Black philanthropy demonstrates “the vitality of Black communities, our value of Black lives, and our commitment to Black futures.” — from Keysha Walker’s 31 August Days message

Giving Augustly Year-Round

The shooting deaths of Keith L. Scott and Justin Carr have intensified questions of race, power and justice in Charlotte.

As engaged citizens, conscious givers, philanthropic leaders and change agents in the Charlotte region and beyond, members of New Generation of African American Philanthropists have an opportunity and responsibility to participate and help shape what happens next in the wake of recent tragedies and civic crisis.

Faces of members and friends of NGAAP-Charlotte compose this collage (right) from August celebrations of Black Philanthropy Month (BPM 2016). For one month, our giving circle engaged in a daily social media messaging campaign titled 31 August Days. The campaign served as a declaration of members’ beliefs and an affirmation that Black lives matter and Black giving matters. The entire series of messages can be found on our website and Facebook page.

Little did we know in August that one month later we would need to rely so heavily on our shared values and collective strength to nurture hope for what positive can come next. In fact, the 31 August Days messages prove prophetic in insight as Charlotte makes its way forward.

The spirit of unity that flowed from coast to coast during Black Philanthropy Month filled a reservoir that we are now able to draw from deeply. In retrospect, we are extraordinarily thankful for the 31 days of concerted, nationwide celebrations of culture, community, philanthropy and unadulterated love that BPM 2016 gifted our circle. We welcome continued connections, ideas and support from our allies in the growing Black Philanthropy Movement.

Read More At The Source; Click Here: CLT: Our Lives, Our Giving, Our Futures Matter