Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists

by Valaida Fullwood, Charles W. Thomas Jr.

Giving Back lifts up seldom-celebrated traditions of giving among Americans of African descent. Rarely acknowledged as philanthropy, these centuries-old cultural customs and beliefs nevertheless continue to have an impact on lives and communities. Images and narratives of more than 200 people commemorate the legacy of black philanthropists - from generous donors of wealth to ingenious givers carving a way out of no way.

In Giving Back, Valaida Fullwood poignantly chronicles the African American philanthropy experience. Intimate vignettes and candid reflections reveal a myriad of philanthropic practices grounded in faith, mutuality, and responsibility. Fullwood juxtaposes personal accounts from a cross section of black philanthropists with fascinating quotes from givers and game-changers across cultures to illuminate transcendent truths and elicit new thinking about philanthropy.

Photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. beautifully captures images that portray the joy, aspirations, remembrance, and resilience that characterize black philanthropy. Pairing photographic portraiture and narrative, Thomas and Fullwood give readers over 160 artful page spreads that enliven the soul of philanthropy and honor the legacy of America's black philanthropists.

A perfect gift book, Giving Back offers wells of inspiration for generous spirits and lovers of photography, culture, and humanity. Every book purchased will keep giving, since the proceeds will be invested in philanthropic causes - and since the stories themselves will inspire readers to give.

Genres: Nonfiction

365 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Described an “idea whisperer,” Valaida brings unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as writer, strategist and social innovator. She’s a traveler who calls Charlotte home.

More at valaida.com

Reviews

[I Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving Back is a lovely mix of personal stories, quotations and answers to questions on philanthropy, the variety spread throughout the book in a way that keeps you engaged. I read this book from cover to cover, but it could just be dipped into every now and then, and I am certain this is what I will continue to do for the rest of my life as they inspire, restore your faith in humanity and provide wise lessons.

I only thing I would say that is perhaps slightly negative is that I would have preferred it to focus on all races. I am all for celebrating culture, but I feel philanthropy is the culture of human beings and at times (only every so often) it felt like the book was saying that African-Americans were different to all other races. I have certainly never felt that their cultures only take and don't give, but I understand that this is what the author feels many think (without this inspiring the drive in her, there would not be such a lovely book) and so can completely understand her purpose for writing Giving Back and if there are any views like that out there, this book will certainly set them straight. On a similar note, I got the impression it was only encouraging philanthropy to benefit African-Americans, however I may be mistaken on this point.

Overall, a book to cherish and one I am grateful to have. I'm sure it will have a far reaching impact on the world through the people who subsequent to reading it change philanthropy from a word into action.


** I received this free of charge through Goodreads First-Reads **

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing photos, motivating message, great stories that are within reach of everyone. Highly recommend this book as a gift for the person who "has everything".