Aunt Dora, a great aunt, indeed. Photography by Charles W. Thomas Jr.
My muse and great-aunt, Dora—whose hands provide evocative imagery for the cover of my book Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists—celebrated her 91st birthday last week. What a blessing!
When I called Aunt Dora with birthday well-wishes that night, she told me about her day. She began with a swim and water aerobics class. Then she had lunch with the friendly faces at Our Daily Bread, the soup kitchen she founded over 20 years ago. She delighted in the steady inflow of birthday calls and cards from folks around the country. And she wrapped up her special day with a family dinner at her favorite seafood restaurant.
If I’m granted 91 years on earth (or anywhere near that many), I hope each one is filled, like Aunt Dora’s, with a fair share of faith, health, family, friends, passions and purpose. May your year and every one to come be filled with the same. — VF
valaida 
Your aunt is representative of countless, selfless African American women that are seldom exalted as they should be. (Your blog is very lovely – good job!)
Thank you! Yes, I agree, my great-aunt is just one of many. My book “Giving Back” seeks to honor the countless women and men whose legacy is selfless giving.