Redefining What It Means to Give: The Power of Everyday Black Philanthropy
By Nicole Brisbane | 08 / 17 / 26

This Black Philanthropy Month, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to be called a philanthropist. The dominant narrative often suggests that philanthropy belongs exclusively to billionaires, multimillionaires, or those with their names carved into the sides of university buildings. But that single lens overlooks a rich, enduring reality: generosity has always been deeply ingrained in the fabric of who we are.

A recent visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park—right in my own backyard—brought this truth into sharp focus. While walking through the park, I stood before the Patriots of African Descent Monument. Erected to honor the hundreds of Black soldiers who served, suffered, and sacrificed alongside George Washington’s integrated Continental Army during the 1777–1778 encampment, it holds a profound place in history as the first memorial on federal land dedicated to these Black Patriots.

But this monument didn’t appear by chance or through large institutional funding. It exists because of community initiative. Spearheaded in 1991 by Dr. Martha Russell and the Valley Forge Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—a proud Divine Nine organization—this memorial was brought to life by Black women who pooled their vision, dedication, and resources. They saw a gap in the national story and ensured our community’s history and contributions were recognized and remembered.

Dr. Russell and the women of Delta Sigma Theta remind us that philanthropy isn’t defined by the size of a check; it’s defined by impact and intention.

In our communities, philanthropy has always lived in the everyday ways we care for one another. It’s in the way we pool our resources to ensure no one is left behind. It’s in our churches and religious institutions, our mutual aid networks, and our collective giving circles. It’s seen when a neighborhood comes together to support a first-generation college student—filling the trunk of a car with bedding, school supplies, and groceries to send them off to campus with love and dignity. It’s why, in moments of crisis, we readily turn to platforms like GoFundMe to crowdsource aid and show up for one another.

The true power of Black philanthropy lies in our ability to give collectively. It strengthens our communities and sustains a legacy of generosity and care that creates change across generations.

You don’t need millions of dollars to be a philanthropist. Every time you invest your time, share your resources, or support a local cause, you are participating in a tradition of giving that preserves our history and builds our future. This Black Philanthropy Month, let’s embrace the microways we can give back every day—because together, our collective care has the power to transform communities.