Fri, Nov 10: 6:15 pm – 8:30 pm, “BLACK PHILANTHROPY in Tampa Bay”: A Panel and discussion at The Woodson Museum of Florida, 2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, was an informative and provocative conversation about the state of Black giving in Tampa Bay!
Black households give 25% more of their income annually than white households, and nearly two-thirds of African-American households donate to organizations and causes, totaling $11 billion each year. –
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Hawwa Muhammad writes in Tides that “The usual way in which individuals are primed to think about philanthropy is from an institutional perspective or a model where one person (traditionally a high-net-worth individual) gives money to many people.” However, data shows that while Black communities are often accused of simply “taking” handouts from governments, foundations, and wealthy donors, in reality in our community is extremely giving. Muhammad notes that:
1. The practice of giving in the Black community has been around for centuries. 2. The term “philanthropy” does not fully embrace just how diverse the nature of giving is, in practice. 3. Black households donate a higher share of their wealth than white households. 4. Giving in the Black community comes in many different forms. 5. Black Philanthropy IS Philanthropy.
During this powerful discussion, our panel shared the ways in which we can continue to create pathways to giving and determining the ways that best benefit our communities throughout Tampa Bay.
Moderated by philanthropic and nonprofit leader Carl Lavender Jr, current director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of St. Pete, whose work for over thirty years in Tampa Bay includes leading roles at the Boys and Girls Club and the Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete; our panelists included:
- Leigh Davis, former Director of Donor and Advisor Relations, Pinellas Community Foundation
- Christoper Hackney, SVP, Director of SBA Lending at BayFirst National Bank
- Anysia McDowall, CFRE, Principal, Polestar Philanthropy, former VP of Investor Relations at Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
- Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
- Liban Abokor, Foundation for Black Communities, Toronto
Opening performance by Artz 4 Life founder Jai Hinson along with youth performers.
