The Soul of Philanthropy

On view in the Akron Art Museum Lobby

November 15, 2025 – February 14, 2026
Free and open to all

Philanthropy is more than a charitable act—it is the soul of a community. For generations, Black philanthropists have given their time, talent, treasure, and testimony to strengthen the places they call home.

The Soul of Philanthropy is a nationally touring exhibition inspired by Valaida Fullwood’s book Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists. Through luminous photography, interactive storytelling, and personal narratives, it broadens the understanding of philanthropy and highlights giving traditions often excluded from mainstream narratives.

In Akron, the exhibition takes on a powerful local dimension. The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards honor eight extraordinary individuals and organizations whose lives and leadership embody generosity in Summit County. Their stories—now featured in the exhibition—celebrate philanthropy not as the work of a few, but as a calling lived out through mentorship, advocacy, creativity, service, and community-building.

The Akron Art Museum is proud to host this inspiring exhibition, which uplifts voices too often overlooked and affirms the many ways giving strengthens our community. By sharing both national and local stories, the Museum continues its commitment to presenting art and ideas that spark connection, conversation, and change.

The Soul of Philanthropy Akron is an initiative of Akron Community Foundation’s Black Giving Collective Fund, which is building an endowment to benefit the Black community in Summit County for generations to come. The exhibition invites every visitor to see themselves in this legacy and to imagine the impact of their own giving.

The Soul of Philanthropy is where you come to see philanthropy, differently.