‘Love in Action’
August is Black Philanthropy Month
By Color Of Change staff
For far too long, the efforts of Black donors have been overlooked or underrepresented when it comes to telling the story of philanthropy and charitable giving.
But reports consistently show that Black families give a greater percentage of their wealth to charitable causes than all others. No matter whether it is to benefit church, family, friends in need or nonprofit, social service or social justice organizations, Black households give 25% more of their income annually than white households, with nearly two-thirds of Black households donating about $11 billion annually to organizations and causes, according to a report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Those statistics are in the spotlight as Color Of Change uplifts the designation of August as Black Philanthropy Month. Started in 2011, Black Philanthropy Month is a global campaign and celebration elevating giving by people of African descent. This year’s theme: “Love in Action.” By giving of our time, talent or treasure, we show our love of self, community and humanity.
Color Of Change is a beneficiary of that love. Founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, COC is committed to amplifying the voices of Black people and Black communities to create lasting systemic change. Our campaigns for justice, equality and accountability have mobilized millions of members around the nation in racial justice areas ranging from criminal justice reform and economic justice to voting rights and protection of Black history.
Our recent efforts include combating book bans and attempts to erase Black history in classrooms; fighting misinformation and disinformation on social media by tech giants; and battling the crippling impact of carceral profiteering on Black families.
Your generosity during Black Philanthropy Month will help us continue our mission of creating a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Donate now to COC.
Every year during Black Philanthropy Month, Aug. 28 is tagged as a special giving day to promote financial support for Black-led organizations, as well as for grassroots organizations that benefit Black people. Give 8/28 has a special meaning because of the significant events that have happened on that date:
- On Aug. 28, 1955, Emmett Till’s murder in Mississippi helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement.
- Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful “I Have A Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
- Aug. 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated Black communities in New Orleans and displaced more than 1 million people from the central Gulf Coast.
- Aug. 28, 2008, then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Party nomination for president, paving the way for his election as the first Black president in U.S. history.
Consider giving on Aug. 28 or anytime during Black Philanthropy Month. As a supporter of COC, your donation will help fund the tools and strategies needed to create positive and meaningful change throughout the year.