Mural Artist (above): Michael J. McBride
The primary aims of Black Philanthropy Month are informing, celebrating, involving, inspiring, and investing in Black philanthropic and investment leadership to strengthen African-descent communities worldwide for the benefit of all people and our planet. BPM has become a time for individuals, families, and community organizations to plan their giving and community impact year. Constituents should use August to identify their primary community interests, where they’d like to give, as well as the organizations they’d like to support.
We invite all Black people and allies to take the month of August and beyond to support the power of giving to promote justice in these pivotal times of racial,environmental, and economic crisis. Click to Learn More.
Give Black, Give Back
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-Founders Give Black, Give Back
Give Black, Give Back Changemakers Interview Series: Dr. LaDonna and Yvette Boyd
Kia Jarmon and Lisa Swift-Young, co-founders 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.
VIEW ALL CHANGEMAKERS INTERVIEWS
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.
Congratulations Give Black, Give Back on being awarded the 2023 Strobel Volunteer Award for Group Volunteer Service Award presented by Frazier and Deeter.
About the 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.
