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This is a Black Stream of Thought
From: Atlanta Philanthropy Leader Date: May 1, 2024
Curley Dossman, Jr
Philanthropy in the Black Community:
A Perspective on Culture, Purpose, and Contributions
The concept of philanthropy traces its origins back to ancient Greece, deriving from the Greek words 'Philo's,' meaning "love," and 'Anthropos,' meaning "human being." It encompasses voluntary acts of giving by individuals or groups to enhance the well-being of humanity and elevate the quality of life.
The history of philanthropy within African communities is both diverse and abundant. Its roots can be traced back to the communal support culture of West Africa that predates colonialism. This culture of collective contributions has been an integral aspect of Black philanthropy, providing crucial support for various causes and communities.
During the 18th century, free Black Americans in the northern United States established mutual aid societies to offer social services to their communities. These societies emerged out of necessity as Black individuals were systematically denied access to public resources and services due to racism. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras, these groups persisted in supporting their communities through collective giving and mutual aid, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Philanthropy by individuals of African descent has taken on various forms over the years, including charitable donations, volunteerism, and activism. Notably, Black philanthropists played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. They provided financial support, offered their homes as safe havens for activists, and helped fund legal challenges against segregation and discrimination. According to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, nearly two-thirds of Black American households donate to causes they care about deeply, totaling nearly $11 billion each year.
Throughout history, the Black church has played a crucial role in philanthropy and community development. As a social structure, it has been utilized by the Black community as a financial institution for empowerment and self-sufficiency. By providing financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the Black church has helped to create a resilient and thriving Black community. The philanthropic work of the Black church has had a lasting impact on the Black community, and its contributions continue to be felt today.
In recent years, philanthropy has undergone a transformation, becoming more digitized, automated, and democratized fueled by Gen Z. Often referred to as the Activist Generation, they are highly tech-savvy, having grown up with smartphones and social media. This generation is more likely to participate in virtual events, such as online charity streams and challenges. They are drawn to interactive and gamified approaches to philanthropy, seeking immediate and visible impact.
Despite the shift in tools and platforms to help streamline philanthropic efforts, the call to action has fallen on deaf ears for some in the Black community. There are individuals with the ability to be involved but seek the spotlight versus the opportunity to create positive change. We must reclaim the commitment initially established by the Black community to give back with great intention and humility.
In many cases, Black-owned businesses have a special relationship with their communities. They often rely on the support of their neighbors and friends to keep their businesses running. As a result, many of these businesses feel a strong sense of obligation to give back to the people who have supported them over the years. This can mean donating money or resources to local charities, supporting community events, or simply providing a helping hand to those in need. In essence, the giving spirit of these Black-owned businesses is a testament to the strong sense of community and solidarity that exists within many Black communities.
From a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perspective, organizations have done a good job of connecting philanthropic efforts directly to their cultures and values, aiming to meet the needs of the communities where their employees reside. The Georgia-Pacific Community Programs (Foundation) designed to promote education, environment, enrichment and entrepreneurship have invested over $500 million in the past 30 years.
According to a report from Giving USA, 2022 was one of the worst years in philanthropy history. Giving dropped 10.5 percent after inflation, marking only the fourth time that donations have fallen since Giving USA started keeping track in 1956. Perhaps most alarming is that giving by individuals, who typically provide the bulk of all donations, fell by 13.4 percent after inflation. Donations from individuals accounted for just 64 percent of all gifts, the fourth year in a row such contributions made up less than 70 percent of all giving.
Philanthropy holds the potential to bring about significant and lasting social change. Whenever an organization or an individual receives support, it creates a ripple effect. This support can come in various forms, such as mentorship, a hot meal, a simple conversation, and so on. The impact of this support can touch numerous lives, and it can have a positive effect for many generations to come. Therefore, philanthropy can be considered as one of the fundamental pillars of a stable society.
Overall, philanthropy has played a crucial role in supporting communities and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide. Through their generosity and collective efforts, individuals and groups have made a remarkable impact on society, shaping the world we inhabit today.
Let's recommit as a community to the core values established by our predecessors. This is a call to action, urging us to be engaged, purposeful, focused on making a meaningful contribution, seeking to create positive change, and strategically addressing challenges. Philanthropy encompasses a wide range of activities, not just monetary contributions but also the donation of time and other resources. Find a single cause, a nonprofit, or an individual in need and pour into them. Are you up to the challenge?
BlacIntellec, The Atlanta Black Think Tank, stands as a formidable force within the Black community, recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing economic challenges. Amidst a landscape where such initiatives are often absent, BlacIntellec boldly steps into the breach, wielding a diverse arsenal of platforms. Beyond mere advocacy, BlacIntellec assumes the mantle of protector, safeguarding the hard-won gains of Black economic development. Fearlessly championing fair treatment and equitable opportunities within the business ecosystem, BlacIntellec serves as a staunch sentinel against the insidious encroachment of systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices that threaten the prosperity of Black enterprises. Through meticulously crafted focus groups, incisive opinion papers, strategic collaborations, groundbreaking research, and decisive actions, BlacIntellec confronts head-on the multifaceted challenges confronting Black businesses and communities. At the heart of BlacIntellec's mission lies a commitment to amplifying the voices of the Black community, ensuring their perspectives resonate powerfully in the corridors of influence. Every endeavor undertaken by BlacIntellec begins with the harmonious convergence of diverse, experienced voices from within the Black community, fostering a collective strength that transcends individual challenges.
Its core function is to “Collect and Utilize the Collective Wisdom and Intellect of the Black Community to Support its Advancement.”
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