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M artin L uther K ing J r .
2017 special edition
January 11, 2017
Traditions of Giving Back
Concordia exhibit explores black philanthropy
A groundbreaking touring
exhibit that explores the giving
traditions of African Ameri-
cans through history and the
contributions of black Amer-
icans in transforming society
will open this weekend for the
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
at Concordia University.
“Giving Back: The Soul of
Philanthropy Reframed and
Exhibited, debuts Friday, Jan.
13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at
Concordia’s George R. White
Library and Learning Center,
2800 N.E. Liberty St., and runs
through March.
Presented by Oregon’s
MRG Foundation, the exhib-
it explores African-American
philanthropy experiences and
giving traditions, grounded in
faith, mutuality, responsibility
and social justice.
“Nurturing social change
through giving is nothing new
to black communities,” said
Roberta Phillip-Robbins, the
MRG Foundation’s executive
director. “This exhibit high-
lights the unique and valuable
legacy of African American
Roberta Phillip-Robbins
philanthropists.”
Illustrated with photograph-
ic prints on metal, iPad kiosks,
video, and interactive digital
apps featuring music, poetry,
photography, narratives, and
more, it comprises over a doz-
en vignette stories and more
than 50 black-and-white im-
ages that depict facets of giv-
ing across generations. Images
and stories are from the book
“Giving Back: A Tribute to
Generations of African Ameri-
can Philanthropists” by author
Valaida Fullwood and photog-
rapher Charles W. Thomas Jr.
The MRG Foundation has
been a leader for racial equity
and social justice in Oregon by
amplifying the voices of those
most affected by injustice and
promoting real change to the
Pacific Northwest.