Give 8/28 is a national, focused day of giving that builds on the momentum of Black Philanthropy Month (BPM). The initiative led by the Young, Black, and Giving Back (YBGB) Institute in Washington, D.C., was founded in 2018 by Ebonie Johnson Cooper, YBGB Institute founder. Since its inception, the initiative has grown significantly and leverages online fundraising and crowdfunding tools to benefit Black-led-and-benefiting nonprofits.

While August is devoted to Black philanthropy, the date August 28 not only culminates Black Philanthropy Month but also has historical meaning that dates back to the 19th century.

• August 28, 1833 – The Act to abolish slavery throughout the British Colonies was given Royal Assent.
• August 28, 1945 – Dodgers president and general manager Branch Rickey met with Jackie Robinson to tell him of his plan to integrate Major League Baseball.
• August 28, 1955 – Emmett Till was murdered at 14 years old, igniting the civil rights movement.
• August 28, 1963 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
• August 28, 2008 – Then-Senator Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first Black man to win the nomination and bid for the presidency.

The Community Foundation proudly supports Give 8/28 and welcomes community members to support more than 160 local Black-led-and-benefiting nonprofits on the Midlands Gives year-round giving platform.