A Black Philanthropy Month Book Recommendation

Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists

by Valaida Fullwood, Photography by Charles W. Thomas

?“Give and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.”—Luke 6:38

?Valaida Fullwood’s 2011 book, Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists is a beautiful collection of stories, cultural traditions, and values that are deeply embedded in African American culture. The book and Valaida’s passion for generosity were inspired by Valaida’s Aunt Dora who, after retiring from work at church, heard the Lord tell her to feed the hungry during a silent prayer retreat. In her seventies she founded Our Daily Bread Kitchen in Asheboro, North Carolina, which serves over 20,000 meals per year to the hungry.

Through stunning photography, personal stories shared by loved ones, Scripture, and quotations, the book displays the rich tradition of wholehearted generosity and integrated philanthropy woven throughout African American life and culture. This giving culture was shaped through the local Black church. It served as the community center for spiritual, social, emotional and physical support. While mainstream U.S. culture treated African Americans as sub-human for centuries, God used Blackbelievers to meet one another’s needs, much as we see in the early church.

The term philanthropy is often associated with the ultra-wealthy. We picture those who give away millions of dollars and receive recognition and accolades for their gifts. Valaida wants to reclaim the term. She grants it to those who embody joyful, abundant, sacrificial giving, day in and day out. According to Valaida, Black philanthropy is about more than giving money. It’s about bringing our full selves. It’s about sacrifice, mutuality, and social justice.

The book’s introduction highlights some misconceptions about Black philanthropy:

“African Americans give 8.6% of their discretionary income to charity—more than any other racial group in America. Further, African Americans donate 25% more of their discretionary income than do Americans of European descent. Nearly two-thirds of African American households give to charity more formally, to the tone of $11 billion per year.—2003 study in The Chronicle of Philanthropy”

The book has been meaningful and inspirational as I pray and seek a lifestyle of wholehearted, abundant, sacrificial generosity. In my family and community, too often giving is focused on money and tax-efficiency. While tax-effective giving is important, the Holy Spirit is opening my eyes to ways I can live generously that has less to do with how I give and more to do with opportunities to express love and grace.

While the book is out of print, used copies are available on Amazon.

?Valaida is also a founding member of the Next Generation of African American Philanthropists, a giving circle based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The book, Giving Back, led Valaida to launch The Soul of Philanthropy, an exhibit highlighting some stories from the book .

In Black Philanthropy Month Part 2, I’ll share an interview with Valaida, during which we dive deeper into the traditions and future of Black philanthropy.

Written by Michele Dudley