Mother, mother

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Posted on 21 April 2020 by valaida

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Take a 3D virtual tour of The Soul of Philanthropy, and see what’s going on

Greek philosopher Plato acknowledged how creativity and ingenuity get sparked by a need or problem.

Thirteen years ago, when I wanted to see stories of Black philanthropy elevated and celebrated, the idea for Giving Back was conceived. Four years after the book was published, an exhibit was created to reach more people in new and deeper ways.

Now, this mutha of a pandemic and period of social distancing have given rise to more ingenuity! Take a sneak peek at the latest innovation and newest dimension to the Giving Back Project, our 3D virtual gallery for pop-up, abridged exhibitions of The Soul of Philanthropy.

Just as with the standard exhibit, your organization can host and present a 3D Virtual Pop-Up Exhibition to celebrate and inspire giving. WATCH and take a gallery tour, with me as your docent.

Come to see philanthropy differently, with a specially curated, immersive experience that you and your stakeholders can tour, engage with, and learn from.

Y’all Betta Go

Posted on 6 May 2018 by valaida

Another exhibition of The Soul of Philanthropy is coming to an end today.

It’s been a spectacular three-month run of the Columbia, SC exhibition at Richland Library. The newly renovated library has provided a spacious, gorgeous and graciously inviting setting for the the public to engage with the exhibition and related programs.

I’m grateful to Women Engaged (W.E.), Central Carolina Community Foundation and Richland Library for partnering to present the exhibit and to initiate substantive work that is shifting dynamics and building relationships for the long-term benefit of communities in South Carolina’s Midlands.

If you’re in or near Columbia, all I can say, before it closes, is: Y’all Betta Go!

Help us bring The Soul of Philanthropy to your community by sharing our videos, photos, and blog posts to spread the word. #getyourgiveon

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Love, Leadership and Justice

Posted on 23 November 2017 by valaida

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Atlanta exhibition opens on the cusp of yearlong commemorations of

MLK’s profound messages and legacy, 50 years after his death

Happening Now >>> THE GIVING SEASON

Just for you! Thanksgiving food for thought, a fresh crop of photos, new film and an abundance of gratitude

The Atlanta exhibition of The Soul of Philanthropy opened November 1st with a burst of energy and excitement, further kindling powerful ideas and ushering infinite possibilities for the future of Black philanthropic leadership, propelled from the South.

The exhibit’s stories, themes and imagery are timely and resonant as Atlanta and the nation prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s death and celebrate his enduring legacy throughout 2018.

Watch Love, Leadership and Justice from Atlanta’s VIP reception and exhibition ribbon-cutting. It’s our newest short film in a series from the Giving Back Project, featuring sights and sounds from exhibitions of The Soul of Philanthropy.

Come to see philanthropy differently.

“The future of philanthropy is not about generosity, it is about justice.”

— Darren Walker, president of Ford Foundation

Presented by Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, in partnership with Hammonds House Museum. Exhibited at Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture & History. November 1, 2017 – January 22, 2018

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southern • legacy • truth • vision • future

Watch >>> Fresh, New Film, released just in time for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

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Film and photography about the exhibition by Sino Chum

Bring The Soul of Philanthropy to your city! Contact us today to learn more.

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Atlanta To Open ‘The Soul of Philanthropy’

Posted on 29 October 2017 by valaida

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The Soul of Philanthropy Atlanta will open November 1 and run through January 22, 2018 at Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. Robust civic engagement with community conversations will launch with the exhibition, working further to ignite a movement of conscious giving for social change.

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The exhibition is presented by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, in partnership with Hammonds House Museum.

Sponsors and Community Partners include:

African American Development Officers (AADO)
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Atlanta Celebrates Photography
Atlanta Fulton Public Library System
CommunityBuild Ventures
StateFarm
Southeastern Council of Foundations
WAOK 1380 Radio
Wells Fargo

Come to see philanthropy differently. TSOP_logo

Excellent Example

Posted on 5 March 2017 by valaida

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Meka Sales honors her mother’s philanthropic legacy

“What are you doing to serve?”

In celebration of Women’s History Month, a tiny question with huge implications is shared from Giving Back. The question is from a story by Meka Sales in memory of her mother Shirley Oliver Nelson—an excellent example of generousness.

Read Meka’s full story: “An Excellent Example,” Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists (pp. 148-149).

‘Mothering Teacher, Teaching Mother’

Posted on 8 May 2016 by valaida

Lisa and Momma

“Long before Hillary Clinton wrote a book, Mrs. Fullwood knew it takes a village to raise children. Her daughter and I became best friends in kindergarten, so Mrs. Fullwood has been part of my life for ages and she schooled me on many lifelong lessons.” — Lisa Moore, from the Giving Back story “Mothering Teacher, Teaching Mother”

You can access and read Lisa’s full story via the QR code below. Happy Mother’s Day!

Legacy Matters

Posted on 30 March 2016 by valaida

Happy sums up how I’m feeling about tonight’s event with the members and supporters of the African American Legacy (AAL) at The Chicago Community Trust. I’m also looking forward to sharing the stage with Liz and Don Thompson, founders of Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education, and Xavier Ramey, senior assistant director for social innovation and philanthropy at the University of Chicago. It’s certain to be a good night.

AAL African Americans and Philanthropy (FINAL)

Black Giving: Celebrating Our Past, Redefining Our Future

Posted on 24 March 2016 by valaida

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Coming up next week and pretty excited about it! I’m eager to tighten connections with and learn more about the work of the African American Legacy, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust. Chicago is such a spectacular city, and after the 30th I’ll share updates on my visit.

The Soul of Philanthropy: ‘Deeper than your pockets’

Posted on 22 February 2016 by valaida

The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit is borne of an unwavering belief that philanthropy is deeper than your pockets and, in fact, that the most potent philanthropy is derived from a blend of what’s within your hands, heart, head and soul. The soul being the core of who you are—the essence of your identity. Besides, what genuine and substantive good could ever come of soulless giving?

As of this week, the exhibit is on display at three venues: NC State University (comprehensive version), Levine Museum of the South (pop-up edition) and WV State University (pop-up edition). Each exhibition presents soulful imagery and narratives to bring to light universal truths about generosity and to inspire conscious giving.