Celebrating Black August

August is Black Philanthropy Month - this celebration of the power of giving honors traditions deeply woven into the fabric of Black American society.

For centuries, Black Americans have cultivated cultures of collective support and strategic giving. From influential endowments to donations of talent and treasure, the legacy of giving is a tree with deep roots.

From early mutual aid societies providing essential safety nets to funding the Civil Rights Movement, Black generosity has consistently built institutions, uplifted individuals, and driven social change. It's a testament to an unwavering commitment to community.

This spirit of giving is fundamental to Civility Localized, thanks to our founder, Christine Edwards Pitkin. Christine embodies this philanthropic ethos. Her dedication to giving back has shaped both her personal and professional journeys. Consistently supporting initiatives focused on education, social impact, and animal rights, believing that a flourishing society is one where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Christine recently shared a powerful experience from her visit to the Charlotte Museum of History’s exhibit titled Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited.

Charlotte Museum of History, Summer 2025

Walking through that exhibit was incredibly moving," Christine recalled. "Seeing the stories of those dedicated to embodying the very best of humanity was profoundly impactful.
Themes of togetherness and hope for the future truly reinforce legacies of commuity care.”

Christine spoke of the vital roles played by Black society, churches, and fraternal organizations as cornerstones of community support. The exhibit highlights the importance of collective well-being as a shared responsibility. It also explores histories of grassroots giving, neighbors helping neighbors, and the pooling of community resources. To read more about the exhibit, check out news coverage via Queen City Nerve and WFAE.

At Civility Localized, Christine's philanthropic spirit directly informs our work. While our core mission is community engagement, we also actively contribute to the communities we serve through scholarship initiatives, civic education, and signature community offerings.

Black Philanthropy Month is a call to action. It's an opportunity to celebrate giving and powerful traditions. It reminds us that philanthropy is a mindset, and that we all have something to offer. As we look to the future, the lessons of Black philanthropy are more relevant than ever.

A spirit of collective responsibility is essential for building futures worth living in.

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