Ebonie Johnson Cooper is a member of the CIN giving circle Black Benefactors and founder of Friends of Ebonie, a public relations group focused on philanthropy among Black Millennials. Ebonie recently attended a Black Gives Back event in New York City and below is her account of the evening. Photography by Margot Jordan

Giving has long been part of the African American community. On February 28, Black Gives Back celebrated the giving of our community in collaboration with JP Morgan Chase’s Black Organization for Leadership Development (BOLD) and with support from Community Investment Network (CIN).

Echoing the spirit of black philanthropy, CIN board member and sector trailblazer Valaida Fullwood led the audience on a journey through black giving and how its very essence is being permeated throughout communities across the nation. Audience members listened intently as Valaida shared facts about black philanthropy and how impactful our work really…