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Proclamation declaring the month of August 2016 to be “Black Philanthropy Month” in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Jacqueline Copeland-Carson of Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (PAWPNet) established the month of August as Black Philanthropy Month in 2011 with recognition by the United Nations as part of its Declaration of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent; and
WHEREAS, Black Philanthropy Month is an annual, global celebration of African-descent giving in all its forms. The month-long observance invites all people of African ancestry and allied brothers and sisters to take August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives; and
WHEREAS, Black communities have vested reasons to celebrate and renew their rich, shared traditions of giving, self-help, and innovation throughout the U.S. and the world; and
WHEREAS, an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy and ongoing achievement in philanthropy merit a concerted effort to lift up important stories, spotlight good work, educate the generations, and inspire giving. Understanding and generosity are instrumental to improving social, educational, economic and health outcomes in Black communities; and
WHEREAS, philanthropy at its etymological root means “love of humankind,” and everyone desires love and deserves to flourish with love; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, POISE Foundation was established as the first public foundation in Pennsylvania founded and managed by African Americans for the purpose of promoting and uplifting Black Philanthropy and continues today as the oldest standalone Black community foundation in the nation. For this reason, POISE has supported and promoted Black Philanthropy month since its inception;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Allegheny County Council does hereby proclaim August 1 through August 31, 2016 as Black Philanthropy Month, and we call upon public officials, givers of the luminary and everyday variety, professionals and volunteers from the philanthropic and nonprofit realm, faith-based congregants, the young and the forever young-hearted and all the people of Allegheny County to observe this month, to celebrate the cultural richness and philanthropic spirit of our community, and to recognize the vital role generosity plays in ensuring a healthy, safe and prosperous community in which to live, work and flourish.