August is Black Philanthropy Month, a celebration of giving by those of African descent around the globe founded by Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland. Since its inception in 2011, the celebration has focused on a theme. For 2024, the theme is "Afro-Futures of Giving," with a call to "imagine and co-create a more powerful future for Black giving and community finance in general."
I love this theme. My vision for the future of Black giving is abundance and liberation with shared purpose and equitable, just, and nurturing systems connected globally and resourced by the community. Because I love language, the framing of this call to action resonates with me.
"Black giving" isn't explicitly defined. There's the simple meaning of Black people giving, but there's also an implied cultural reference (if you know, you know). When I think back on my giving story as a Black Southern Gen Xer, "Black giving" in part means:
Sharing and pooling resources to fulfill unmet needs, from utility bills to school clothes
Investing in the promise of our people, especially our youth, by leveraging our talents in support of theirs: fish fry fundraisers for field trips; sewing circles for cheer outfits; handmade crafts for band instruments
Re-investing financially by supporting Black-owned businesses who re-invested into the community, aka "community finance."
The culture of giving money and more, now known as the 6 T's -Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, Ties, Truth- is foundational in Black giving.
The 'more powerful' phrasing is fitting because Black giving is already, and historically has been, incredibly potent, though it is often overlooked in traditional (read: white, western) ideas of philanthropy. Bhenkinkosi Moyo's extensive work reveals the vast legacy of African giving, and there's a rich history of Black giving in the U.S. dating back over 400 years by philanthropists like Madame C.J. Walker and James Forten, to current-day famous giving leaders like Robert F. Smith and Gail Snowden. The 'future of Black giving' is firmly rooted in this powerful past, a legacy that should fill us all with pride and inspiration.
The specific call to 'co-create' is a command and a rallying cry. It's time to get to work. Many of us are already bringing our imaginations to life, actively drawing the plans and building the scaffolding to make the future of Black giving a reality. This is not a task for the future, but a mission for the present. Let's roll up our sleeves and co-create the future of Black giving, together.
I'm proud to be a part of Daylight and celebrate this Black Philanthropy Month and every month along with our friends and partners, Black leaders in our field:
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