Portraits of Us: A Book of Essays Centering Black Women Leading Philanthropy

Voice. Vision. Value. partnered with Blacks in Philanthropy Networks and Regional Associations of Grantmakers to produce Portraits of Us: A Book of Essays Centering Black Women Leading Philanthropy which documents networks of Black women's achievements and contributions from nine regions across the country. As part of the project, over 200 women completed online surveys and attended in-person and virtual story circles and participated in photoshoots.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, VVV revealed the book's cover and title in Minneapolis, MN. The reveal was hosted by philanthropist, board director, and award-winning podcast host Chanda Smith Baker and guests included Heath Forward Foundation CEO, Qiana Thomason, Amelia Cobb of California Health Care Foundation, and Minneapolis philanthropic trailblazer Karen Kelly Ariwoola. As a special sneak peek of Portraits of Us, the Twin Cities Chapter is now available below.

Twin Cities chapter

The full book will be released in connection with Black Philanthropy Month in August. All proceeds from book sales will be donated to ABFE in honor of the institution’s long history of supporting the leadership development and elevation of Black women in the philanthropic sector.

"My greatest hope for this project is that women see themselves and find comfort and reassurance in knowing that there is a community of us across the sector saying the quiet parts out loud. Women committed to making the sector more equitable, inclusive, and just. Make note of their names and remember their faces. Reach out and connect. Reach in and reflect."

-TOYA NASH RANDALL, VVV CURATOR & CATALYST

Sponsors & Supporters

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT CO-CURATORS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND AUTHORS.