-determination. Research and family interviews revealed how Bishop Brazier built trust through sustained service and organizing. The brand needed to express that conviction and make the foundation’s approach to lasting community change understandable to partners and potential funders.
Our Idea
JinJa developed the name Arthur M. Brazier Foundation and conceived and wrote its original promise, “Inspired Leadership Built on a Legacy of Trust.” Both emerged from her research and collaboration with the family. Together, they connected Bishop Brazier’s reputation and life’s work to a new institution with a clear public purpose.
The Work
The family entrusted JinJa with close access to its history, leadership and evolving plans. Working across generations required discretion, careful listening and respect for the family’s ownership of its story. She translated that access into original strategy, writing and design while teaching a repeatable process for evaluating ideas, making decisions and directing future work.
Crafting a Resonant Brand Identity
We designed the visual identity, selected the typography and established the color palette. A four-part symbol expressed the foundation’s four pillars. Classic serif lettering conveyed history and authority, while clear sans serif headings, turquoise, green and warm neutrals brought energy and cohesion to the materials.
Content and platform development
We designed and built the first website, secured domains and established social media channels. We wrote and designed the brochure and created the four-pillar infographic, collaborating with P.K. Wheeler Communications on brochure copy. Staff learned how to integrate Google tools and manage their digital presence. The original website has since been retired.
The Result
The foundation gained an original name and brand, a digital presence and staff equipped to take ownership.
For the institution, this was a groundbreaking shift in how it presented itself and managed communications. The engagement led to further projects for the family and other organizations. Staff gained a foundation for learning, making decisions and continuing the work independently.
Strategic Impact
The family continues its mission through community development and affordable housing initiatives in Woodlawn. Our early contribution combined original brand creation with tools and training the family could carry forward. The engagement reflects Birk Creative’s strength with family-led businesses and institutions: respecting relationships across generations, moving complex work forward and helping clients retain control as their ambitions grow.