| Dear Friend, As we celebrate both Black Philanthropy Month and Black Business Month this August, AYA Foundation stands at the vibrant intersection of these two powerful movements, continuing a legacy that stretches back to 1787 in Philadelphia. The Free African Society: Strength in Unity Let me take you back there – Candlelight flickers across determined faces in the home of James Dexter, a free Black coachman. The air is thick with the promise of freedom, yet for many, it is still denied. In this city of hope and contradiction, two remarkable men, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, are planning a revolution of compassion and mutual support. This is the birth of the Free African Society (FAS), the first organization dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s growing free Black community. A Community United by Purpose Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal about a society?” Well, let me tell you – this wasn’t just a social club. Members contributed one shilling monthly to a common fund, committing to live moral lives free from excessive drinking and gambling. Why? Because they knew every action of a free Black person was scrutinized, used to judge the entire community. |
 Born into slavery, Richard Allen purchased his freedom at the age of 20 and became an itinerant Methodist preacher. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania) The FAS became a lifeline for its members. They paid for proper burials, ensuring dignity in death that was often denied in life. They supported widows and orphans, and even covered tuition for children when free schools weren’t available. Education, they knew, was the key to a better future. A Legacy of Courage: The Yellow Fever Epidemic But their greatest test came during the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic. While many fled, FAS members stayed, nursing the sick and burying the dead. They risked everything for a city that often treated them as second-class citizens. |
| The FAS sparked a movement. By 1838, there were over 100 similar African American mutual aid societies in the Philadelphia region alone. So, when we talk about Black philanthropy, remember – it’s not just about giving money. It’s about building community, supporting each other, and fighting for dignity and respect. It’s about seeing a need and filling it, even when the odds are stacked against you. Modern Trailblazers: Dr. La Tasha Bruner-Hill and Larry Brooks Just as the Free African Society saw potential in their community and worked to nurture it, AYA sees that same potential in entrepreneurs like Dr. La Tasha Bruner-Hill and Larry Brooks. |
| Take Dr. Bruner-Hill of Abundance Health Care. Recognizing the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare in El Paso County, she founded a comprehensive primary care clinic. With a mission to “partner with patients and provide evidence-based, high-quality, holistic, and partner-centered care from childhood through end-of-life,” Dr. Bruner-Hill is addressing critical health disparities in her community. Her vision of “partnering to create generational health and health equity” echoes the FAS’s understanding that community well-being is fundamental to progress and empowerment. .  |
 Then there’s Larry Brooks of 303 Xtreme Powersports. From humble beginnings as a crew member on a small drag racing team, Larry’s passion led him to open his own performance-based shop. Today, 303 Xtreme Powersports is at the cutting edge of power sports technology. Larry’s journey from employee to business owner mirrors the FAS’s mission of economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. |
| These aren’t just success stories – they’re the modern face of a tradition that goes back centuries. A tradition of Black people coming together to lift each other up, to build wealth, and to create opportunities where none existed before. When we support entrepreneurs like Dr. Bruner-Hill and Larry Brooks, we’re following in the footsteps of Allen and Jones, saying, “We believe in you, we support you, and together, we can build something amazing.” Writing the Next Chapter: Your Place in Black Philanthropy Now, I invite you to be part of this ongoing story. Here’s how you can continue this powerful legacy: 1. Honor Black Philanthropy Day with a one-time donation of $828 on 8/28 2. Become a monthly supporter with a gift of $82.80 3. Open a Donor Advised Fund with AYA to shape your philanthropic journey 4. Amplify our mission by sharing our work with your network For our Colorado family, remember that your generosity can go even further – you may be eligible for a 25% Enterprise Zone Tax Credit on donations of $25 or more. Crafting the Future of Black Philanthropy This Black Philanthropy Month, will you join us in crafting the next chapter of Black philanthropy? Together, we can create a future as bright and promising as the legacy we honor. Let’s make history, not just remember it. With gratitude and determination, Benny Samuel CEO, AYA Foundation |