This August, in recognition of Black Philanthropy Month and the global call to honor the theme of Sankofa — a West African principle that urges us to “go back and get it” — we proudly welcomed the next class of Gamechangers: Black philanthropic leaders and bold collaborators shaping the future through innovation, generosity, and trust.
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Sam leads The Healing Trust’s grantmaking and Davidson County portfolio, working closely with communities to ensure the Trust’s efforts align with real needs. With 20 years in education and the nonprofit sector, he has built and led programs, campaigns, and partnerships while honing expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and community engagement. A certified fundraising executive, Sam is a proud Tennessee State University graduate, LiberTea Collective alum, and 2022 Hull Fellow.
Tell us your story. Your journey, your work, or what brought you to where you are today.
My parents taught me the values of hard work, faith, and community — lessons that were rooted in resilience and doing right by others. I learned early on that hard work creates opportunity, and opportunity creates the chance to build something bigger than yourself. Every choice I’ve made has been about giving back and strengthening the community around me.
I’ve always believed that mentoring and investing in youth is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change, because a strong foundation allows people to recenter and thrive, no matter the challenges they face. My journey into philanthropy and leadership wasn’t a straight line — it was guided by a personal calling and a desire to open doors for others.
Over the years, my career has been driven by a commitment to creating opportunities, fostering meaningful relationships, and building stronger communities. This path ultimately led me to my role as CEO of The Healing Trust. Through every chapter of my journey, I’ve held onto the belief that true leadership is about lifting others up and creating systems where both people and communities can thrive.
Name a person, tradition, or community value from your past that guides how you give or serve today.
A guiding value for me has always been the belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Even when I didn’t have a lot growing up, I was surrounded by love, support, and people who believed in me — and that was more than enough. That value reminds me that any resources, opportunities, or influence I have now are meant to be used to open doors for others, to give back, and to make the path a little easier for the next person coming behind me.
Sankofa teaches us to look back so we can move forward. If you could speak to your younger self or to future generations of Black gamechangers, what lesson or moment from your past would you share?
I would tell my younger self to trust your gut — you know more than you think you do. Keep reading, learning, and growing, but never forget to trust yourself. I’d remind future generations that consistency is often what separates good intentions from real impact. There were times I doubted if I belonged in certain spaces or if my voice would be heard, but I’ve learned that the challenges you face are often preparing you for the influence and change you’re meant to bring. Your story, your perspective, and your resilience are your greatest superpowers — lean into them with confidence.
The parable of the talents teaches us to grow and share what we’ve been given. How have you used your gifts — whether time, talent, or resources — to make an impact in your community?
I’ve tried to use my leadership to create spaces where nonprofits and grassroots leaders feel supported, seen, and equipped to succeed. Whether it’s through grantmaking, advocating for racial equity, mentoring young leaders, or coaching youth sports, I see my time and resources as investments in the future of our community. At The Healing Trust, we’ve worked to shift power to those closest to the work, ensuring that our impact is both strategic and deeply human.
How have you seen Black generosity and community investment show up in ways that might not always be recognized as philanthropy?
Black generosity often shows up through humanity — in the everyday ways we care for and invest in each other. It’s in the aunties and elders who make sure no child goes without, the neighbors who step in to help when someone is struggling, and the churches and community groups that quietly pool resources to meet urgent needs. These acts may not always be labeled as “philanthropy,” but they are powerful investments in people and community. They remind me that generosity isn’t just about money — it’s about time, love, and the willingness to show up for one another.
How do you define “being a Gamechanger” in collaborative efforts or philanthropy?
Being a Gamechanger is about being a catalyst — sparking ideas, action, and change that bring people together. It means challenging the way things have always been done and creating space for new voices and solutions. In philanthropy, it’s less about the money and more about building trust, relationships, and momentum. A Gamechanger is someone who inspires others to believe in what’s possible and helps make it happen.
What wisdom or encouragement would you share with someone in Nashville who’s just beginning their journey here locally as a philanthropist or community leader?
Start by listening. Take time to learn from those who have been doing the work long before you arrived. Relationships matter more than titles or dollars, and humility will open more doors than any formal introduction ever will. Don’t be afraid to start small — consistent action and a willingness to show up will take you far.
What are you curious about, excited to see unfold, and/or looking forward to initiating over the next year?
I’m excited to explore more thoughtful ways to invest in our community, especially around building Black wealth and advancing economic justice. I believe philanthropy has a role to play in creating real opportunities that go beyond short-term fixes and lead to long-term change. Over the next year, I’m looking forward to finding new partnerships, new tools, and new approaches that can help shift power and resources where they’re needed most.
Black Philanthropy Month: Sankofa Now!
The past holds the key to our future. As we navigate growing challenges, we must draw strength from those who came before us. For this year’s Black Philanthropy Month recognition, we must:
- Remember our philanthropic roots, built on collective care and community-driven investment.
- Reclaim our power to shape the future, ensuring Black-led change is not just recognized but sustained.
- Rise by reinvesting in our people, our movements, and our solutions, because the future of Black philanthropy (and all humanity) depends on what we do today.
A thriving Black community benefits everyone. The fight for equity, opportunity, and justice strengthens our collective future, creating a world where all can prosper. Black philanthropy has always been a catalyst for change. In a time when progress is at risk, we need all hands on deck.
