An afro-futuristic vision of health for Black Philanthropy Month

As we commemorate Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), we at Health Forward Foundation are inspired to reflect on the significance of this movement and its profound impact on our work in promoting health and economic equity.  

As a Black professional who has had the privilege of working in the field of philanthropy for more than 25 years, BPM is especially significant for me as a time for reinvigoration and acknowledgement of the power of solidarity and selfless service. 

From its inception, BPM has celebrated the rich traditions of giving and mutual support within Black communities, emphasizing the transformative power of collective action and innovation. Celebrating this history not only acknowledges the past and present contributions of Black communities but also inspires future generations to continue this legacy of giving and community empowerment. 

This year’s BPM theme centers Afro-futurism — ideas that reimagine, reinterpret, and reclaim the past and present for a more empowering future for Black people. 

This is an approach that deeply resonates with our purpose at Health Forward Foundation, where we are striving to address the systemic barriers to health and economic security that disproportionately exclude Black communities (in addition to other communities of color and people who live in rural communities). We’re also seeking to reshape how people understand the connection between racism, wealth, and health outcomes. 

A focus on Afro-futurism challenges us to imagine an ideal future for Black communities. It challenges us to lift up and affirm cultural values that prioritize giving back and taking care of each other. 

At Health Forward Foundation, we believe our position as a funder gives us a unique responsibility to contribute to this vision of the future. These are the things we are proud to model and encourage our philanthropic peers to pursue: 

1. Prioritize accountable philanthropy: When we say accountable philanthropy we mean philanthropy that is in service of repairing injustices to Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities while holding tensions for love, power, and justice in life-giving ways. Learn more about how we define accountable philanthropy in our post published by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. 
2. Shared power and decision making: Elevating local leaders and community-based organizations to guide health initiatives tailored to the unique needs of their communities. 
3. Purpose-driven investments: Exploring and adopting new ways of focusing our invested resources so they create more just economic outcomes that advance health and expand access to wealth. 
4. Policy advocacy: Reshaping policies and systems is the best way to achieve health equity and secure a fair and just region. Advocating for policies that address health injustice, such as expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for community health workers, and ensuring fair access to mental health services. 

In these times of escalating crises, it’s still possible to build a future filled with hope and mutual support. Black philanthropy embodies this spirit, bridging our past and present for a better future. Together, we can harness our collective power to create a healthier, more equitable world for Black communities and beyond. 

Join us in this year-round movement. Let’s continue to imagine, innovate, and take action toward a future where health and economic equity are within reach for all.