NOLA Black Philanthropy Month secured by SoPA professor

Halima Leak Francis, PhD, director of the John Lewis Public Administration Program at the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (Tulane SoPA), played an integral role in the recognition of National Black Philanthropy Month in the City of New Orleans.  

Leak Francis initiated the Black Philanthropy Month mayoral proclamation for New Orleans using inspiration drawn from her work as a founding co-chair of the HERitage Giving Fund in Dallas Texas. The mission of HERitage, she said, is to encourage philanthropy in the Black community.

The proclamation solidifies the city's official recognition of Black Philanthropy Month every August for years to come. 
 
Secured in August 2021, the proclamation was signed just as the Gulf coast was struck by Hurricane Ida. One year later, the proclamation was formally presented with a toast on August 27, 2022 during an event titled, “A Fierce Urgency of Now: A Celebration of Black Philanthropy in Greater New Orleans.”

The event took place at the New Orleans African American Museum and was presented in partnership with the Foundation for Louisiana, Greater New Orleans Foundation, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Tulane School of Professional Advancement, Black Philanthropy Month 2022, Chantelle Pierre Consulting, Geaux Girl Giving, and Women's Foundation of the South.