I have been an admirer of Black Gives Back: A Blog Dedicated to Philanthropy in the Black Community. Recently, I had a chance to interview its editor, Tracey, by email.
Phil: What got you blogging?
Phil: What got you interested in philanthropy?
Tracey: I've always had an interest in philanthropy, since I was very young. I come from a family of givers (foster parents, teachers, etc.) so that's where my 'giving nature' comes from. On one particular day I'll never forget, I attended a forum on the black male. The forum featured workshops on the plight of the black male, recent statistics, etc. One speaker in particular, a black pastor of a well known church, started telling us what we (meaning the black community) needs to do to save black males. He said he had written a book on what needs to be done. A little elderly black woman stood up, interrupting him, asking, excuse me but what have you done? Do you have a plan? I'm tired of all this talk, we need action. She received a standing ovation. I too, am tired of all the talk and finger pointing. I created the giving circle two years later (in 2005).
Phil: Tracey, you mentioned to me that your blog has had mean-spirited, even racist comments, that when comments get moderated or deleted, some commenters have sent you racist or stupid emails. What keeps you going?
Tracey: Because my blog is divinely driven, no matter how many racist and stupid comments/emails I get, I won't stop blogging. I knew I would hit a nerve with some people. In fact, I plan to move the blog from blogspot sometime this year and expand it. I want people to see that there are individuals, of all colors, who are committed to making this world a better place.
Phil: Any final thoughts?
Tracy: If you or anyone else is interested in joining the Black Benefactors, founding membership (for individuals and businesses) ends next month.
