Wachovia To Sponsor 6TH National Conference On Black Philanthropy

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The National Center for Black Philanthropy (NCFBP) has announced Wachovia as a principal sponsor of its Sixth National Conference: “Philanthropy and the Covenant with Black America” from June 27 – 29 in the Washington, D.C., area. The conference will use the New York Times best-seller The Covenant with Black America as the basis for a national plan of action to address the primary concerns of African-Americans today, including education, health care, needs of foster children and racial disparities in the judicial system.


Several hundred members of the National Center and other leaders of the national philanthropic community will be on hand at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., to hear a call to action from national figures like Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund, who will look at how The Covenant – a collection of essays by leading African-American thinkers – is helping to re-shape key initiatives in African-American philanthropy. Other major speakers include former U.N. ambassador Andrew Young and Bruce Gordon, former president of the NAACP.

A highlight of the conference will be the presentation of the 2007 Philanthropy Award Winners by the National Center. The awards and winners include:

Philanthropist of the Year
Wintley Phipps, founder, U.S. Dream Academy, Inc.

Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy
Dr. Dorothy I. Height

Special Achievement in Philanthropy for an Individual
President William Jefferson Clinton

Special Achievement in Philanthropy for an Organization
Lucille O’Neal/Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, Inc.

Special Achievement in Philanthropy by a Youth
Elizabeth Ann Payne

Business Philanthropist of the Year
Warren M. Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality Corporation.

Center President Rodney Jackson emphasized the importance of philanthropy to the black community. “Despite the significant social and economic progress made by the black community in the last few decades, significant problems remain: HIV/AIDS, under education, high rates of incarceration of black males, and growing poverty among black children, to name just a few of the hurdles facing our people,” he said. “Black Philanthropy is a key piece to alleviating these concerns to create a stronger community for all.”

Jackson also noted the partnership that NCFBP has forged with Wachovia. “We are delighted that Wachovia has taken such a significant sponsorship role for our sixth national conference,” he added. “Our organizations have much in common, and I look forward to continuing our work with Wachovia.”

“It is an honor for me to serve again as national co-chair for this prestigious conference and share the stage with such a distinguished panel of presenters,” said Antoinette Cooper, senior vice president and wealth management director for Wachovia Wealth Management. “I hope that my participation and that of Wachovia can help broaden the reach of the NCFBP’s important message and take charitable giving in the African-American community to even greater heights.”

“Wachovia values the power and growth of philanthropy and fully appreciates the tireless efforts of organizations such as the NCFBP to encourage, educate and help shape charitable thinking across the country,” said Stanhope Kelly, president of Wachovia Wealth Management. “We are proud to continue our strong association with such an influential organization and its leaders, whose values so closely mirror those of Wachovia’s own employees and our organization.”

Overall goals for the conference include:

Develop common solutions and strategies that demonstrate how African-American philanthropy in the areas of individual giving, grant-making, fund-raising and faith-based philanthropy can address the various social, economic and other problems that continue to afflict the black community today;
Provide a forum for candid and confidential sharing of information and resources among African-Americans in philanthropy;
Provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development of African-Americans in philanthropy;
Continue efforts to educate the public and selected stakeholders about African-American philanthropy;
Develop effective strategies to involve young people in understanding and practicing philanthropy; and
Promote the development and goals of The National Center for Black Philanthropy, Inc.