The Soul of Philanthropy Exhibition
A Celebration of Black Giving.
Black Giving from Generation to Generation
There’s no other city on the planet like Chicago. Of course, we mean Black Chicago … that is! From unique fashions, hairstyles, music, and dance, to the way Black Chicagoans worship and give … there’s nothing quite like Black Chicago swag and culture. After all, the founding father of Chicago was Jean Baptiste Point du Sable – a Haitian-born Black man.
The history and legacy of Black philanthropy is deeply rooted in Chicago. Johnson Publishing founder and Chicagoan John H. Johnson donated millions to Howard University. Likewise, George E. Johnson (no relation), of the Black-cosmetic empire Johnson Products, was active and financially supportive of several Chicago-based national civic organizations. In fact, Chicago is home to some of the country’s most notable philanthropists, including media mogul Oprah Winfrey, investment guru Mellody Hopson, and hip hop artists Common and Chance the Rapper.
During the civil rights era, Black Chicagoans also helped rebuild burned down churches and Black newspaper buildings. Black philanthropists posted bonds for arrested Black activists. Black philanthropy extends far beyond donations of the wealthy. Chicago-area family foundations and non-profit educational assistance organizations grew out of a need to provide worthy, yet struggling, students with scholarships to matriculate college. Black sororities and fraternities were founded on the principles of being of service to mankind.
Here are some quick national stats about Black giving:
- African Americans give 8.6 percent of their discretionary income to charity—more than any other racial group in America.
- African Americans donate 25 percent 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 tune of $11 billion each year.
The Soul of Philanthropy – Rooted in Chicago tells the story of philanthropy from a uniquely Chicago perspective. Events will be curated in a manner that consciously considers Black philanthropic giving and how it has evolved throughout generations. The Soul of Philanthropy – Rooted in Chicago is about empowering a new generation to recognize their influence and their responsibility to give back. This specially-curated, local component of the national Soul of Philanthropy exhibition will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St.