In November 2025, Akron will welcome The Soul of Philanthropy, an artistic exhibit that will be on display in the Akron Art Museum through February 2026.
This coveted national touring exhibit is an inspiring showcase that delves into the rich history and impactful stories of Black philanthropy. Through a combination of photography, interactive displays, and personal narratives, The Soul of Philanthropy aims to broaden the understanding of philanthropy and challenge traditional notions that often exclude the contributions of the Black community. The exhibit was inspired by the book by Valaida Fullwood, "Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists," and seeks to inspire visitors to recognize the power of giving in all its forms.
In addition to the national exhibit, local philanthropists will be recognized through The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards, a series of eight awards that will honor individuals and organizations who have impacted the Black community within Summit County. Those selected will be recognized at an award event on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, and will be featured in the exhibit at the Akron Art Museum.
The Soul of Philanthropy Akron is an initiative of The Black Giving Collective Fund, which is building an endowment to benefit the Black community in Summit County forever.
The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards | The Black Giving Collective Fund | Sponsorship Packet
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Steering Committee
Steering committee members serve without pay to help bring understanding of the impact Black philanthropy has had on Greater Akron's community and throughout our country's history.
Torey Tolson
Chair, The Soul of Philanthropy AkronCommunity Involvement Consultant, FirstEnergy
Tracy Carter
Founding Partner, Black Giving Collective of Akron Community Foundation System Director, Government Affairs and Health Policy, Summa Health
Tracy Burt
Founding Partner, Akron Community Foundation Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Akron Community Foundation
Jon Fiume
Founding Partner, Akron Art Museum Executive Director, Akron Art Museum
Theresa Carter
Founding Member, The Sojourner Truth Statue Committee President, Synthomer Foundation
John M. Williams
Founding Partner, Akron Urban League President & CEO, Akron Urban League
William Blake
Director of Programming, Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival
Daniel Blakemore
Vice President of Philanthropy, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Linda Frazier
Strategic Legal Advisor and Corporate Counsel, Linda Frazier Attorney and Counselor at Law
Dara Harper, M.Ed.
Owner & Creative Director, Art Only Boutique | Co-Founder & President, Akron Black Artist Guild
Melissa Haskins
Special Projects Manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Jolene Lane
Principal & Founder, Equity Lane LLC
Dr. Leia' Love
CEO, Leia' Love Hair & Nail Salon
Dr. Eugene Norris
Director, NorKAAM Industries
Alicia Robinson
Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Summit Education Initiative | Founder, Limitless Ambition
Dr. Jennifer Ross
Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Akron Children's Hospital
Mintoree Stokes
CEO & Founder, Mustard Seed Development Center
Rachelle Yarbrough
Senior Business Intelligence Analyst, Akron Children's Hospital
Shaleeta Washington
Director of Family Health, County of Summit
Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors!
Founding Partners
Legacy Sponsors
Visionary Sponsors
Impact Sponsors
Synthomer Foundation
Champion Sponsors
Baird
Paula Christ
Enbridge Gas Ohio
Huntington
Meaden & Moore