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August 22 to
December 3, 2024
Come see philanthropy
differently
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
501 W. 9th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
PRESENTED BY:
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Presenting Sponsor:
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Groundbreaking In Focus
The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit features powerful black and white photography along with poetry, prose and film to reveal the long and unsung legacy of Black philanthropists—from generous donors of wealth to ingenious givers carving a way out of no way.
The Soul of Philanthropy
illuminates the human impulse to show compassion, to progress, to see fairness, to connect with others, to repair and to love. We have composed an experience where the images glow, the stories enlighten and the desire to give back is set afire. In reframing portraits of philanthropy, we want viewers to embrace and act on the fact that we each have the capacity to give more and wiser.
From a moving tribute toward a triumphant
movement of conscious giving for social change.
On The Exhibit
Author & Photographer
Valaida Fullwood
Described as an idea whisperer, Valaida brings unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as a writer, public speaker and consultant. She is the award-winning author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, a 400-page hardcover book profiling stories of philanthropy among African Americans that was developed with photographer Charles Thomas. Giving Back was named one of the 10 Best Black Books of 2011 and received the prestigious 2012 McAdam Book Award, which celebrates “the most inspirational and useful new book for the nonprofit sector.” In 2014, Valaida was named Lake Distinguished Visitor at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is a founding member of New Generation of African American Philanthropists and blogs at valaida.com.
Charles W. Thomas Jr.
Charles is an artist, photographer, educator and entrepreneur. Formerly the education director at The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film, he is now founding Executive Director at Queen City Forward. Charles is the owner of Sankofa Photography and the photographer of Giving Back. Collaborators on the book, Charles and Valaida Fullwood are featured in a TEDxTalk on philanthropy and have developed “The Soul of Philanthropy” exhibition. Charles currently serves on the boards of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and East Mecklenburg High School Foundation and is a member of New Generation of African American Philanthropists. Charles is married to Micaila Milburn and is the proud father of three beautiful boys. His photographic work can be found at sankofaphotography.com.
Schedule of Events
In addition to the exhibit, ABPC and MTCC will co-host our Soul Series – educational and social programming designed to highlight the TSOP exhibit, build awareness around Black philanthropy in Arkansas, and serve as a powerful vehicle for collaboration among communities.
TSOP Grand Opening & Reception
August 22, 2024
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Grand Opening at 5:30 pm;
Reception at 6:00 pm
Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit, followed by a soul food tasting experience that celebrates the rich heritage of African American southern cuisine.
The grand opening is open and free to the public. Soul Kitchen is now open to all attendees at no cost.
Soul
Child
November 9, 2024
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Bring your kids to a fun and interactive event packed with age-appropriate philanthropic activities! They'll explore the value of giving while engaging in exciting hands-on experiences. Encourage them to bring their pennies and loose change to participate fully in this enriching event!
Free and open to the public.
Soul
Stroll
October 5, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Experience a transformative walking tour of historic W. Ninth Street through a philanthropic lens, delving into the enduring legacies of African American business leaders, doctors, musicians, educators, and civil rights activists. Explore key spaces that were vibrant hubs of community and cultural exchange.
Free and open to the public. Please note this is an outside walking tour.
TSOP Closing Reception & Soul Sounds
December 3, 2024
5:30 pm
View The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit before it leaves Arkansas and afterward, enjoy a toast along with a vibrant line-up of live music and art featuring local African American R&B singers, who will perform notable works by famous Arkansas musicians such as Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Al Green, and Ne-Yo.
Free and open to the public.
Additional Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Programs
Please visit the MTCC webpage for additional information or to register.
The Soul of Philanthropy Tours
October 2024
12:00 pm
Gather your organization and join us for an exhilarating lunch break at MTCC! Drop into the museum and immerse yourself in The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit. This vibrant cultural experience awaits—a perfect midday refresh! Spend 30 minutes exploring, learning, and finding inspiration. Free and open to the public. Advance registration with Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is required for large groups.
Soul of Giving
November 15, 2024
12:00 pm
Join historian Brian Rodgers for an insightful discussion on the history of giving at three of Little Rock’s oldest black religious institutions: First Missionary Baptist Church, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Wesley Chapel Methodist Church. Delve into the historical significance of the Black church and explore its collaboration with faith-based leaders on the traditions of giving. Free and open to the public. Register here.
* Additional programming to be announced soon. All events will be held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center unless otherwise noted.
How To Give
We invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Give Black Arkansas Fund, powered by the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative. Your gift will support general charitable purposes with a focus on organizations and programs supporting Black communities in Arkansas.
You can make your gift of $25 or more online at giveblackarkansas.org or by mailing a check of any amount to the Arkansas Community Foundation (5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202). Non-traditional gifts – such as gifts of stock, life insurance, IRA rollovers, etc. – are also accepted.
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Presenting Sponsor
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Partners
To become a sponsor, contact Kara Wilkins, ABPC Program Director, at kwilkinsconsulting@gmail.com.
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