The 2026 theme for Black Philanthropy Month was “Many Voices. One Movement.” It honored the many people, communities, and forms of generosity that carry Black philanthropy forward.
The Gamechangers 2026 cohort reflect that range. Their work reaches across education, law, cultural preservation, youth development, recovery services, mental health, and spiritual life. Each has chosen a different path of service, but all are helping build a stronger and more connected Middle Tennessee. Over eight weeks, we will share an in-depth profile of each of our eight Gamechangers 2026 cohort, carrying the celebration from Black Philanthropy Month in August into National Philanthropy Month in November.
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Edwina Freeman – CEO, DYMON
Edwina Freeman joined DYMON in 2019 and became CEO in July 2025 after helping strengthen the organization’s programs and operations. Freeman leads DYMON’s work of serving Black girls and girls of color as a living example. She offers mentorship, leadership development, and access to opportunity.
Edwina grew up in Detroit’s Brewster Projects, where neighbors looked after one another and made sure young people had what they needed. That community first mentality is baked into how she continues to shape philanthropy. Freeman serves on the Sexual Assault Center’s Board of Directors, but also serves as an example to her daughter, often bringing her into work.
Freeman’s nominations show how naturally her service moves between organizational leadership and personal example. One nomination points to the partnerships she helped build for DYMON, including work with the Tennessee Titans, the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium, MAC Power Youth, and Regions Bank. “Edwina leads by example,” the nomination reads, “demonstrating that philanthropy is not only about giving resources but also about giving time, talent, and heart.”
Freeman’s life was illuminated by philanthropy long before she had the language to describe it. In the conversation below, return with her to Detroit’s Brewster Projects, the place that helped raise her and the daughter who later helped her recognize those everyday acts as giving. In the interview, Edwina reflects on how those experiences continue to guide her service today. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You grew up in Detroit and came to Nashville for college. How did that journey lead you to the work you do today?
I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, as the daughter of immigrant parents in an urban housing community. I came to Tennessee State University on a track for nursing school, and I quickly learned that I am a nurturer, but I had so much more to give.
Growing up in the Brewster Projects, I saw how our community rallied around young people, made sure we got to school, and made sure there were afterschool resources. That brought me to where I am today, serving in very similar work.
You have said your daughter helped you recognize the community you grew up in as a form of philanthropy. What did she help you see?
Many people overlook that space, but it was my daughter who reminded me that this was real community. She thought about the neighbor who came over for sugar. She thought about the friends who walked to the park together and learned to be home before the streetlights came on.
Those small moments of community were a constant reminder that philanthropy is not just dollars. It is time invested in good intent and good doing.
Philanthropy is often pictured as writing checks. What does giving mean to you?
Giving, to me, is one of the most selfless acts you can do. Giving can include your time, talent, or treasure.
What has giving given back to you?
For me, giving represents how I am standing here today. It was community. It was people. It was scholarships. It was opportunity consistently marking different parts of my journey.
What would you tell a young woman standing where you once stood?
You are never alone. You are always standing on the backs of thousands who had prepared a path before you, and you are always destined to be great. Part of being great is being of service to others.
Finish this thought: “I give because…”
I give because you can change your life one gift at a time.
To learn more about DYMON and the work that Edwina Freeman is doing, visit https://www.dymon.org/.
Join us each week as we celebrate each of our 2026 Gamechangers. Keep an eye out for their stories and the many ways these leaders show up every day to help build a thriving Middle Tennessee.
About Black Philanthropy Month
Celebrated each August, Black Philanthropy Month is a global observance of giving to and by people of African descent. It recognizes Black generosity in all its forms while inviting individuals, families, organizations, and communities to invest in Black-led change.
The 2026 theme, Many Voices, One Movement, reflects the idea that the strength of Black philanthropy comes from the people who carry it forward. Giving may take many forms, but it is united by collective care, community-led investment, and a shared commitment to justice and opportunity for Black people everywhere.
The theme also reminds us that this work does not belong to one person or organization. It grows when people come together to give, build, serve, and share their voices in support of a common purpose.
Since 2019, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has celebrated Black Philanthropy Month by highlighting Black leadership, connecting donors with Black-led organizations, and creating space for conversations about the future of giving in our region.
This year, CFMT will bring community members together for conversation, connection, and recognition of Black leaders shaping Middle Tennessee. Guided by Many Voices, One Movement, we will consider how donors, nonprofit leaders, businesses, families, and neighbors can each contribute to a stronger and more connected future for Black philanthropy.
