- Aerial Ozuzu is director of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis.
After Emancipation, it seemed unlikely that freed slaves could pool resources together to support one another and build community, but they did just that.
While they may have had empty hands, they did not have empty heads or hearts. And even though generations of Black Americans were systemically excluded from opportunities to build wealth, Black people have persistently expressed a love for humanity and generosity in myriad ways.Since 2011, Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) has been observed globally in August to celebrate and amplify Black giving. It is a month-long social action campaign to inform, inspire, and invest in Black philanthropic and funding equity.
The 2023 Black Philanthropy Month theme, Love in Action, focuses on the root meaning of philanthropy as love for all humanity. Efforts remind the world that Black philanthropy and funding equity are not just about money.
BPM 2023 highlights the efficacy and innovation of Black love in action in these hopeful but crisis times through creative philanthropy, business investment, and racial equity advocacy worldwide. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is advancing this year’s theme by hosting events, raising awareness, and sharing stories of generosity.
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Contributions can come in many ways
Black giving is more than just what comes out of our pockets. Within the Black community, philanthropy has a long and historical tradition, and it comes in various forms. Adopting the perspective that any generous act is inherently philanthropy is essential in changing the narrative of who and what philanthropy is—whether through time, talent, treasure, ties, or testimony.
Your presence and energy are an invaluable resource. Offering your time demonstrates not only your support but also a commitment to a cause or to helping others. Whether mentoring, serving on a nonprofit board, or lending a hand to a neighbor in need, time counts as a powerful gift.Sharing unique skills or knowledge can have a huge impact. Using your talent to provide a service or expertise that may be out of reach for others benefits those in need.Financial contributions, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Giving what you can, when you can, creates opportunities and builds resources for organizations and individuals.Making and leveraging connections is a powerful contribution. Using social ties to forge new relationships, facilitate collaborations, and garner additional support is another valuable tool in amplifying impact.
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Recognition of generosity creates appreciation
Everyone has a story to tell. Whether acknowledging lived experience in hardship or triumph, bearing witness through testimony can help shed light on the issues in our communities, benefit organizations and work being done to address problems, and inspire others to get involved.
Acknowledging and understanding diverse forms of giving is essential to the recognition and growth of Black philanthropy.
Giving in the Black community stems from a sense of accountability and a deep love of community.
When Black people had what seemed like nothing, they gave in whatever ways they could to help one another. They gave time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony to the betterment of others.
Recognition of this generosity can help others appreciate how giving in the Black community has continued to define and shape the collective progress of our community.
Aerial Ozuzu is director of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, the largest charitable grantmaker in the Mid-South. The Community Foundation last year allocated $115 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.
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