A Legacy of Tradition...Black Men giving Back!

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A Legacy of Tradition (ALOT) is a Giving Circle comprised of ordinary African American men. Its members are collectively engaged and focused on impacting and bridging the societal gaps faced by African-American males in the areas of education, collective giving, and community responsibility.

History of ALOT

Back in February of 2006, a call to over 50 African American men in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) went out inviting them to a breakfast to discuss an opportunity to address various issues affecting Black Men and Boys. That morning over 40 African American Men came to the table to show their concerns for issues in our community. The group was educated on the idea of forming a giving circle. The conversation was electric. At the end of the meeting a majority of the brothers were very interested in continuing the conversation and were eager to move forward. Future meeting dates were determined and the group adjourned with lots of enthusiasm.

As the meetings were held over the next 6-8 months of 2006, the number of brothers that were initially interested in continuing the discussion dwindled. The group decided to call themselves “A Legacy of Tradition.” As a whole the group really wanted to make sure that they kept the long tradition of black men giving back going. Over the next few months the group was educated more on the giving circle model and they were educated on the different types of funds that could be used to house the circle’s funds. The group investigated different funds and decided to use a donor advised fund with the National Heritage Foundation. The group later discussed the planned giving amount per member and decided upon $350. Brothers made their first contributions in late 2006. After those funds were collected, the funds were sent to NHF to start the fund. In October of 2006 many of the brothers of A LOT attended the first Community Investment Network Conference in Raleigh, NC.

At the start of 2007 a very energetic and eager core group of brothers remained. That group continued with their learning of the giving circle model and moved forward with the development of the group. Over the next few months, the organization worked to clearly focus on its area of giving, its organization structure, and its required giving amount per member. Since the very first meeting in 2006, the men involved continued to have an affinity for issues that face the every day lives of black men and boys. A mission statement was developed to initially state their reason for existence and of main focus of concern. The group decided to move their fund from NHF to the Triangle Community Foundation in Durham, NC. They also decided to form an administrative fund with the Congressional District Program in Washington, DC. To continue the learning, several members of the organization attended the 2007 Sixth National Conference on Black Philanthropy in Arlington, VA. The group pushed on to begin developing their grant strategies for the future. After much debate and discussion, the decided to launch its first grant cycle in December of 2007. A grant application was developed and it was sent out into the community. In October of 2007, brother attended and participated in the 2^nd Community Investment Network Conference, held again in Raleigh, NC for more education, knowledge, and encouragement.

By the end of the grant cycle the organization had received 10 grant applications for funding. After much deliberation, the organization decided that they would fund 4 organizations. The group plans to present those awards at a small awards reception in April of 2008. The group has also decided to develop commitment letters for current and future members. This will allow the group to gage participation and funding for the 2008 grant cycle.