Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists [Hardcover]

Valaida Fullwood (Author), Charles W. Thomas Jr. (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Giving Back is a joyous exultation at the power of the human spirit." 

-- Michael Solender, Charlotte ViewPoint

"An uplifting opus...a touching tribute" 

-- Kam Williams, Sly Fox Reviews

"This is the kind of book I will go back to time and again." 

-- Lucy Bernholz, PHILANTHROPY 2173

"This is the most powerful representation of philanthropy that I have seen in more than a decade in this field. The stories, the quotes, the voices and the photographs are uniformly vivid and extraordinary....A reminder that, in its roots, philanthropy should be felt, not thought." 

-- Robert K. Ross, M.D., The California Endowment

"Giving Back belongs in every American home, not just every home of Americans of African descent. A story that has not been told!"

-- Claire Gaudiani, PhD, author of The Greater Good, Generosity Unbound and Daughters of the Democracy  

From the Author

Zora Neale Hurston, a writer whom I admire, once said: "There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you." Giving Back contains a vast collection of stories--photographic imagery and narrative form--that I ached to tell.

-- Valaida Fullwood

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: John F Blair Pub (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895875640
• ISBN-13: 978-0895875648
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #869,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

VALAIDA FULLWOOD | Described an "idea whisperer," Valaida brings a mix of unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as a writer, creative consultant and project strategist. Her client base ranges widely and her interests center on social innovation in philanthropy, education and the arts. In short, she helps people and organizations drive bold ideas forward by guiding their projects and writing their stories.

Valaida is the award-winning author of Giving Back, a 400-page hardcover book profiling of stories of philanthropy among African Americans that was developed with photographer Charles Thomas. Giving Back, her first book, was named one of the 10 Best Black Books of 2011 and received the prestigious 2012 McAdam Book Award, which recognizes "the most inspirational and useful new book for the nonprofit sector."

A born-and-bred North Carolinian, Valaida has deep hometown roots in Morganton and is graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in International Studies with a focus in Economics. For nearly a decade, she managed international economic development projects for major corporations, living and working overseas prior to establishing a Charlotte-based consulting practice.

Her primary passions are foreign cultures and international exploration. Perpetual wanderlust has led her to more than twenty countries, four continents and counting. Closer to home, she throws delicious parties and thrives from social and philanthropic involvement with Charlotte ViewPoint, Community Investment Network, On Q Performing Arts, and Wesley Heights Community Association, as well as the innovative forums Pecha Kucha and TEDxCharlotte. She is a founding member of New Generation of African American Philanthropists--a giving circle that gives back.

Valaida is a contributing writer for the blog BlackGivesBack.com. She also blogs, blogs, blogs at valaida.com and enjoys social media connections on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @ValaidaF and @BlkGivesBackCLT. As a writer and public speaker, she enjoys sharing stories and engaging audiences around Giving Back and looks forward to publishing more books.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Giving Back December 15, 2012

By D. Faye Conley

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent choice; will buy additional copies; author from same hometown; will make an excellent gift for all ages...old and not as old.

5.0 out of 5 stars Giving Back September 11, 2012

By Valaida C. D'Alessio

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a book I want to keep on my coffee table. Beautiful photos and quotes. Truly gives a fresh outlook on philanthropy and how everyone can give back through helping others. Love the book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. May 26, 2012

By DJH

Format:Hardcover

This beautifully framed portrait of a longstanding tradition in the African diaspora sheds much needed light on a shared mindset and operating system of the African-American community that is all too often buried beneath images of poverty, misogyny, violence, and unrest. I think this book is a must have for black households worldwide. Buy it, put it on your coffee table, and invite all your friends of other races over for tea.