The State of Black Philanthropy

Honoring the Legacy of Generosity & Leadership

For the past 11 years, The State of Black Philanthropy has been a space for celebration, reflection, and action. It is the intentional work to build a thriving future for Black communities, and the leadership and generosity that continue to shape a stronger and more equitable Greater Miami.

Why It Matters:

The Miami Foundation is committed to investing in the Black community and prioritizing racial equity in our own philanthropy. We host this event to hold our community accountable for continued action, knowing that Black philanthropy is love demonstrated through intentional acts that are designed to strengthen Black futures.

The State of Black Philanthropy showcases the incredible presence and power of Black philanthropy in Miami. We want to inspire even more giving to Black-led nonprofits and more investment in Black leaders.

Hear Stories from This Year’s Community Champions

This year, we chose to interview our honorees, so that they could give voice to their work. Generosity is most powerful when it’s created and shared among community. Through their work, they have been an example of Black philanthropy – love in action that uplifts communities and drives meaningful change. Listen to their stories.

ROSIE GORDON-WALLACE
Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator

A pioneering curator and cultural leader, Rosie has spent more than 30 years expanding visibility and opportunity for artists across the Caribbean diaspora. Her work has helped redefine how Caribbean and Latin American art is experienced, creating meaningful connections between artists, communities, and audiences.

GEPSIE M. METTELLUS
Haitian Neighborhood Center Sant La

For more than 30 years, Gepsie has been a transformative force in advancing equity, opportunity, and belonging for Miami’s Haitian community and beyond. As co-founder and founding Executive Director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, she has built a cornerstone institution; one that empowers thousands of individuals and families each year through vital, culturally responsive services.

Meet this Year’s Philanthropy Champions

Each year at the State of Black Philanthropy, we honor the legacy of generosity and leadership that continues to shape our community. Black philanthropy is love in action, an intentional commitment to building a thriving, more equitable future for Greater Miami.

This year, we were proud to recognize our Philanthropy Champions, Barron Channer, Dorothy Terrell, and Carole Hall, for their enduring commitment to uplifting others through the Black Philanthropy Fund. Through their leadership, generosity, and vision, they exemplify the spirit of giving that strengthens our community and inspires collective action.

BARRON CHANNER
Woodwater Investments

DOROTHY TERRELL
Lincoln Road Enterprises

CAROLE F. HALL
Community Activist

In honoring their work, we celebrate not only their individual contributions, but also the broader legacy of Black philanthropy that continues to invest in opportunities and advance equity.

Celebrate & Support Miami’s Black Diaspora Community

In 2026, we uplifted six organizations that support and strengthen Miami’s Black diaspora community, and we asked you to give to one or more of these nonprofits to help them continue their vital work.

The State of Black Philanthropy is not only an annual celebration; it is a powerful moment to contribute to the work that uplifts our Black community. Black philanthropy is love in action, and your generosity helps build a more equitable and thriving future for Miami.

DIASPORA VIBE CULTURAL ARTS INCUBATOR
Supports and elevates artists of the Caribbean diaspora through exhibitions, residencies, and public programs that foster creative expression, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

FAMILY ACTION NETWORK MOVEMENT (FANM)
Advocates for immigrant rights, provides social and legal services, and empowers underserved communities through education and organizing.

THE JAMAICA NURSES ASSOCIATION
Supports and uplifts Jamaican and Caribbean nurses through professional development, community health initiatives, and advocacy while promoting culturally competent care in the communities they serve.

LITTLE BAHAMAS OF COCONUT GROVE REVITALIZATION TRUST FUND
Works to preserve the cultural heritage of Coconut Grove’s historic Black community while investing in neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and opportunities for local residents.

SANT LA HAITIAN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Empowers South Florida’s Haitian community by providing critical services, advocacy, and programs that support economic self-sufficiency, education, and access to healthcare.

THELMA GIBSON HEALTH INITIATIVE
Provides accessible, culturally competent healthcare and supportive services to underserved individuals and families in Miami-Dade County, helping improve overall community health and wellness.