By Rev. Madison T. Shockley II
When one thinks of philanthropy one thinks of five figure gifts to the museum or symphony by ten figure individuals. But philanthropy takes many forms. The simple definition (the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes) speaks of money; but it is the act of giving, not the amount of giving that is at the heart of philanthropy.
The surprising fact that nearly two thirds of African Americans give to organizations and causes may not be so surprising upon closer examination. One of the main charitable organizations in the United States are its religious institutions. Religion is more important among American Blacks than any other racial or ethnic group, by far. Also, attendance at religious services is highest among blacks, so for these reasons alone it should come as no surprise that African Americans are the most dedicated philanthropic group in the United States.
Beyond giving to churches, a high percentage of African Americans with a college education (and therefore higher incomes) are members of Greek letter organizations. These organizations have at their heart, not hazing but helping. Members of these organizations make charitable donations throughout their lifetimes that benefit educational and service programs in under resourced communities.
While there are, indeed, high net worth African Americans in fields as varied as finance (e.g. Kenneth Chenault, the CEO of American Express) and retail (Rosalind Brewer, COO of Starbucks), as well as sports and entertainment, who are major donors, it is the everyday, average, person of meager means that reaches beyond themselves to help others that reveals the true character of African American philanthropy.