Give Black, Give Back

Mural Artist (above): Michael J. McBride

We love being black.

As women of color, we know all too well the daily challenges our communities face. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David Hambrick, Jacques Clemmons and now David McAtee are personal to us.

We feel the pain and frustration for their families and communities. Black Philanthropy is about embracing and preserving the beauty of our culture and heritage. We understand that economic equality and justice for all communities of color are central to the struggle.

We are about action.

The Give Black Give Back Initiative invites you to join us as we work together to strengthen our families, our communities, our neighborhoods and our friends during this difficult time.

Please see the listing of funds and nonprofits below to support. Read our stories, hear our hearts and Give.

Respectfully,

Lisa Swift-Young & Kia Jarmon
Co-Chairs Give Black, Give Back

Give Black, Give Back Changemakers Interview Series: Dr. LaDonna and Yvette Boyd

Kia Jarmon and Lisa Swift-Young, philanthropy co-chairs of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s initiative Give Black, Give Back Chairs recently interviewed LaDonna Boyd and her mother, Yvette Boyd, wife of 38 years to Dr. T. B. Boyd III, who passed away in May 2022.

The conversation began with the question, “What does being a philanthropist mean to you?”

LaDonna Boyd was quick to respond.

“Being a philanthropist means leading by example. It means put your money where your mouth is,” she boldly replied.

Give Black, Give Back Conversations: Your Organizational Giving and Social Responsibility

In recognition of Black Philanthropy Month, Lisa Swift-Young, joined later in the broadcast by Audra Cox) sit down with Give Black, Give Back’s new Advisory Board member Alfonzo Alexander and guest Janet Kincherlow-Martin to discuss how their personal beliefs in philanthropy spill into their corporate circles, strategies for organizations looking to leverage their giving and volunteering with nonprofits to maximize impact within Black and underserved communities of color.

Give Black, Give Back Conversations: Black Women Led Giving

This Give Black, Give Back Conversation for #BlackPhilanthropyMonth is a conversation centering around what’s happening across the state and country with Black women in philanthropy and how others can get involved. Guests include Director of Programs with the Tennessee Titans and The Women’s Fund board member, Johari Matthews, Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga Executive Director, Erika Burnett and Director of Engagement for Philanthropy Together, Tyeshia “Ty” Wilson.

Featured Mural Artist Michael J. McBride

Michael J. McBride, a native Tennessean, earned his undergraduate degree in art from Tennessee State University and his graduate degree in painting from Illinois State University, where he credits Dr. Harold Gregor with providing a world-class artistic mentorship. His commitment to the Nashville art world’s future has always been at the forefront of his own career: He served as the curator of the Hiram V. Gordon Gallery at Tennessee State University from 1995–2000 and has been the lead artist on many community-based mural projects in Nashville and Sister Cities Mural Projects.

Michael is a tenured faculty member in the Tennessee State University art department and former founding member of the Board of Trustees for the Frist Art Museum in Nashville. McBride was featured in “Visions of My People” 60 years of African American art in Tennessee, an exhibit organized by the Tennessee State Museum, and one of his pieces was purchased for the museum’s permanent collection. He was one of 12 Nashville artists selected by The Tennessean newspaper for inclusion in the Millennium 2000 Collection, a signal honor. McBride’s work is included in both private and corporate collections in the U.S .and abroad. His work has been featured on television sitcoms, such as “Living Single,” “The Wayans Bros. Show,” and “The Jamie Foxx Show” and has illustrated more than 75 children’s books.

Currently, McBride is an Arts in the Airport Board member, W.O. Smith Music School board member, Community Arts of Bellevue board member and a member of South Arts Southern artist registry. He recently completed a commissioned painting, large mural of Congressman John Lewis and other leaders of Nashville’s Freedom Riders and Lunchroom Sit-In Civil Rights movements, at the corner of Commerce Street and Rep. John Lewis Way in downtown Nashville, and is illustrating five new children’s books.