The Power Of Philanthropy In The Black Community

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So, when it comes to charity, they are founded on love for humanity; for Black communities, love manifests as an ability for collective caring. The roots of giving extend back centuries, two millennia even, dating back to pre-colonial African traditions. Even before being shuffled onto the ships of the middle passage, African societies had been believers in communal support. Whichever way concerns cooking, gathering, or sharing common resources, these communities survived and progressed together because they understood in their bones what sharing did. When African Americans arrived on American soil, they brought this communal ethos. Within the horrors of slavery, Black people were known to help each other against their circumstances. Whether these escaped from slavery, pooling scarce resources to feed the sick, or teaching each other to read, these acts of generosity became an irrepressible part of resistance and survival during the enslavement period.

What is Philanthropy?

To give back: a practice traditionally exercised by the Black community through time, talent, or treasure, though many times this collective act of giving slips under the radar of mainstream philanthropy. Picture a place that treasures Black generosity and holds it up on a pedestal where it will lend power to people, embolden communities, and strengthen nonprofits. Philanthropy has been sewn into the tapestry of what it means to be Black in America for generations. Yet these communities are muted voices at the donor table and in the giving community. Several factors drive this reality. Black families were under slavery and oppression for centuries and feel the effects of systemic racism inundated in the financial criminal justice system. For starters, slavery and Jim Crow had put Black families centuries behind their white counterparts in acquiring wealth.

In contrast, discrimination embedded in public policy in pivotal areas of housing, education, and finance continues to stymie many Black families from building wealth. However, African Americans have been giving at full-throttle and probably startlingly high rates, generally through philanthropic means outside the traditional foundation model. Black philanthropy is powerful, and it is essential that we elevate this legacy. The emphasis of Black philanthropy on education doesn’t just mean the delivery of book learning; self-education is one of its strongest features. The ways Black people have been historically put in systems that devalue them are paralleled by a few features of Black philanthropy that seek to reclaim identity and heal from generational trauma stemming from slavery. Our brand of Black-led philanthropy is empowering our community to innovate in the broad spectrum of financial literacy or self-sufficiency.

So, here’s the thing: Charity historically asks for help, but Black philanthropy actively moves toward being solutions creators. The wealth gap is, by design, a cause of systemic exclusion, which impedes families from having the building blocks of financial security. But this doesn’t just highlight an economic dilemma. This speaks to the mental health crisis created by hundreds of years of oppression. Thus, Black philanthropy is coming to close that gap through the advancements of financial literacy and ideas of collective empowerment within all our communities.

Black-led philanthropic organizations have taken the forefront in closing wealth and education gaps. They pass out small grants to build additional capacity or enable particular projects so local organizations can better serve their communities. However, there’s a more significant responsibility than financial contributions to larger philanthropic institutions. They must understand and engage communities; how communities engage one another and interact with their public is sometimes not very charming.

Education is the first step in the fight against broader economic and social disparities. Black philanthropic organizations realize that teaching must close the educational gap from within — though they recognize that resources are necessary. Representation matters. Decision-makers who share our communities’ values, ethics, and lived experiences need to be in places of decision-making authority for long-lasting and equitable outcomes in education.  

The Black Church: 

Once we get past the Reconstruction Era and into the modern world, we see that the church quickly became the heart and soul of philanthropy for African Americans. Far beyond offering spiritual fuel, the church was an economic and social service pulling together to address everyday needs.

Raising money for schools, feeding the hungry, or helping a fellow member in distress were a few of the many things they did. Black pastors often wear one hat to lead the church and another as a community leader who engages congregants to contribute to local and national issues. In doing so, it was possible to walk straight into the Civil Rights Movement, where churches such as Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery had key roles in leading marches, rallies, and driver registration initiatives. 

Even today, the Black church continues to be a cornerstone of giving. It’s estimated that African Americans contribute over $11 billion annually to charitable causes, with a significant portion flowing through religious institutions. This giving isn’t just about charity—it’s about empowerment, justice, and creating a better future for the next generation.

Mutual Aid Societies:

That says mutual aid societies became a mainstay of Black philanthropy in the 18th and 19th centuries. They emerged out of necessity as Black people found themselves excluded from mainstream institutions and systems.

These groupings did help to provide coffers for funerals, sickness, and emergencies. They also started further education or gritty workshops. The Free African Society (1787) and the Prince Hall Masons pushed the envelope in this regard and initiated a long tradition of organized giving.

When it comes down to it, these societies were more than just organizations with fat bank accounts; mutual aid societies were about dignity. In an age when systemic racism denied the most basic rights and resources, these societies propped up feelings of agency and empowerment for folks. Time and again, mutual aid demonstrated the power of Black people and communities to provide for one another and thrive against all odds despite the constant establishment of streets.

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Modern Black Philanthropy:

Looking at Black philanthropy today, it’s pertinent and alive. The Black church and mutual aid societies are still highly relevant, but now more players are moving in with new energy and ideas.

This is where Black Philanthropy Month comes into the picture. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Copeland, it takes place every August, and it’s a worldwide campaign to recognize the transformative effects of Black generosity and to promote more investment into Black-led initiatives.

According to the Giving Gap, certain fundraising minorities are being pushed harder in grassroots movements to raise revenues for Black-led nonprofits. The figures aren’t pretty; 2% of all donations made by major foundations go to organizations run and organized by Black individuals, regardless of these organizations’ significant impacts on their communities. By putting eyes on this issue, movements like the Giving Gap have departed and will lay a fight to make those resources go where they are needed. 

Barriers and Challenges Facing Black Philanthropy

Despite its long tradition, Black philanthropy is right up there with significant challenges. The foremost challenge involves massive underinvestment in Black-led organizations. Earlier, it was mentioned that the major foundations spend much less than their fair share of funding on these groups. This investment gap limits the scale and impact of Black-led initiatives, even when these are more closely connected with the communities they serve.

Then again, there is the perception of philanthropy itself. The old-school perception of a philanthropist: some rich guy with a vast foundation doesn’t always align with the lived experiences of Black donors. Many are going this route—the church’s tithes, direct support to family and friends, or informal community contributions. Recognizing these other modes of giving is essential to fully understanding Black philanthropy.

And finally, an even bigger picture is at play–the notion that wealth inequality exists. Black Americans may contribute to charitable causes but do so with a much smaller economic base than others. This means that their donations constitute a more significant chunk of their income and further underline the depth of their generosity. 

To Celebrate and Support Black Philanthropy

What can we do to celebrate and support Black philanthropy? First of all, let’s learn this history, treating what it offered society with more giant regard than token acknowledgments. This time around, it’s time to broaden the horizons to include the stories of Black donors, organizations, and movements.

Second, we are pushing these foundations to increase support for Black-led nonprofits and establish sustainable funding that will empower these organizations.

Finally, all of us can amplify the spirit of Black philanthropy by giving in ways that support, uplift, and empower marginalized communities. The mighty impact of Black philanthropy: from donating to a Black-led nonprofit to supporting a Black-owned business to volunteering your time—all these acts of kindness matter.

Good Legacy Worth Preserving

Black philanthropy stands for the power of collective care and resilience. It’s a narrative of people who have always invested in their communities for a better tomorrow, if not for the overwhelming systemic barriers. From an early day when they established mutual aid societies to present movements like Black Philanthropy Month, this practice taught us that giving isn’t exclusively monetary but encompasses love, justice, and hope.

Please commit to amplifying this legacy. In uplifting the contributions made by Black philanthropists, as well as the challenges they face and their solutions, this tradition should continue to be sustained for generations to come. 

Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and  Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.

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