In all that we do we must give thanks and today I’m thankful that Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) exists and thankful to the creators of this phenomenal initiative. Philanthropy by definition is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. The truth is that our history and existence is deeply rooted in philanthropy, perhaps a a black woman I am bias, but I believe that our race has for years above all others has concentrated our efforts in the art of empowerment and deliverance. From the Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad to the creation the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) whose work on a variety of desegregation efforts in public facilities, transportation, and schools helped shape america today. What we do matters and thus it should be celebrated. In 2011 Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), held every August, was created by Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (formerly affiliated with AWDF USA) as an annual, global celebration of African-descent giving. Recognized by the United Nations as part of its Declaration of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent; declared by Congressman Keith Ellison, with proclamations from Minnesota’s governor and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Principal partners of BPM 2014 are Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (PAWPNet), BlackGivesBack.com (BGB) informs as the premier website on Black philanthropy since 2007, reaching readers in the U.S. and abroad and attracting major media attention, Community Investment Network (CIN) – formed in 2003, invests in Black and multiracial giving circles and grassroots philanthropists bridging institutional and nontraditional giving and the Giving Back Project (GBP) – inspires by reframing portraits of philanthropy with stories, photography and conversation, as in “Giving Back,” the award-winning book that profiles African American giving. Kudos to these fine organizations for pioneering BPM.
There’s a great quote by Oprah that I love and it reaffirms the importance of our giving “Life is a reciprocal exchange, to move forward, you have to give back.” There is still time to join in on the giving and celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. All black communities and their allies are invited to take August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives.The site offers a wealth of ways to celebrate BPM offline and online, in activities, discussions, thought pieces, events and generosity that are important to you and your community.
- Attend a philanthropy or community related event
- Join us for Twitter chats by following hashtags #BPM365 and #BPM2014
- Write op-ed pieces inspired by the theme: Generosity at Home and Around The Globe, especially those focused on philanthropy, community issues and African Americans
- Join or start a giving circle in your community
- Become a mentor
- Host local civic engagement forums e.g., panel discussions, community conversations, etc. around topics/issues of local interest
- Engage in a community service project and log/report your volunteer hours for a cumulative national reporting
- Amplify nationwide #BPM365 and #BPM2014 efforts via social media
- Share news and stories with newcomers to the concept of philanthropy and traditions of Black giving
- Donate to a cause of interest
For more information on ways you can get involved visit Blackphilanthropymonth.com and be sure to like them on Facebook.
