Black Philanthropy Day: A Personal Note from Benny

All month long, we’ve been diving deep into the history and celebration of Black Philanthropy Month and Black Business Month, sharing stories, achievements, and the powerful legacy we’re all a part of. And now, here we are, at the big day!

August is a month that’s packed with history for our community. I’ve been reflecting a lot on these moments:

  • August 28, 1833: When the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in British colonies.
  • August 28, 1955: The day Emmett Till’s life was taken, sparking the civil rights movement.
  • August 28, 1963: When Dr. King gave us his “I Have a Dream” speech – gives me chills every time I think about it.
  • August 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina – and the way it hit Black residents of New Orleans so hard.
  • August 28, 2008: That unforgettable moment when Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president right here in Denver. What a day!

These dates aren’t just history; they’re part of our shared story, a reminder of our strength, our resilience, and the incredible things we can achieve together. That’s why Black Philanthropy Day is so special – it’s about honoring this legacy and continuing the work that matters most to our community.

Your support has always been at the heart of our work. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to:

  • Guide 42 visionaries through Nav2Connect.
  • Launch 66 dreamers via Jumpstart My Biz.
  • Empower 9 pioneers in our groundbreaking Credit Repair program.
  • Connect 80 entrepreneurs to essential resources for growth.
  • Help 16 innovators scale their businesses through our grants.

But today, I’m asking for your help to do even more. Here’s how you can make a real difference:

And don’t forget – if you’re a Colorado resident, these donations might qualify for the Enterprise Zone Tax CreditThat means you get to do good AND save on taxes!

Ready to make your mark? Donate Now

I’m so grateful to have you with us on this journey. Let’s make Black Philanthropy Day a day to remember!

With all my appreciation,  

Benny Samuels

CEO

AYA Foundation

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