Giving for Good: Celebrating African American philanthropy

Although we often hear about the outstanding philanthropic endeavors of Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods and Sheila Johnson, African American philanthropy is more often exercised at the grassroots, community level, under the radar screen. For generations, black churches have been at the center of African American philanthropy. It's fitting to focus on this subject during Black History Month.

"The church is the backbone of the African American community", said Dr. Classie G. Hoyle, alderman, Ward 3 in Annapolis.

In the past, because of overt discrimination, black giving often was centered on African-American interests....