Board of Directors

2020-2023 Officers

Traditions of philanthropy in African American communities may not be as well known among current generations; however, upon freedom, our enslaved ancestors engaged in philanthropy – building churches and schools, donating land for newly established communities, and pooling their meager resources to establish mutual giving societies. Giving was as natural to our ancestors as the rhythm of music or colors in a sky. Many of us are familiar with tithing to our churches! But, it seems that some African Americans are not as familiar with giving outside of the church, or historical knowledge of African American philanthropists, or how philanthropy can benefit our communities as a whole.

If philanthropy is a tool used by OTHER people from outside of African American communities to create change within African American communities, why can’t African Americans create change for ourselves? 

STEWART QUINCY MCCALL

PRESIDENT

2004 Louisiana Session on Black Philanthropy Task Force Participants