Area Clergy take a look at the Black Church and Philanthropy

Nov. 1 program is part of TSOP-CLE's continuing look at what Philanthropy means in the black community

The black church became the center of African American experience in America because it was practically the only place exempt from the oppressive reach of white society. Partly for the same reason, the black clergy became acknowledged leaders of the black community: in addition to generally being among the more literate, black preachers from larger congregations were less subject to economic pressure from the white community because their livelihoods did not depend upon white whims. [Black undertakers often enjoyed a similar independence and status.]

As we move further into the 21st century, there are indicators that the church’s role may not be as significant in black community life as in the era preceding the civil rights revolution. Has the African American church retained its political mobilization clout? Does it have a role in supporting the African American community financially?

These and other questions will be aired this Friday, Nov. 1 at the Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Blvd. [44106] where several of the area’s best-known pastors will be panelists discussing the theme, “Giving Beyond Sunday Morning”.

Panelists for the program are Rev. Dr. Sabrina J. Ellis, Pentecostal Church of Christ; Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins, South Euclid United Church of Christ; Rev. Dr. Larry Macon, Mt. Zion Oakwood Village; Rev. Dr. William H. Myers, New Mt. Zion; Rev. Dr. Steve Rowan, Bethany Baptist Church; Rev. Paul H. Sadler, Mt. Zion UCC; and Rev. Dr. R. A. Vernon, The Word Church.

Anthony Richardson, executive director of the Nord Family Foundation, will moderate.

Tickets for the program are $20 — which covers parking, admission, and a continental breakfast — and may be purchased at www.tsopcle.com. The program will start at 8am and is scheduled to run until 10:30am.

Friday’s program is one of more than a dozen events accompanying The Soul of Philanthropy (TSOP) exhibition, Celebrate Those Who Give Black™ on view at the Cleveland History Center until December 6, 2019.

TSOP is a national exhibition that reframes portraits of African American philanthropy. It comprises highly innovative presentations of over a dozen vignette stories and more than 50 black-and-white images. Created by Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles W. Thomas, the exhibition presents philanthropic musings across generations.

To continue the conversation and honor local philanthropists, The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland (TSOPCLE), is a permanentexhibition designed to tell the story of Black philanthropy in northeast Ohio.

More information on the TSOP exhibits and its community programs is available at https://www.tsopcle.com.

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