A Legacy of Giving and Empowerment
August marks Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), a time to honour and elevate the rich legacy of giving within Black communities. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network, BPM is a global celebration that highlights the powerful impact of Black generosity.
Black philanthropy is rooted in traditions of mutual aid, community care, and social justice. For centuries, Black individuals and organizations have played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment through charitable giving and volunteerism.
BPM is not just about celebrating past contributions; it’s also about mobilizing resources for future change. Throughout August, communities, nonprofits, and individuals come together to host events, share stories, and encourage others to give back in ways that are meaningful to them.
As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, let’s recognize the strength and resilience that drives Black philanthropy and commit to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower Black communities worldwide. By doing so, we honour a tradition of generosity that has been vital to social progress and continues to inspire positive change.
Please take a moment to review these organizations, highlighted by Niagara Community Foundation, in this month’s recognition release.
African Women Acting
Founded in 2011 by international artist Sonia Aimy, African Women Acting (AWA) is a non-profit organization based in Ontario dedicated to empowering, promoting, and preserving African cultural arts, including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, spoken word, storytelling, and poetry. AWA focuses on supporting female African artists and those from the diaspora, actively addressing social issues such as sexism, discrimination, racism, homelessness, gender-based violence, and mental health through artistic expression. Committed to inclusivity, AWA also collaborates with artists of all genders, ethnicities, and belief systems to foster a diverse and supportive arts community.
Matter of Black
Matter of Black is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2020 by Erika Smith, Jaida Steenhuis, and Natasha Bell, all of whom are descendents of freedom seekers who settled in the Niagara Region. In partnership with community groups and allies, the group has revitalized Emancipation Day celebrations in the city of St. Catharines since 2020.
Future Black Female
Feminist-informed Future Black Female (FBF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Black girls and women aged 16 to 22 to take control of their education, career paths, and social, political, and civic engagement. FBF provides access to robust networks, skills development, and rights-based advocacy. Since its founding in 2019, FBF has successfully launched and implemented numerous initiatives in partnership with community organizations and other collaborators.
Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association
The Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association (NRARA) was founded in the summer of 2018 by a Black women and two BIPOC trans folk who experienced anti-Black racism in a previous local anti-racism organization. NRARA’s current campaigns include police reforms in the NRPS (Niagara Regional Police Service), employment equity, and school reforms in the District School Board of Niagara.
Black Student Success Centre
The Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) at Brock, established in 2023, serves as a hub for academic and personal growth for Black students. It strengthens connections between Black students, faculty, alumni, and staff, fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and community impact. Rooted in the Scarborough Charter’s principles, the BSSC focuses on the well-being of Black students by promoting collaboration, mentorship, culturally informed programming, and guiding students through campus supports and services.
Niagara African/Caribbean Culture Association
The Niagara African/Caribbean Culture Organization (NACCO) is dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and inspiring refugees, new immigrants, international students, and people of color in the community. Their mission focuses on preserving and presenting African and Caribbean cultural and artistic contributions in Niagara and beyond. NACCO aims to be a model for documenting, interpreting, and preserving African and Caribbean history, art, social justice, and culture. They provide resources for new Black immigrants and refugees to help them settle into the community, emphasizing cultural identity, integration, and leadership development.
Sofifran
In 2007, seven French-speaking immigrant women in Niagara founded SOFIFRAN to support their community’s social, cultural, economic, and educational needs. Originally focused on French-speaking immigrant women, SOFIFRAN expanded in 2010 to include their families. In 2018, the organization rebranded to reflect broader collaborations, now serving the interconnected Francophone immigrant community in Niagara and Ontario.
For a listing of Black owned businesses and organizations please visit, please visit toesniagara.ca/resources.
