There is an African proverb that states, “Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” When you think about philanthropy, the names that often come to mind first are Bill Gates or Warren Buffet. While I applaud the great work that these men are accomplishing, did Shanti Das, Jay Bailey, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Sivan Hines, Dr. Andrea Young, Nathaniel Smith, or Lovette Twyman Russell make your list? These African American philanthropists are just a few of the many who have provided support to the landscape and tapestry of this great city we call home — Atlanta.
I’ve sat in many boardrooms in which there were discussions around African American giving. The stereotypical narrative is normally played out like a broken record—“We don’t go after black donors because they don’t give.” Consider the source. Since I am a primary source in my blackness, I beg to differ. I come from a family of givers. We have given sugar to neighbors, watched children for single parents when daycare fell through, and pooled together money for the senior down the street who was about to be evicted. I have given to nonprofits that align with my passion…and my pain. Somehow the narrative of these stories has been lost—up until now. Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy celebrates the life and legacy of black philanthropy. I am excited to be a part of a community of givers who thought it not robbery to bring the exhibit to Atlanta. The exhibit will be showcased at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in downtown Atlanta from November 1, 2017, to January 22, 2018. I hope you, your children, and your neighbors will take some time to experience the awesomeness of African American giving. Visit www.tsopatl.com for more information and to register for some of our upcoming events.
I am Juanita Sheppard, a philanthropist, and I approve this message.