The 11th Annual State of Black Philanthropy

Diasporic Care by Cornelius Tulloch, a digital collage.

Thank you for joining us at the 11th Annual State of Black Philanthropy!

For the past 11 years, The State of Black Philanthropy has been a space for celebration, reflection, and action. It is the intentional work to build a thriving future for Black communities, and the leadership and generosity that continue to shape a stronger and more equitable Greater Miami.

On May 21, we honored the contributions of Miami’s Black diaspora and explore how philanthropy can advance belonging and opportunity for all. From Ackee and Rara to Rumba and Carnival, Miami is shaped by the richness of the Black diaspora. Across generations, those who have chosen to make Miami their home have helped build the city we know and love today.

The night began with a VIP (Very Important Philanthropist) Reception, where all donations supported the Racial Equity Fund. Our cornerstone events, the Ceremony and Celebration, were free with RSVP.

Dive into this year's State of Black Philanthropy Snapshot

Check out the photo gallery

Hear Stories from This Year’s State of Black Philanthropy Honorees

We had the honor of sitting down with all of our honorees, so that they could give voice to their work. Generosity is most powerful when it’s created and shared among community. Listen to their stories.

Gepsie M. Mettellus

“Migration is the story of humanity.” — GEPSIE M. METTELLUS

The stories of Haitian families fleeing persecution, instability, and hardship shaped the course of Gepsie’s life. Guided by her own journey as an immigrant, she devoted decades to building Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, a trusted space where families could find support, opportunity, and belonging in Miami.

Listen for the story of how Gepsie built lasting change through the power of community, and the progress that still lies ahead for the Haitian community.

Rosie Gordon-Wallace

“I am constantly trying to understand how it is that my life and my journey can amplify the stories that are not often told.” — ROSIE GORDON-WALLACE

Guided by her love for art and her experience as a Caribbean immigrant, Rosie helped create spaces where Black immigrant artists could be seen, heard, and celebrated in Miami. What began with five artists gathering in her living room became a cultural force rooted in storytelling, identity, and preservation.

Listen to learn how Rosie transformed community into a lasting artistic legacy.

Philanthropy Champions

“A candle is not hot enough to power a locomotive. But the candle can light the way for all the people who are going to make that occur. So it doesn’t matter how big or small, if the light is there, and we’re talking about Black philanthropy, the conversation itself is an accomplishment.” — BARRON CHANNER

What began as phone call between community leaders became a growing movement to support the organizations shaping Black Miami. Together, Carole, Barron, and Dorothy helped create the Black Philanthropy Fund, dedicated to amplifying grassroots nonprofits too often overlooked by traditional philanthropy.

Listen for a glimpse of how it all started, what Black philanthropy really means, and how community-centered giving is helping shape Miami’s future.

Meet our 2026 Community Champion Honorees

We are proud to introduce the 2026 State of Black Philanthropy Honorees, a distinguished group of leaders whose vision, dedication, and impact have empowered our community and inspired collective giving. Through their work, they have been an example of Black philanthropy – love in action that uplifts communities and drives meaningful change.

ROSIE GORDON-WALLACE
Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator

A pioneering curator and cultural leader, Rosie has spent more than 30 years expanding visibility and opportunity for artists across the Caribbean diaspora. Her work has helped redefine how Caribbean and Latin American art is experienced, creating meaningful connections between artists, communities, and audiences.

Through her founding of Diaspora Vibe Culture Arts Incubator (DVCAI), Rosie built a dynamic space for experimentation, collaboration, and growth. What began as a bold vision has evolved into an internationally respected platform that supports emerging artists, fosters new creative work, and amplifies diverse perspectives often underrepresented in the art world.

As we reflect on the cultural richness and influence of Miami’s Black diaspora, Rosie’s contributions highlight the essential role of the arts in shaping identity, preserving heritage, and inspiring future generations.

GEPSIE M. METTELLUS
Haitian Neighborhood Center Sant La

For more than 30 years, Gepsie has been a transformative force in advancing equity, opportunity, and belonging for Miami’s Haitian community and beyond. As co-founder and founding Executive Director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, she has built a cornerstone institution; one that empowers thousands of individuals and families each year through vital, culturally responsive services.

Her leadership embodies the very spirit of this moment. Grounded in advocacy, education, civic engagement, and philanthropy, Gepsie’s work uplifts immigrants, refugees, women, and underserved communities while strengthening the social and civic fabric of Miami. A founding member of multiple organizations, published author, and tireless advocate, she has not only served her community, she has amplified its voice and helped shape its future.

In a year that honors the power and legacy of Miami’s Black diaspora, Gepsie stands as a powerful example of what it means to build a thriving, more equitable community through vision, conviction, action, and unwavering commitment.

Meet our 2026 Philanthropy Champion Honorees

Each year at the State of Black Philanthropy, we honor the legacy of generosity and leadership that continues to shape our community. Black philanthropy is love in action, an intentional commitment to building a thriving, more equitable future for Greater Miami.

This year, we were proud to recognize our Philanthropy Champions, Barron Channer, Dorothy Terrell, and Carole Hall, for their enduring commitment to uplifting others through the Black Philanthropy Fund. Through their leadership, generosity, and vision, they exemplify the spirit of giving that strengthens our community and inspires collective action.

BARRON CHANNER
Woodwater Investments

DOROTHY TERRELL
Lincoln Road Enterprises

CAROLE F. HALL
Community Activist

In honoring their work, we celebrate not only their individual contributions, but also the broader legacy of Black philanthropy that continues to invest in opportunities and advance equity.

Celebrate & Support Miami’s Black Diaspora Community

In 2026, we uplifted six organizations that support and strengthen Miami’s Black diaspora community, and we asked you to give to one or more of these nonprofits to help them continue their vital work.

The State of Black Philanthropy is not only an annual celebration; it is a powerful moment to contribute to the work that uplifts our Black community. Black philanthropy is love in action, and your generosity helps build a more equitable and thriving future for Miami. Contributions to these organizations can be made until May 29.

Donate to Support Miami's Black Diaspora Community

DIASPORA VIBE CULTURAL ARTS INCUBATOR
Supports and elevates artists of the Caribbean diaspora through exhibitions, residencies, and public programs that foster creative expression, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

FAMILY ACTION NETWORK MOVEMENT (FANM)
Advocates for immigrant rights, provides social and legal services, and empowers underserved communities through education and organizing.

THE JAMAICA NURSES ASSOCIATION
Supports and uplifts Jamaican and Caribbean nurses through professional development, community health initiatives, and advocacy while promoting culturally competent care in the communities they serve.

LITTLE BAHAMAS OF COCONUT GROVE REVITALIZATION TRUST FUND
Works to preserve the cultural heritage of Coconut Grove’s historic Black community while investing in neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and opportunities for local residents.

SANT LA HAITIAN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Empowers South Florida’s Haitian community by providing critical services, advocacy, and programs that support economic self-sufficiency, education, and access to healthcare.

THELMA GIBSON HEALTH INITIATIVE
Provides accessible, culturally competent healthcare and supportive services to underserved individuals and families in Miami-Dade County, helping improve overall community health and https://www.givemiamiday.org/organization/tghiwell-being.