As we wrap up our Gamechangers series during National Philanthropy Month, we want to take a moment to reflect on the class of 2026.
Many Voices. One Movement
A Gamechanger is someone who sees what their community needs and finds a way to help. This year’s eight Black honorees do that in different ways, from preserving neighborhood history to making care easier to reach. Their stories show what this year’s Black Philanthropy Month theme, “Many Voices. One Movement”, looks like in Middle Tennessee.
Choose a Gamechanger below to hear what shaped the way they give
Karen Coffee preserves the stories of the people who made Jefferson Street a center of Black life in Nashville.
Edwina Freeman grew up watching neighbors look after one another’s children. She carries that example into her work with young people at DYMON.
Christina Griffin learned what it meant to give her time by visiting nursing homes with her grandmother.
Rev. Dr. Omaràn Lee co-founded Reach One Teach One to give young people the kind of support he received growing up.
Rev. Rocky Major helped faith communities learn how to support survivors of sexual abuse.
Pamela Sessions made room at Renewal House for more mothers to receive treatment while staying with their children.
Judge Stephanie J. Williams built a family law practice for people who couldn’t afford traditional legal fees.
Tanisha “Tee” Wilson founded B.E. Academy for Girls, a school built around the experiences of girls of color.
“I hope people hear these stories and think of someone who showed up for them,” said Keith King, CFMT’s philanthropic service manager. “That’s a good place to start when you’re thinking about what you can give to someone else.”
A look back at August
More than 165 guests joined us for our third annual Gamechangers Celebration during Black Philanthropy Month. Past Gamechangers and community leaders joined us to honor the class of 2026 and meet five nonprofits serving Middle Tennessee. CFMT awarded $17,000 to the participating nonprofits. In August, more than $300,000 in grants went to Black-led organizations.
“Even though I’ve been engaged in giving, in generosity, I never really sort of thought I was a philanthropist,” said Gail Williams, a CFMT board officer and 2025 Gamechanger, in the event wrap-up video. “We’ve been Black philanthropists our whole lives because we’ve been caring for one another.”
Nominate a 2027 Gamechanger
Know someone whose generosity is making a difference in Middle Tennessee? Nominations for the 2027 class open in early 2027. Visit the Gamechangers page to stay informed on nomination details.
