Has The Relationship Between Black Women, Leadership and Philanthropy Evolved?
Black women play a major role in shaping the future of economic, social and political arenas, but do not receive nearly enough of the support that we deserve.
August 17th is National Nonprofit Day which recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world. August is also Black Philanthropy Month, which is a global celebration and campaign to elevate giving from people of African descent. The definition of philanthropy is the altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement of others, expressed through donations of money, time, or work. The nonprofit sector and philanthropy includes a wide range of activities related to volunteering and the giving of money. Historically, women give in different ways and for different reasons than men. People of color, especially Black women, have historically been overlooked in data on philanthropy due to higher percentages of informal giving.
More than ever before Black women are starting businesses and nonprofits, running for elected office, and leading movements. However Black women in leadership roles are not new, they have been leaders for generations. The question I ask myself is — How far has the relationship between Black women, leadership and philanthropy evolved? A great historic Black figure who inspires me is Clara Brown. A freed slave, community leader and philanthropist, Clara used her wealth to benefit the community and assisted with settlements for former slaves. Another is Madame CJ Walker, known as both a successful entrepreneur and incredible philanthropist who started her own college and supported many organizations that served black communities, especially Black women.
Today Black women are launching more start-up businesses than any other demographic group, according to a recent American Express report, “The State of Women Owned Businesses”. The National Urban League’s 2017 “State of Black America” found that Black women’s entrepreneurial motives were not simply pursuing economic opportunity for themselves, specifically, these women “explicitly expressed the desire to support and uplift their communities in the process.” They sought to forge professional pathways free of discrimination — to open doors not only for themselves, but for others as well.
Black women entrepreneurs are becoming philanthropists. The private sector has propelled women’s philanthropy through a capital-driven manifestation of the women’s movement. Like the legends Madame CJ Walker and Clara Brown before them, these women are putting their wealth to work for the common good. Black women are giving to organizations and communities in which they have personal connections, including increased participation on boards, as well as starting and leading nonprofits. They bring issues to the attention of the public to help provide awareness, and they actively seek support to improve issues related to their interests.
As a Black woman and senior leader at a nonprofit organization, I have been reflecting on the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the historic selection of Kamala Harris as the Democratic Vice-Presidential running mate during this Black Philanthropy Month. In the midst of all of this what type of leader, activist and philanthropist am I?
Since the pandemic, 46% of small Black-owned businesses have closed. Many nonprofit organizations that are led by or were created to serve Black people have either increased demand due to the pandemic crisis disproportionately affecting people of color, or have shut down completely due to a lack of resources. Despite Black women starting more businesses with a focus on helping their communities, Black people get less than 1% of impact investing and venture capital funding. People of color and Black women have made an impact in philanthropy and nonprofit as leaders. We continue to play a major role in shaping the future of economic, social and political arenas, but do not receive nearly enough of the support that we deserve.
Standing on the shoulders of the Black pioneers who dared to pursue and succeed in scholastic excellence and business, I remain steadfast in my faith and commitment to public service. I am proud to be part of a few women’s networks based on shared experiences and shared goals. Some of the greatest philanthropic endeavors have been accomplished by the hands of Black women, most recognized in the church, sororities and women’s organizations. At this point in time my highest value of leadership is exercising my right to vote, advocating for and supporting local women and Black owned small businesses, and donating to local Black-led/serving nonprofit organizations. I encourage others to join me for National Nonprofit Day and Black Philanthropy Month as part of a collective impact to be a catalyst for social evolution.
