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Celebrating generosity, building legacy: Black Philanthropy Month 2026

Advancing a global movement that recognizes the long tradition and impact of Black generosity while advancing greater equity in philanthropy

Partnerships & Initiatives

Published: September 2, 2026

Celebrating generosity, building legacy: Black Philanthropy Month 2026

by Aerial Ozuzu, Vice President of Community Impact

This August marked the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis’s fifth year celebrating Black Philanthropy Month, a global movement that recognizes the long tradition and impact of Black generosity while advancing greater equity in philanthropy.

For generations, Black communities have invested in one another through faith, family, mutual aid, volunteerism, business, mentorship, and charitable giving. Black Philanthropy Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate that generosity, broaden our understanding of who is a philanthropist, and encourage more investment in the people and organizations strengthening our communities.

A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera. Text below reads: Aerial Ozuzu, Vice President of Community Impact. The background features abstract blue and green shapes, highlighting her commitment to legacy and generosity during Black Philanthropy Month.
A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera. Text below reads: Aerial Ozuzu, Vice President of Community Impact. The background features abstract blue and green shapes, highlighting her commitment to legacy and generosity during Black Philanthropy Month.

Here in Memphis, that celebration continues to grow.

Powered by Us Symposium

This year, nearly 300 people gathered at BRIDGES on August 14 for our second annual Powered By Us Symposium, focused on building Black generational wealth. Attendees explored entrepreneurship, investing, estate planning, financial wellness, protecting family assets, and transferring wealth to future generations. Those practical conversations were grounded in the history and lived experiences that have shaped access to wealth and opportunity for Black families. The day also explored community care, the importance of supporting Black-led nonprofits, and how greater access and opportunity can strengthen families and communities.

New this year, the Wealth Lab gave participants one-on-one time with trusted professionals to turn information into next steps.

Give 8/28

Graphic with text: $1.8 MILLION Supporting 90 Black-led nonprofits, celebrating the legacy of generosity during Black Philanthropy Month. Includes Black Philanthropy Month and 8/28 Giving Day logos on an orange and yellow background with colorful accents.
Graphic with text: .8 MILLION Supporting 90 Black-led nonprofits, celebrating the legacy of generosity during Black Philanthropy Month. Includes Black Philanthropy Month and 8/28 Giving Day logos on an orange and yellow background with colorful accents.

That spirit of action continues through Give 8/28, which the Community Foundation championed locally for the third year. Give 8/28 is a national day of giving dedicated to supporting Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits. Since amplifying the campaign to Memphis, we have seen what is possible when our community intentionally directs its generosity toward Black-led organizations. This year’s campaign raised $1,824,281 to support 90 local nonprofits.

Building for the future

We’re excited about how this work continues to evolve—from recognizing Black generosity to creating more opportunities to build wealth, support Black-led organizations, and connect people with ways to invest in the future of Memphis. Black Philanthropy Month may give us a moment to celebrate that work, but the generosity, leadership, and community care behind it are present in Memphis every day.

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