The Giving Black Podcast

Michelle Renée Jackson's Inspiring Journey

At Giving Black, we say that "philanthropy is the heartbeat of the world". A conversation with Michelle Renée Jackson made me feel those words more deeply than ever. Michelle Renée Jackson is a frank, fearless, and deeply inspiring woman. She is the founder of Simuel + Murray [https://www.simuel-murray.com/]. She is a filmmaker, artist, fundraiser, and host of the Black Philanthropy: Our Stories [https://www.blackphilanthropypodcast.com/] podcast. Throughout her work, Michelle tells the stories of Black people, Black generosity, and Black community with honesty and grace. Our conversation begins where many great stories do, with a life redirected towards our true passions. While studying for her Masters in Divinity at Harvard University, Michelle discovered that ministry was not her calling. Like many in our generation, she fell into fundraising backwards. What followed was a journey of reclaiming purpose, pursuing new dreams, and finding the courage to follow her heart, even when it unsettled her. In this conversation we talk about what happens when perceived purpose gives way to real purpose. How to settle. How to find direction again. How to dare to dream. Michelle States: The person who knows anything knows they don't know anything. Michelle Renée Jackson knows a great deal, and she is generous enough to share it all. Our conversation moves into territory that felt as natural as two friends making sense of their realities together. We explore the war on DEI and its devastating impact on Black communities. We ask hard questions; is there a meaningful distinction between Black philanthropy and Afrocentric philanthropy among Black immigrant communities? Is there an imperative for Black philanthropy to support Black causes, or is that an unreasonable expectation? We speak, we listen, we learn, and we reshape our understanding together. That is the true essence of dialogue, and that is what makes this conversation one I know I will return to over and over again!

Dr. Ryan J. Smith: St. Joseph Centre Celebrating 50 Years

This is an important conversation about the power of beloved community, as dreamt by Dr. Martin Luther King.  Dr. Ryan J. Smith, President & CEO of St. Joseph Center in Los Angeles, shares a deeply personal and transformative journey, from experiencing homelessness to becoming a leading voice in community-based care and philanthropy. A native Angeleno, Dr. Smith introduces the powerful idea of “Linked Faith,” the belief that our shared humanity binds us together and calls us to uplift one another. For 50 years, St. Joseph Center has empowered working-poor families and individuals experiencing homelessness to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Each year, the organization serves nearly 15,000 people through the commitment of almost 300 staff members and more than 400 volunteers, helping individuals rebuild their lives and move toward healthier, more secure futures. Dr. Smith reflects on how collaboration between local government, community partners, and St. Joseph Center have contributed to a nearly 25% reduction in housing insecurity across Los Angeles. With the city now housing approximately 200 people per day, he emphasises  what’s possible, when we commit ourselves to loving our neighbours, actioning sustained commitment, and committing to coordinated action. Dr. Smith and I trace the organization’s remarkable journey from its founding by two Catholic Sisters to its present-day role as a cornerstone of community support across Los Angeles. Guided by its core pillars: H.O.M.E (Housing, Outreach, Mental Health, and Economic Mobility), St. Joseph Center continues to expand its impact.  Touching on the  philanthropy of the Black church, foundations, and individuals, Dr. Smith speaks about challenging the role of conventional philanthropy to step up for Black-led organizations. We reflect on the importance of storytelling among lived-experts, upholding the dignity of all people in community, and the power of beloved community.  This episode is both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering listeners a compelling look at what it means to serve with purpose, compassion, and vision. Celebrate St. Joseph Center’s 50th anniversary and support their mission by making a donation today [https://stjosephctr.org/donate/]. Contact Dr. Ryan. J. Smith: rsmith@stjosephctr.org

Happy Black Men! Curtis Carmichael, Joe Williams, and Olumide Akerewusi

Season 2 Episode 2 of The Giving Black Podcast [https://www.givingblack.ca/angry-black-men]was entitled Angry Black Men. In this conversation Curtis Carmichael, author, educator, tech social entrepreneur, and community activist, and Joe Williams Managing Director of the Skills Trade Development Program at the Oaks Revitalization Association [https://www.oaksrevitalization.com/], plus yours truly spoke about the common stereotypes that we deal with.  We promised to return to a conversation about the things that bring us joy—and here we are. In this episode, we explore the essence of Black male joy: where it comes from, what sustains it, and how it evolves. Drawing on 2023 research from the Pew Research Center which highlights family, faith, and travel as key sources of joy among Black Americans, we ask: is that the full story for us a Black immigrant men in Canada? Through a candid and engaging conversation, we reflect on our own lived experiences and uncover how joy is deeply tied to identity, purpose, and what it means to be a man today. Tune in to hear what brings joy to the three Black men behind this podcast, and consider where your own joy lives. Brooklyn Stroll Club [https://brooklynstrollclub.com/] Contagious (STEPS) [https://jonahberger.com/books/contagious/] Rest is Resistance [https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/]

Olumide Akerewusi: How and Why I Became a Fundraiser

In this Episode of The Giving Black Podcast, you host Olumide Akerewusi explains how he entered into fundraising as a career and what he has learned about generosity along the way. This podcast is about the importance of using ones voice to speak out against injustice and overcoming hardship with a determination to do good. The podcast is also available on video: https://youtu.be/a-1T2IhsQ_U?si=DhJ6xdTpQ5WPyRiz

The Producers Gleaux and Tell Series: Betting on Ourselves - Building Empires, Co-creating the Future, and Transforming Criticism Into Fuel. Dorian Spears.

Hi Giving Black Family, We hope you enjoy this amazing episode of The Giving Black Podcast, with Queen Jade, your Host of The Producers Series: Gleaux & Tell.  In this episode, Queen Jade speaks with our friend and member of The Giving Black Family, Dorian Spears [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorianspears]. Dorian appeared as a Spotlight Guest at The Giving Black Conference, 2024 [https://www.givingblack.ca/giving-black-conference-2024] where she spoke about the New Era of Black Philanthropy – Shaping the Future of Black Generosity. Dorian is an entrepreneur, strategist, and leader, building the empire of her dreams, known for her brilliance, and a bold commitment to creating a future rooted in equity and possibility. Dorian inspires us by consistently betting on herself, navigating work and life transitions, and redefining success on her own terms. In this conversation, Dorian and Queen Jade celebrate Black women’s power in shaping what comes next, especially during uncertain and unpredictable times. Curiosity, learning, and freely sharing knowledge are gifts that shape our legacy. Legacy isn’t what we leave behind, it’s what we give now. Queen Jade and Dorian explore what it means to move boldly toward the goals that matter. Raised in the South, Dorian learned how assumptions shape lives. Her travels across the U.S. and the world sharpened her ability to see humanity clearly while navigating life as a Black woman. After years of working with billionaire philanthropists and gathering their insights, she is now focused on building her own initiatives. She brings her gifts forward through powerful questions and collective action. Her inspiring quote to women: “You are the one you’ve been waiting for. Everything you need is already within you.”, leaves us with a powerful ethos to live by.