August is Black Philanthropy Month, a movement hosted by some groups to foster a since of community around giving from people of African-American descent. The month long event and promotion was created in 2011, when the African Women’s Development Fund declared a celebration of African-descent giving. Several nonprofits and multinational organizations are involved with the event, and it was recognized by the United Nations as part of the International Year for People of African Descent.
Tracey Webb, founder of the blog and website Black Gives Back and a partner in Black Philanthropy Month, defines the month long celebration as a time to pool resources and energy to make significant impact on communities. Tracey created the blog in 2007 to help chronicle her own charitable work in Washington, D.C. She is also the founder of Black Benefactors, a collection of affluent African Americans who raise funds that provide grant money to nonprofits that serve African American youth in the D.C. area. Tracey says that it is important to highlight philanthropic activities of minorities because they are generally seen as recipients instead of benefactors. Tracey’s work has been featured in the New York Times, the Huffingotn Post and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
A representative of the African Women’s Development Fund said that Black Philanthropy Month is a way to praise the people in the black community who are creating a tradition of generosity and innovation. Author Valaida Fullwood said it was important to highlight the growth of affluent African Americans, because there is still great disparity in the gender compared to whites, especially when you look at jobs, crime and education. Fullwood lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and is hosting several forums on philanthropy during the month of August.