Rose and watering can still-life from "Giving Back" | Charles W. Thomas, Jr., photographer
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” — Proverbs 11:25
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Tag Archives: philanthropy
Keen Line of Sight on Philanthropy
Photograph from "Giving Back" | Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
Everyday givers from African American communities have an acute line of vision and insightful stories to tell; yet these perspectives are often absent from dialogue and decisions in philanthropy.
Narratives about community and mutuality are woven into Black culture and influence how many people see the world, choose to give and define success.
Through storytelling and photography, Giving Back reveals motivations, reflects proud traditions and relays a wisdom about giving and generosity that has newfound relevance today.
Giving Back gives glimpses of the change we wish to see in the world and provides a springboard for deeper conversations on inclusive and responsive philanthropy. — VF
‘Stunning example of populist philanthropy’
Photograph from "Giving Bsck" |Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
“African American philanthropy is a stunning example of ‘populist philanthropy.’ We as a people have been able to demonstrate how philanthropy is a form of relationship with others that everyone can practice. Children to seniors in our community have a long history of giving selflessly to those we know intimately as well as to total strangers. I am very proud of our cultural history as philanthropists!”
— Jennifer Henderson, a kind contributor of narratives for Giving Back
An Exquisite Truth
Earlier today at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, I participated in the annual meeting of North Carolina Network of Grantmakers (NCNG). Joining me on the panel were CIN members Tim McIntosh and Darryl Lester. Our session on bold and unconventional philanthropy drew an audience of over 80 people, who listened intently and posed thoughtful questions.
Over lunch, Martin Eakes, founder of Self-Help, delivered a stirring and, at times, eyebrow-raising keynote message about moving people from “poverty to justice” and the possibilities and responsibilities of philanthropy, today and into the future. His speech punctuated the words and philanthropic deeds of the panelists in my session. In wrapping up, Martin shared a passage from one of his favorite quotes (and mine, too), which is featured in Giving Back. If only more work in philanthropy were threaded with this exquisite truth.
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” ― Frederick Douglass
Things That Matter
Today I’m participating in a radio interview with Kirsten Sikkelee, executive director of the YWCA Central Carolinas and Rob Harrington, attorney at Robinson Bradshaw. Rob has a story featured in Giving Back, and he recently participated in a panel discussion hosted by the YWCA.
The topic of our discussion on WFAE’s Charlotte Talks is philanthropy and racial justice. Throughout the country, YWCA’s mission is “eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity of all people.” As a part of its mission, Charlotte’s YWCA hosted a community forum last month that centered on the intersection of philanthropy and racial justice and focusing on my book Giving Back.
The aim of writing Giving Back was to spur conversation about inclusive and responsive philanthropy and to shift thinking and actions for the betterment of our communities. I’m ecstatic about being a part of the Charlotte Talks interview this morning. The discourse I hoped for has definitely begun, as shown here and here and here. — VF
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ninety-One Years
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
A Peachy Good Time
“This book shares the stories of men and women whose philanthropy, big or small, is an indelible part of American history. Through their individual and collective generosity, children were educated, families were strengthened, communities were built and their legacy is a bridge for the next generation. On each page, I recognized—if not by name—the spirit of someone I know and respect. These lessons on the ‘love of humankind’ are universal.” — Deborah J. Richardson, executive vice president, National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Our Giving Back book event in Atlanta last week was a delight, and Charles and I are grateful to Deborah Richardson of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for the opportunity to engage such a warm audience. As a setting, the Georgia-Pacific Auditorium was perfectly located in the heart of downtown on Peachtree Street. The NCCHR staff was professional, thorough and attentive to Charles and me as well as to every detail.
Photo caption: Photographer Charles Thomas with portrait of his mother on stage screen at the Georgia-Pacific Auditorium in Atlanta. Event photography by Alex Johnson III.
Not only did we sell a lot of books, we met lots of great people affiliated with a wide range of foundations, networks, nonprofits and communities. We look forward to pursuing the newest opportunities presented in Atlanta, which include speaking at upcoming conferences and engaging groups of youth and college students.
Our deepest gratitude goes to our event sponsors and co-hosts in Atlanta:
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- African American Development Officers Network
- The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
- The Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta
- Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter
- Southeastern Network of African Americans in Philanthropy
- Southeastern Council of Foundations
I’m personally thankful for the friends, family members and giving circle members who came to the event and helped us set up, sell books, feel supported and then, afterward, celebrate!
QOTD from MLK
Charles W. Thomas, Jr., photographer
“Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one’s soul.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Swept Up
Last week, as a guest blogger, I posted a written piece on Collective Influence, the Community Investment Network (CIN) blog. CIN is a national network of donors and giving circles and its mission is to inspire, connect and strengthen African Americans and communities of color to leverage their collective resources and create the change they wish to see.
Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
My giving circle New Generation of African American Philanthropists is a member of CIN, and my experiences within the Network were instrumental in the development of Giving Back. I’ve posted the CIN blog piece here for followers of my blog. It’s titled “A Confluence of Influence,” because that is precisely what has swept the Giving Back Project into a whirlpool of exciting possibilities.
A Confluence of Influence
“The nation’s premier multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors” — About the 43rd NAACP Image Awards
More on the awards program a little later…first, I’d like to say that you never know what life has up her sleeve. Until it’s revealed, the best we can do is to stay purposeful, pursue our passions and prepare for the twists and turns that come our way.
About a year into forming our giving circle, I approached the members of New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP-Charlotte) with the idea of publishing a book about Black philanthropy. [Click here to read the full story]
Strengthening, Connecting Black Communities
One week from today on December 5th, I have the privilege of sharing stories, experiences and lessons from the New Generation of African American Philanthropists giving circle and our Giving Back Project with members and guests of the Black Philanthropic Alliance (BPA) during its annual meeting in Washington, DC. Time with friends, colleagues and kindred spirits at the BPA event will be a treat given our common efforts to address community issues, collectively, through work, wealth and wisdom.
Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer
I’m also excited about being a part of a program that will honor Tracey Webb, founder of The Black Benefactors giving circle and the blog BlackGivesBack.org. Tracey deserves recognition and applause for her pathbreaking work to profile Black philanthropy, online, to a wide national audience and for her leadership on grantmaking through her giving circle.
BPA is a network of professionals in philanthropy and nonprofits who identify, manage and influence investments and resources to strengthen and connect the Black community in the Washington, DC region.
The membership of BPA supports donors and nonprofit organizations through a variety of channels, including:
- Networking and Community Building
- Communications
- Educational Programs and Special Events
- Career News
- A Vehicle for Giving
You can learn more at: blackphilanthropicalliance.org.
And if you live in DC or will be visiting our nation’s capital on the 5th, please come have breakfast with us at PNC Place at 800 17th Street, NW! — VF
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