A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy in the African American Community

A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh chronicles the rich but largely untold story of the diverse and lesser known philanthropists whose legacy shaped the region. This season of Speaking of Change invites philanthropic practitioners and community leaders to comment on the book's themes and draw parallels and lessons to inform current practice. 

Book editor Kathy Buechel sits down with Michelle McMurray, Vice President for Program and Community Engagement at The Pittsburgh Foundation and Mark Lewis, President of the POISE Foundation in this episode.

Michelle, Mark, and Kathy discuss the ways African Americans participated in civic dialogue through their philanthropy and community building, even before they had the vote. The three trace the history of lesser known philanthropists like Daisy Adams Lampkin and Alma Illery and their contributions to the region.

They discuss what lessons the past can impart for current day practitioners of philanthropy - and what the future of the topic may hold.