Losing a parent reshapes the way we see the world, and for me, the passing of my father, Solomon Neal Jackson III, profoundly influenced my perception of giving. His legacy of kindness and generosity, often expressed through his open door and legendary gumbo, taught me that philanthropy is far more than institutional frameworks. It’s about community and love.

My journey through Black philanthropy has been illuminated by these personal stories and conversations with leaders like Tony Simmons, who exemplify the timeless tradition of Black people supporting one another.

The essence of Black philanthropy is deeply rooted in our history and culture, harkening back to our resilience from the era of slavery to the present day. As a filmmaker with nearly 15 years of experience in the sector of philanthropy, I've navigated spaces where Black voices are rare, determined to amplify the stories and contributions of Black leaders in philanthropy. Remembering my father and the remarkable women in my family, Mildred Simuel and Louise Murray Jackson, I celebrate the strength that has shaped my journey and highlight the importance of mutual support within our community.

Creating a future filled with hope requires us to engage in honest conversations and embrace the dynamic nature of Black philanthropy. We are, indeed, building an airplane while it’s in the air, crafting spaces where respect and courage thrive. Through Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, our goal is to spark inspiration and counter the fears of the future, positioning philanthropy as a beacon that guides us toward positive change.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, empowered by the strength of our heritage and a vision for a better tomorrow.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Michelle’s journey into Black philanthropy, influenced by the legacy of her father, Solomon Neal Jackson III
• The essence of Black philanthropy, rooted in cultural and historical mutual support
• Honoring the remarkable women in Michelle’s family and their influence on her philanthropic path
• The rarity of Black voices in the philanthropic sector and the importance of amplifying them
• The evolving nature of Black philanthropy and the importance of fostering hope and courage
• The role personal loss plays in understanding and practicing philanthropy
• Creating a space for Black leaders to share their stories and inspire change

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

Produced by Simuel + Murray and Emerald City Productions