Philanthropy is typically considered to be within the province of billionaires. This book
broadens that perspective by highlighting modest acts of giving by African Americans on behalf
of their own people. Examining the important tradition of Black philanthropy this
groundbreaking work documents its history: its beginning as a response to discrimination
through self-help among freed slaves and its expansion to include the support of education
religion the arts and legal efforts on behalf of civil rights. Using diverse approaches the
authors illuminate a new world of philanthropy - one that will be of interest to scholars and
students alike. Chapters review the contributions of such major figures as Booker T. Washington
and Thurgood Marshall and discuss the often-surprising practices and methods of contemporary
African American donors.
