• Duke University hosts ‘The Soul of Philanthropy’
• Smithsonian opens exhibit on American giving
• NGAAP-Charlotte members retreat for a day to advance for years
• Book donation to commemorate JCSU’s 150th year
• Art, heart and soul blossom at Jazzy 2016

Duke University Hosts ‘The Soul of Philanthropy’

The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture at Duke University hosted an abridged edition of “Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited,” October-November 2016.

A shared aim is engaging a new generation in a movement of conscious giving for social change. Center Director Chandra Guinn organized a reception and program for students and faculty on November 16, in conjunction with the exhibition. Exhibit creators Valaida Fullwood and Charles Thomas gave a talk and signed books at the Durham, NC event.

Duke University is Charles’ alma mater, which gave the exhibition and campus visit special significance.

Smithsonian Opens Exhibit on American Giving

On #GivingTuesday (November 29, 2016), the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (NMAH) hosted an invitation-only symposium and opened a new exhibit on American philanthropy as part of “The Philanthropy Initiative,” made possible with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and financier David M. Rubenstein.

The Philanthropy Initiative is a long-term project of NMAH to collect, research, document and exhibit materials relating to the history and impact of American philanthropy. Changing exhibits, programs and public outreach explore the collaborative power of giving in all forms and at all levels across a wide spectrum of issues and movements. Because of NGAAP-Charlotte’s work in Black philanthropy movement and on “The Soul of Philanthropy” exhibit, circle member Valaida Fullwood participated in the half-day symposium. (Click here for the backstory)

Focused on Sustainability and The Environment, this year’s program, “The Power of Giving: Philanthropy’s Impact on American Life,” was hosted by David Rubenstein and drew philanthropists, environmentalists, thought leaders and social innovators from nationwide to discuss the past, present, and future of American giving. The day began with a breakfast and opening of the Smithsonian’s first-ever, long-term exhibition Giving in America.

NGAAP-Charlotte Members Retreat For A Day to Advance For Years

On Saturday, November 5, New Generation of African American Philanthropists met for a full-day planning retreat on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. Members Reginald White and Clarence Lyons planned and facilitated the retreat.

Because of its cultural and historical significance, the gathering was held at the George E. Davis House, a newly renovated Queen Anne-style house located across the street from JCSU’s main entrance.

Built in 1895, the Davis House was the residence of the University’s first Black professor. George Davis later became North Carolina’s agent for the Rosenwald Fund, financed by Sears Roebuck President Julius Rosenwald, to build schools for African Americans. Davis’ work tapped into traditions of Black giving and shaped models of philanthropy that led to the construction of 813 mostly rural Rosenwald schools across North Carolina, with 26 in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Earlier this year, NGAAP-Charlotte, in collaboration with the Gantt Center, screened the new documentary ROSENWALD and hosted its filmmaker Aviva Kempner.

Inspired by the historical setting and motivated by high-stakes times, circle members spent the day discussing local, regional and national issues; reflecting on its decade-long work and accomplishments; examining collective giving models and conducted its own research; and mapping plans for how to build on its assets to demonstrate philanthropic leadership in Charlotte. Outcomes of the retreat are greater clarity and consensus on how our giving circle can make an impact in today’s social, racial, political and economic environment, particularly on matters of social justice. The giving circle also completed its 2017-2018 strategic plan.

150 Books To Commemorate 150 Years of Johnson C. Smith University

New Generation of African American Philanthropists donated 150 copies of the book it published, Giving Back: A Tribute to Genrations of African American Philanthropists to benefit students at Johnson C. Smith University.

The gift was made to mark the end of a two-year collaboration between Charlotte’s historically Black university (HBCU) and NGAAP-Charlotte on the IMLS grant-funded project to develop and tour “The Soul of Philanthropy” exhibit.

The quantity, 150 books, commemorates JCSU’s founding in 1867 and its sesquicentennial celebration this academic year. As with students at Duke University and other campuses that have hosted The Soul of Philanthropy, NGAAP-Charlotte seeks to engage a new generation in a movement of conscious giving for social change. Since the 2015 inaugural exhibition on Smith’s campus, the University has begun piloting a special topics seminar course, entitled The Philanthropic Mindset.

The presentation of books occurred on November 10 at the Mint Museum as part of the University president’s and board of trustees’ luncheon, celebrating 150 years of “undeniable progress”.  By helping to cultivate the next generation of philanthropists, NGAAP-Charlotte seeks to bolster JCSU’s impact and legacy for another 150 years.

Art, Heart and Soul Blossom at Jazzy 2016

Below are photos from the 36th Annual Jazzy Holiday Gala, benefiting Charlotte’s Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

Members of New Generation of African American Philanthropists played a variety of roles in this major fundraiser and longtime Charlotte tradition. Held December 3, the “art & soul” themed event generated over $300K to advance the programs and mission of the Gantt Center. Photographed with a backdrop of live red roses, giving circle members—Ed Franklin, Shawna Freeman, Diatra Fullwood, Valaida Fullwood, Lisa Moore, Charles Thomas, Keysha Walker, Reginald White and Victoria White—participated as presenters, guests, donors, volunteers and event consultants.

 Happy Holiday from New Generation of African American Philanthropists!