As I sat watching the President’s address to Congress last night during the last week of Black History Month, I was reminded what an incredible and historically significant year this has been for African Americans. From a black President in the White House and a black Attorney General at the Justice Department to a black UN Ambassador and even a black chair of the Grand Old Party, 2009 is certainly one for the history books and one that uplifts and inspires.
Although we know the names Obama, Holder, Rice and Steele, we don’t know the names of the countless black Americans who make history every day by giving back, the people who represent the research that shows African Americans give 25 percent more of their discretionary income to charity than do others of similar income levels.
Yes, Oprah moves millions, Magic makes dreams come true and Denzel delivers for kids in need (as do the many other Black celebrity Philanthropists mentioned in Black Gives Back’s Top Black celebrity philanthropists of 2008), but a whole lot of Smiths, Joneses and Jacksons who do not have millions of dollars at their disposal are reaching deep and making huge sacrifices to lend a helping hand to their neighbors.
Studies on African American philanthropy show that most charitable dollars from blacks are directed to the church – this is also where it is believed the tradition of giving in the African American community is rooted. I grew up watching many people in my black church with modest means giving hand over fist to help church ministries, outreach efforts and new congregants in need.
Preached loudly and boldly each Sunday were messages about giving… God loves a cheerful giver. It is better to give than receive. And, give and it will come back to you – many times over. This tradition was passed down, cherished and treasured – and now as the black community is getting wealthier and more interested in broader social needs (domestic and abroad), what began in houses of worship to support building funds, food drives and church missions now has grown to support international development, poverty alleviation and low income housing.
There are now many local, regional and national efforts to study, coordinate, catalyze and leverage African American giving and strengthen African American charities. Numerous African American giving circles, affinity groups and associations have been formed to harness and hone the giving power of the black community, and it will be exciting to watch how social media, social networks, and citizen journalism will affect (and hopefully enhance) what has traditionally been a quiet and individualized approach to giving.
So, today as we witness the history books being written on a national level, I tip my hat to the quiet millions that gave when they hadn’t much to give and ignited a passion amongst their children and children’s children to always look back, give back and lift up. Happy Black History Month!
For more information on African American giving check out the following sites....
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Tags: african american black history month giving philanthropy
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