The 10th Annual State of Black Philanthropy:
The Freedom to Live, Thrive, & Write the Future
Thank you for joining us at the 10th Annual State of Black Philanthropy!
The Miami Foundation is proud to continue deepening our commitment to build a stronger, more equitable Miami. This cannot be done without a living, thriving, and empowered Black community.
Our 10th annual State of Black Philanthropy focused on Black freedom in three forms: freedom to live, freedom to thrive, and freedom to write the future. Together, we honored five community and philanthropic champions at The Black Archives – Historic Lyric Theater and celebrated Florida’s Emancipation Day (May 20) in community at The Urban. We hope to see you next year!
State of Black Philanthropy Report
We presented the third edition of our State of Black Philanthropy report. This year, guided by our friends and leaders at a time of increasing divestment from, and intimidation for, prioritizing equity, this report focuses on the basics — fundamental freedoms as experienced by the Black community. Black liberation by any other name is simply the freedom to live, thrive, and write the future of our collective home.
We hope you will share these insights and join us in our commitment to making informed investments in the Black community.
We sang together, we celebrated together, and we danced together.
Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, President and CEO of The Miami Foundation
We honored three remarkable Community Champions for their contributions to writing thriving Black futures.
We’re proud to celebrate 10 years of The State of Black Philanthropy! Hear from the event founders below.
This year’s artwork: Crafting Liberation
For four years and counting, The Miami Foundation had commissioned artist Cornelius Tulloch to create a piece he feels exemplifies each year’s theme. We are proud to support local Black artists not just today but everyday.
Crafting Liberation (2025) by Cornelius Tulloch
For the last four years, we have been honored to partner with artist Cornelius Tulloch to create the visual identity for the State of Black Philanthropy. This year’s event centers around freedom: The freedom to live, the freedom to thrive, and the freedom to write the future. Centered in those freedoms is respect for those who have trail-blazed to build a thriving and prosperous Black community in the past, in the present, and in the future.
This artwork exists as a composite image, and also as three separate pieces forming a triptych showcasing different freedoms. It documents and speculates the future of Miami’s Black communities as it develops. From the ornate
vernacular architecture of the past to contemporary aesthetics, this artwork visualizes the complexity of contemporary Black Miami. The “Freedom to work” collage highlights prominent historic Black businesses and entrepreneurial spaces in Miami, showcasing the scales of economics within the Black community. “The Freedom to live” collage depicts a collage of the Black home and how craft and history influence the cultural legacy and contributions of Black craft in the built environment. It also depicts the transformative and vital life of the porch as a place for fostering community. Lastly, “the Freedom to write the future” collage depicts expressions of culture, music, and dance that make up the vibrant cultural fabric of Miami’s urban landscape.
These images culminate into a celebratory art piece honoring this special 10th anniversary of the State of Black Philanthropy and all the contributions our community continues to make to fortify a strong future for Miami’s Black communities — crafting a path of Liberation and Freedom that envision a boundless future.
Join Us & Take Action
Give to the Racial Equity Fund
Since 2020, we have allocated over $2 million to support nonprofits led by Black individuals dedicated to addressing inequalities and empowering Black communities. While recognizing the need for further progress, we invite you to join us in creating a brighter future for Black individuals by contributing to The Racial Equity Fund, specifically designed to invest in the Black community.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Support your community by patronizing Black-owned businesses, where your shopping choices drive an impact. Explore Miami-Dade County’s curated list of recommended Black-owned establishments.
Create Your Own Fund
If you want to make a meaningful impact, The Miami Foundation provides guidance on supporting Black-led organizations in Greater Miami that are driving substantial positive change in the community.
Explore Overtown’s Organizations
Miami’s Overtown — the location of our 10th annual State of Black Philanthropy Ceremony and Celebration — has hundreds of community builders working together to cultivate a thriving neighborhood full of art and life.
State of Black Philanthropy Partners
Committing to racial equity means investing in diverse talent. The Miami Foundation is proud to share that every vendor and partner who helped with this year’s event was Black-owned and led. We thank them for their leadership and encourage others to partner with equity in mind.
State of Black Philanthropy Sponsors
Thank you to all of our sponsors for generously making this event possible.
