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
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.
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 professional advisors (financial advisor, estate attorney, or CPA) for personalized financial guidance to turn information into next steps.
From estate planning to tax questions, our volunteer advisors from the Black Professional Advisor Alliance and beyond brought their expertise directly to the community, embodying BPAA’s commitment to expanding financial literacy and building generational wealth.
“The most meaningful part of The Wealth Lab was connecting one-on-one with participants and providing practical guidance based on their individual goals and concerns. It was an honor to use my professional experience to help families make informed decisions today that can strengthen their financial future and build lasting generational wealth.”
– Myra McCaskill, CPA
Certified Public Accountant, Tax Advisor & Real Estate Wealth Advisor
McCaskill-Crenshaw Group
Give 8/28
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.
Support funding equity
Donate to Black-led and Black-benefiting organizations at Give 8/28 and year-round. Explore 300+ local Black-led nonprofits working across the impact areas you value.
