Leaders of the African American Fund of Bartholomew County have made possible a visit of the abridged version of the nationally touring exhibit “Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy, Reframed and Exhibited.”
It will open with a public reception at 4 p.m. Sunday and runs through Aug. 9 on The Commons first level. It presents a look at national, black philanthropy from the word’s original, Greek root meaning which is “love of humanity,” according to founder and writer/speaker/consultant Valaida Fullwood of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The picture of philanthropy is usually ultra-wealthy white men of privilege,” Fullwood said, speaking by phone from her office and mentioning corporate stalwarts ranging from Henry Ford to Andrew Carnegie. “And the recipients most often are people of color, poor people and disenfranchised people. While that is part of the story, it’s not the full picture.
“And that’s where we assert the idea of reframing philanthropy.”
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The exhibit website at thesoulofphilanthropy.com summarizes the exhibit by saying its 22 panels and text from Fullwood’s book “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists,” are “grounded in faith, mutuality, responsibility and social justice.”
The display includes photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr.’s black-and-white photos from the book, ranging from a crowded church picture to weathered hands of an African American woman.
“For many people, this reclaiming of the root meaning of philanthropy is really an epiphany,” Fullwood said.
An added, local and multimedia segment of the exhibit highlights nearly 40 Bartholomew County African American individuals, agencies or organizations with a solid history of philanthropy. The exhibit unfolds during Black Philanthropy Month, according to organizers. Sunday’s opening features speakers the Rev. Jane Sims of Columbus, part of the local exhibit, and Rose Mays, founder of the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI in Indianapolis.
This first-of-its-kind institute honors her late husband, William Mays, a former Cummins Inc. executive who was founder of Mays Chemical Co. and a leader in Indiana philanthropy, according to organizers.
“The (local) exhibit focuses more on the philanthropic acts than the individual (mentioned),” said Tom Harmon, president of the African American Fund of Bartholomew County, which is a part of The Heritage Fund — the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. “We simply use individuals … to serve as an example to inspire and educate others to do likewise.”
Harmon added that the locals highlighted are meant to serve “as a sample of philanthropic activities.” For instance, over the years, pastor Sims has served as a powerful example of education, spiritual passion and leadership, racial justice and more.
“We give a lot in terms of time, talent, and treasure,” Harmon said of the black population in general. “We want to help educate people on what type of philanthropic action has been done in the past, as well as inspire them and give them ideas of what they can do in the future.”
Longtime Columbus resident Lori Thompson, among the organizers for the exhibit, mentioned that this project eventually could have one of the greatest impacts of any African American Fund local effort yet since the fund began seven years ago.
“This is not just about helping the broader community see philanthropy (on a broader scope), but it’s also about helping the African American community see it as well,” Thompson said.
Thompson also helped with behind-the scenes work on a planned panel discussion Aug. 12 led by family historians to trace the evolution of some African American families in Bartholomew County. The free gathering is scheduled at the Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St. downtown.
After its display in Columbus, the local exhibit, which will run through Aug. 30, is scheduled to become part of a permanent display at the Madam Walker Theater Center in Indianapolis next year.
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What: The nationally touring exhibit "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy, Reframed and Exhibited," along with a separate-but-related slide show display of local African Americans who have given back to the community in love via their involvement in everything from ministry to education. The African American Fund of Bartholomew County is the organizer.
When: The exhibits open at 4 p.m. Sunday. The national exhibit runs through Aug. 9. And the local display runs through Aug. 30, and then next year will become part of a permanent display at the Madam Walker Theater Center in Indianapolis next year.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St.
Admission: Free.
Information: thesoulofphilanthropy.com
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