Fierce Urgency of Now!
From Dream to Action
August is Black Philanthropy Month in Washington state and around the world, an inclusive opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Black giving and inspire increased investment in Black communities. Throughout the month and beyond, we aim to elevate Black philanthropic leadership and encourage action that moves us collectively toward Black generational prosperity and well-being.
All Washingtonians can acknowledge and applaud the power of Black leadership in philanthropy and contribute toward making Black liberation real in our state. The fierce urgency is now! Watch the recordings below.
Virtual Panel Conversations
The Fierce Urgency of Investing in Black Communities
Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 12 to 1:30 p.m.
More than two years after the wake of social justice uprisings, many corporations and foundations have not made good on their commitments to equity or increased funding. There is currently $1.2 trillion warehoused in private foundations and donor advised funds accruing tax benefits for the holders, but doing nothing for those in communities leading the work and bearing the brunt of intersecting crises.
Moving toward shared abundance requires intentional, significant investment in Black communities. Black giving is deeply rooted in family, in community, and in our shared humanity. Explore ways to move beyond words into action and increase the flow of resources to Black communities.
Panelists include Nekya Johnson, Community Foundation of Snohomish County, and Shaun Glaze, Inclusive Data, moderated by Angela Jones, Black Future Co-op Fund.
The Fierce Urgency of Black Leadership in Philanthropy
Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Today, as society confronts the ongoing health and economic impacts of a global pandemic, worsening climate disasters, and steady assaults on democracy and our constitutional freedoms, the fierce urgency of Black leadership in philanthropy is real. The true narrative is Black people have always been philanthropic. We have a rich history of investing our time, talent, and treasure to care for our communities.
To collectively address these challenges our communities are facing, we need a Black-centered approach to shift the philanthropic paradigm. Black philanthropists across Washington are leading the way in traditional white-led institutions. They are forging new paths to invest in and support Black nonprofit leaders and communities to foster wealth, health, and well-being. Hear lessons about what is working, what are challenges getting in the way, and how to fortify Black philanthropic leadership.
Panelists include Alesha Washington, Seattle Foundation; Maria Kolby-Wolfe, Washington Women’s Foundation; and Shona Carter, Black Future Co-op Fund and recently with Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, moderated by T’wina Nobles, Black Future Co-op Fund.
Incase you missed it or want to rewatch:
You can also re-watch 2021 events
See the 2021 virtual panel series for incredible conversations with leaders about “Black Philanthropy Is Community Care,” “From Institutional Redlining to Black Freedom,”and “Where Is The Money?”
A Rich Legacy of Black Philanthropy
Black people have a rich history of investing our time, talent, and treasure to care for our communities. Black families are the most generous — giving a higher proportion of our incomes than any other racial group.
In the face of discriminatory policies, racist institutions, and persistent anti-Black violence, Black communities have always created ways to take care of ourselves. From the Black church that has shaped consistent giving to the ways Black communities come together like family to respond to neighbors’ needs, Black philanthropy nourishes community wealth and well-being.
To recognize the ingenuity and significant impact of Black giving on the U.S. and globally, Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network first started Black Philanthropy Month in 2011. Eleven years strong, Black Philanthropy Month has expanded across the country and the world. Learn about their Black funding principles that can transform the social sector.
Mark your calendars for Aug. 3 and Aug. 31 to take part in their global summit series.
Washington Black Philanthropy Month Organizers
Ada Prince Williams, Pivotal Ventures; Cedric Davis and Stephanie Bray, Seattle Foundation; Karen Wilkins-Mickey, Seattle Seahawks; Lindsay Hill and Morgan Dawson, Threshold Philanthropy; Melanie Ogleton and Olivia Lutz, Cardea; Nekya Johnson, Community Foundation of Snohomish County; T’wina Nobles and Lanessa Cerrillo, Black Future Co-op Fund
Sponsors
Black Future Co-op Fund, Blaq Card, Community Foundation of Snohomish County, Seattle Foundation, Seattle Seahawks, and Threshold Philanthropy.