African American Philanthropy
Legal segregation and social stigma have put up an almost untenable barrier for many African Americans who want to donate hard earned money to their favorite causes. The efforts of a few intrepid African American philanthropists have allowed black philanthropy to grow by leaps and bounds over the past two decades.
Leaders of African American Philanthropic Efforts
There have been a number of African Americans who have made volunteerism, donations, and non-profit organizing a stronger part of American culture. Thurgood Marshall lent his name to a law school and a college fund that helps disadvantaged African American youth after his years on the Supreme Court. A.G. Gaston worked in the 1950’s and 1960’s to integrate Birmingham, Alabama with a variety of business ventures including the A.G. Gaston Motel and a savings and loan bank. Howard Thurman used his preaching in the latter half of the 20th century to increase use of churches as philanthropic tools.
The Rise of Black Philanthropy in America
These leaders of the African American philanthropic movement have given way to a more diffuse community of giving in the 21st century. Due to desegregation and equal opportunity laws, there are a higher number of middle and upper class blacks living throughout the United States. These professionals are demonstrating an interest in placing money back into old neighborhoods to help children have the same opportunities they did at the same age. The growth of enormous churches called mega churches has also highlighted the need for black philanthropy. These churches are tied into a specific set of philanthropic efforts, offering a comfortable environment to donate funds, which will be used in communities where they are needed.
Anecdotal Evidence of Black Philanthropy
A number of examples of black philanthropy demonstrate the growth of charity among African Americans in the 21st century. The African American Legacy Program helps upper class blacks place their money into endowments for future dispensation to the charities of their choice. The Associate Black Charities (http://www.abc-md.org/content/) utilize a sizable grant fund to provide funds for natural disaster relief and community revitalization. Well-known companies like the United Negro College Fund and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have helped advance black philanthropy for decades.
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