Give Miami Day powers up Black-led nonprofits

Local organizations the focus of annual 24-hour campaign

By Milena Malaver

On November 7, 2023

Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Miami play a pivotal role in inspiring and engaging people in their communities, fostering participation in art, culture, education and activism. Many of these nonprofits rely on donations and eagerly Give Miami Day (GMD), an annual, 24-hour philanthropic campaign that brings millions of dollars to the local community each year. 

Established in 2012 by The Miami Foundation, GMD has garnered more than $100 million in support since for 1,000-plus community-based nonprofits. In the previous year, a remarkable 41,000 generous donors contributed in excess of $32 million. These funds champion the endeavors of organizations committed to enhancing the quality of life and promoting equity in the county. 

For newly created entities such as Black Girls Who Math, GMD donations are crucial in helping the organization fulfill its mission of exposing young Black girls to careers in STEM fields. 

“Our goal is to create leaders in the math fields who are Black women, so that we could be able to have our voices heard and contribute to society as a whole,” said founder Shanava Saintolien. 

According to a report done by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Black women only reflect 14.5% of women in STEM, while white women are at 66%. 

Saintolien is currently recruiting high school-age participants for the organization’s summer program. This initiative not only prepares students for college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT, but also equips them with the necessary skills for advanced math courses, fostering the growth of future STEM leaders of color. 

Many organizations participating in GMD center their efforts on arts and culture within the Black community, recognizing the profound significance of these realms in shaping and strengthening cultural identity. The New Canon Chamber Collective, which focuses on creating spaces for Black classical musicians to perform and receive equitable pay, is one such organization 

“It’s important to us to be able to elevate Black and brown people in this space so that young people understand this is an option for them as a viable and sustainable career,” said founder Portia Dunkley. “The funds from Give Miami Day give us an opportunity to perform work and give those artists that are part of those chamber performances equitable pay for their work, while bringing great music to the community.” 

Alfonso Brooks started the nonprofit AfriKin to embrace the continent of Africa through the lens of art and culture, and help local artists exhibit and promote their work on a global scale. He is hopeful that donations raised on GMD will allow the organization to expand its marketing to bring in more artists and continue to build workshops. 

“Art is the gateway,” said Brooks. “It is a constant – and a community without art is not a community that will flourish.”

This piece was republished from the Miami Times Online.