“Religion without humanity is poor human stuff.” — Sojourner Truth
Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
‘Poor Human Stuff’
Reply
Monthly Archives: July 2011
Survey The World!
“A man’s feet must be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world.” — George Santayana
Charles W. Thomas, Jr., photographer
Change The World
Charles W. Thomas, Jr., photographer
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” — Leo Tolstoy
Giving Props
Charles W. Thomas, photographer
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
— William A. Ward
An expressed thanks and acknowledgment of the sponsoring partners of the Giving Back Project. With their generous financial support—and that of 80 individual donors—New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP-Charlotte) is reframing portraits of philanthropy.
GivingVision Partners
Philanthropic organizations sponsoring the start-up of the Giving Back Project are:
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation
GivingMomentum Partner
GivingJoy Partner
Thank you!
A Mighty Cloud of Joy
Wordle.net
This week’s word cloud using commentary from advance readers of Giving Back.
c.o.u.n.t.d.o.w.n.
Here we go! The push to October: http://bit.ly/book4allseasons
The Best Luck
Charles W. Thomas, photographer
The best luck I’ve ever experienced in life is my beautiful mother. Continue having a Happy Birthday Week, Momma!
“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” — Abraham Lincoln
51 months and counting
51 months in the making
392 manuscript pages
8000 social media connections…and growing
76 wise and revealing quotes from the ages
200 narratives on what it means to give back
180 portraits of everyday Black philanthropists
4 centuries of an American legacy rooted in Africa
33 photo shoot locations
999,999 reasons to give
1 book to reframe portraits of philanthropy
It’s been a long journey, covering a lot ground. But it wasn’t traveled alone…and it ain’t over yet. Every day on the way to the October release of Giving Back presents a rugged trail of things to do—marked by steep learning curves, nerve-wracking ledges, inevitable road blocks and surprise mountaintop highs.
Stretches traveled with companions bring welcomed relief. Joining my sometimes lonesome walk are my family and friends and unexpected folks who brighten my spirits and share the load. Encounters with kind encouragers replenish my often-dry canteen with optimism. “Seizing the day” the other night with Michelle, Kathryn and Katie…and Emeril…did just that!
Pushing through the longest hauls, like now for instance, are a little less daunting when I recognize I’m not alone. It’s a comfort knowing at arm’s reach are circle members from New Generation of African American Philanthropists, the project’s photographer Charles Thomas and Dimeji Onafuwa and India Simpson of Casajulie. Without them, this trekker would have headed home 40-some months ago.
— VF
When Quiet Hopes Come
Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
Selected advance readers of Giving Back have begun sharing their commentary on the book over the last week. With an easy willingness, both strangers and acquaintances known widely for intense work and demanding itineraries have, one by one, agreed to read my 400-page manuscript. That astounds me. And then, after reading the work, one responds with these words . . .
“Through a rich tapestry of voices and images, including inspirational interviews, stunning photographs, thoughtful commentary, and wide-ranging quotations, Giving Back captures the essence and generosity of African American donors as never before. No one—including the leaders of non-profit organizations—could fail to be moved and enlightened by these vivid reminders of the potential of African American philanthropy.
“The book is beautiful and so inspirational, I now know what I will be getting everyone as a Christmas present!”
— Michele Minter, Vice President for Development, The College Board
Still over the moon.
— VF
Happy 93rd B’day Nelson Mandela!
“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
— Nelson Mandela (b. 18 Jul 1918)
Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
valaida 