The Soul of Philanthropy Returns to Charlotte

Since its inaugural exhibition at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in 2015, Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited has traveled nationally to dozens of cities, including Portland, OR, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Denver, Houston and New Orleans. The groundbreaking exhibit comprising narrative and photographic works of Charlotteans Valaida Fullwood and Charles Thomas is returning to the city that launched it for a three-month run at Charlotte Museum of History, July 15-October 19, 2025.

The Soul of Philanthropy, a reimagining of the book Giving Back, explores the Black American experience with philanthropy and elevates giving traditions grounded in faith, mutuality, responsibility and social justice. Featuring people, stories and images from Charlotte and the Carolinas, the exhibit illuminates Black philanthropy through innovative and interactive presentations—luminous photographic prints on metal, digital storytelling with music, animation, poetry, photography, film, and more.