Tag Archives: reframing portraits of philanthropy

98 Days of Love

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Love at first sight.

A dream for years, the outdoor, interactive walls of The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit were installed on February 18 (two days before the exhibition’s opening) outside the venerable façade of Biddle Hall—the heart of Johnson C. Smith University. In pure ecstasy, at the sight of a dream come true, I, along with a flurry of snowflakes, danced about and melted at the site. My long labor of love, about the love of humanity, had manifested a momentary monument to love itself.

For 98 days, my giant love magnet drew to its walls crews of JCSU students, curious campus guests and social media-savvy visitors to the exhibition in the library’s gallery. Every day a fresh canvas, the walls invited, captured, presented, broadcast and reframed portraits of philanthropy.

Yesterday—after our grand opening event, the snow left, springtime arrived, founders week passed, commencement ended and nearly a semester on campus—the “love walls” came down. You’re sure to see the structure (and bits of colored chalk) pop up some place new soon. In the meantime, below is a photo slideshow from the 98-day reign of LOVE at Smith.

Innovative, Interactive, Provocative: Introducing ‘The Soul of Philanthropy’

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Soul of Philanthropy LOGO_final

From a moving tribute toward a triumphant movement of conscious giving for social change

Yesterday, our nation celebrated MLK Day of Service and remembered the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The coming 364 days provide space for the truest tributes to occur.

This year, members of New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP-Charlotte) have the privilege of partnering with Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) to leverage seven years of work on the Giving Back Project by transforming our book Giving Back into the new touring exhibit, Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited.

Set to come to cities nationwide, this innovative photography exhibit is made possible with an IMLS grant and launches in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 20. In our latest e-blast, you will learn a bit about . . .

  • Features, concepts and key elements of the exhibit
  • Public programming and civic engagemeent offered in each community
  • Opportunities to support this important new dimension of our work

Click here to access the rest of the Giving Back Project’s latest e-blast and to read more about “The Soul of Philanthropy”.

— VF

What A Treat

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It’s a treat to engage in a Giving Back book talk in Charlotte, my home city. Generous support from Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. and its African American Associate Network as hosts of the event is appreciated.

Much Given, Much Expected

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“To whom much is given much is expected. This biblical passage from the Gospel of Luke conveys a belief that I and many of my African American family and friends hold dear. Many of us recall a defining moment or childhood lessons that influence our philanthropic giving.”

I’ve opened with these lines from Giving Back to say thanks to many of the people who gave their time, talent and treasure during the development of the book. The word cloud below is yet another way of giving props….as was done here too.

Watch [Philanthropy Reframed]

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Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer

New voices. New vibe. New video. New view on philanthropy.

Watch our new 2.5-minute video trailer for the Giving Back Project and its centerpiece publication, Giving Back. The project is a civic engagement campaign comprising artful stories and photography that reframe portraits of philanthropy.

For too long, philanthropy has been narrowly defined by great wealth and large monetary gifts. Prevailing stories about giving often exclude generous everyday people and feed false notions about who can give and make a difference. Changing the world requires us to rethink and reframe philanthropy.

The Giving Back Project brings new content and fresh approaches to include a wider slice of society in philanthropy. Through our publications, multimedia presentations and interactive community forums, we lift up inspiring stories of everyday givers.

  • Literary arts
  • Photography
  • Spoken-word poetry
  • Oral history
  • Music
  • Digital media
  • Social networking

No matter the medium, our stories promote the belief that we all can and should give back, no matter our age or our circumstances. We celebrate generous gifts of time, talent and treasure and venture to reclaim the root meaning of philanthropy, love of humanity.

The Giving Back Project aims to ignite a movement of conscientious philanthropy by empowering a generation to recognize its power and responsibility to give back.

Join us…and get your give on!

Philanthropy Reframed

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Once again, I’m expressing gratitude for generous advance commentary on Giving Back. Deborah Holmes is a communications exec at GFW and a leader of the Black Women Donors’ Action Group. Her words affirm the essence of my and others’ intention in telling our stories—to reframe portraits of philanthropy.

“Weaving photographs, testimonials and personal stories of Black people from all walks of life, Valaida Fullwood has created a work of art that reveals the essence of philanthropy—which is giving. For centuries, Black women, men and children have been giving in ways that defy traditional definitions of philanthropy.

“Giving Back is a revelation. Readers will be astounded by the breadth and depth of Black philanthropy.”

— Deborah Holmes, vice president for communications, Global Fund for Women

Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer