Photograph by Charles Thomas, Jr. from the award winning book Giving Back
Black philanthropy defined in words and video by nonprofit leaders, philanthropists and everyday givers
When people of color generously give money, time and energy to support and advance issues that negatively impact our communities. Black philanthropy has not always been acknowledged or defined. — Denise Watts, Learning Community Superintendent, Project L.I.F.T. and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Dynamic, layered and intrinsic to who we are as a people. — Meka Sales, Program Officer, The Duke Endowment
Relevant, necessary and powerful, but it is also one of the most under-publicized and under-utilized assets in the Black community. — John Martin, CEO and Founder, YBM Leadership Alliance
Black philanthropy is where the soul meets the community. It starts with love for our community and celebrating the giving spirit among people of African descent. Black philanthropy starts with you. Your feelings. Your dreams. Your values. And it makes you part of a broader world. — Michael Chatman, founder, Michael Chatman Foundation
The giving of financial, intellectual and/or social capital by people of African descent to promote the collective wellbeing of their communities and humanity more broadly. — Jacqueline Copeland-Carson, Ph.D., Executive Director, African Women’s Development Fund USA
A concentrated effort by African Americans to give or to serve these in need. — Lucious Taylor, Grad Student, Yale Divinity School
The gifts that African Americans give back to the world that includes money, time, skills, etc. — Augusta Graves, President, Ebusua Club
Required. — Decker Ngongang, Senior Associate, Black Male Achievement Fellowship Program, Echoing Green
Love in action that Black people show for others. It is shown through giving of ourselves as well as gifts of our own resources, small and large. — Linetta J. Gilbert, Co-Leader, The Declaration Initiative
The key to eradicating poverty and all of the other ills plaguing the African American community. — Men Tchaas Ari, Chief Program Officer, Crisis Assistance Ministry
Generosity inspired by appreciation for our ancestors and aspirations for our children. — A’Lelia Bundles, President, Madam Walker/A’Lelia Walker Family Archives
The survival spirit of our ancestors coupled with a nickel and prayer propelled by the willingness to make Black communities and Black neighborhoods better than when we inherited them, by investing our individual and collective time, talent and treasure. — Darryl Lester, Assistant Director, African American Cultural Center, North Carolina State University
A deep obligation to invest in our communities and each other. — Tiffany Graham, Director of Advancement, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture
The heart and soul of our community—the very space where we proudly invest our best, in terms of time, talent and treasure. — LaDawn Sullivan, Manager, Strengthening Neighborhoods Program, The Denver Foundation
An opportunity to build on the work of my ancestors while leaving a legacy for my children and all children. — Aimee Cole-Laramore, Associate Director, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University
Responsible for sustaining African American socio-economic progress from slavery and Jim Crow through the Civil Rights Movement to today. — Emmett Carson, Ph.D., President and CEO, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Critical. — Charles Thomas, Executive Director, Queen City Forward
“Truth Be Told”
We are pleased to present the video premiere of Truth be Told, an original poem on Black philanthropy by Valaida Fullwood, featured in her award-winning book, Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of Philanthropists. Watch it here.