The Brotherhood Crusade is the oldest and largest African American philanthropic institution in the United States.

In 1968, Walter Bremond and constituents from the Los Angeles Black Congress organized and incorporated the Brotherhood Crusade as a unit that sought to create a self-sustaining insitution of philanthropy with interests in helping underserved areas in Los Angeles.   Walter Bremond signed a personal note that year with Bank of America in the amount of $15,000 and the  organizational concept was born.

Through one of the Brotherhood Crusade's transformations came the appoinment of Danny Bakewell, Sr. as Executive Director.  He led the building of the institution's framework through the implementation of contributions through payroll deductions, the foundation of fundraising initiatives, the creation and sponsorship of additional grass-roots agencies, and the establishment of relationships with private corporate contributors. These elements are the building blocks that complete the institution built to speak and serve for the underserved African Americans and communities of color.