Hampton Roads Event Examines Sports And Black Philanthropy

HAMPTON ROADS
Two Hampton Roads’ athletes-turned-philanthropists will discuss how their sports platform helps them lift up their communities during a virtual celebration sponsored by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation on August 13.

Virginia Beach Councilman Aaron Rouse and newly elected Chesapeake Councilman Don Carey will appear, along with Dr. Myron Rolle, a former NFL safety and Rhodes Scholar, who is a neurosurgery resident in Massachusetts.

The event is the third annual Black Philanthropy Month Celebration, and this year, is being livestreamed online at 6 p.m..

All three men have started charitable foundations to help youth and communities in need. During the event, the public can interact with the panelists and learn practical ways to support and improve their communities.

  August is recognized globally as Black Philanthropy Month, which began in 2011, to strengthen African American and African-descent giving.

  “Traditionally, people look at a philanthropist as a rich, White man, but philanthropy is diverse,” says Vivian Oden, vice president for special projects at the community foundation. “The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, so the celebration is about dispelling myths.  Black philanthropy is alive and well, and it’s important to celebrate its richness.”

  The event is free. To receive the event link, RSVP at BlackPhilanthropyMonth2020.eventbrite.com.