Empowering Dreams,
Enabling Progress, Elevating
Future Generations
Areas of Focus
Mission
The mission of the Black Philanthropy Circle encompasses two crucial components: promoting philanthropy and advancing equity. This initiative not only encourages members to contribute financially but also provides them with opportunities to get involved on a personal level. By actively engaging in philanthropy, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of their fellow community members. Additionally, the circle strives to advance equity by prioritizing the needs of the African diaspora population and supporting organizations that work towards reducing disparities in Howard County.
The tradition of collective giving
by African Americans dates back
hundreds of years and can be traced
to West African Culture. The
African concept of Ubuntu states,
‘I am because you are,’ and
‘No me without you.’ Ubuntu is
the foundation that the Black
Philanthropy Circle is standing on.
DERRICK LEAK
CHAIR, BPC ADVISORY BOARD
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About Us
The Black Philanthropy Circle was launched in December of 2023 to promote philanthropy, to advance equity and to support nonprofit organizations that address unmet needs of Howard County residents who trace their origins to the African diaspora.
Definition: The African diaspora is the worldwide collection of communities descended from native Africans or people from Africa.
The Power of Giving
In today’s world, philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing the unmet needs of communities around the globe. However, it is vital to recognize that different communities have unique challenges and requirements. That is why initiatives like the Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County are so significant. This giving circle, established at the Community Foundation of Howard County, aims to promote philanthropy, advance equity, and support nonprofit organizations that provide services to the African diaspora residing in Howard County.
A giving circle is a form of collective giving in which a group of individuals pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise to support worthy causes. By combining individual donations, giving circles amplify their impact and create a stronger philanthropic presence in their communities. These circles often focus on specific areas of interest, such as education, healthcare, or social justice.
The power of giving circles lies in their ability to create collective impact. By joining forces, members of a giving circle can leverage their resources to bring about transformative change. They can identify and support organizations that align with their mission, ensuring that their donations are used effectively and efficiently to address unmet needs. The collective impact approach fosters collaboration, ensures diverse perspectives are considered, and maximizes the ripple effect of each contribution.
The establishment of the Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County is a significant step towards supporting the local African diaspora. This circle recognizes the unique challenges faced by this community and aims to address them through strategic philanthropy. By focusing on the needs of Howard County residents with African diaspora heritage, the circle aims to bridge the gaps in access to resources, education, healthcare and more.
Board Members
Derrick Leak, chair
Frank Turner II, vice chair
Kia Payne, treasurer
Nia Leak, secretary
Sharon Barnes
Leon Caldwell
Candace Dodson-Reed
Andrea Harvey
Daryl Howard
Damani Ingram
Jennifer Jones
Richard Shepherd
Tara Turner
Lucinda Ware
Robin Williams
Beverly White-Seals