Tracy Souza
February is full of celebrations, including Black History Month. We have read about why all Americans can and should recognize Black history, not just because it is a story worth celebrating in its own right, but because Black History is part of American history. When we celebrate one history, we are really celebrating histories that all combined create the society in which we live today.
Locally, we have a special reason to celebrate Black History Month. Ten years ago, a group of African American families combined their personal financial resources and established the African American Foundation of Bartholomew County to support education, health, culture, leadership and economic development.
They did so in recognition of and gratitude for having had the good fortune to thrive in their “adopted” community. They felt compelled to give back for the support they had received and also out of a sense of responsibility to support the next generation of Black and biracial community leaders.
I love this story because I lived it alongside the founders of the African American Foundation, which is managed by Heritage Fund. In the late ’70s and early ’80s Cummins reached beyond its normal recruiting circuit and found talent at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and liberal arts programs around the county. I studied religious studies and ballet.
We all came to Columbus to work at Cummins. I doubt many of us expected to still be in Columbus 30 or 40 years later. But thank goodness the founders of the African American Foundation stayed, engaged and thrived.
I know my life was enriched by this community where diversity and inclusion are embraced and where my children could study and grow up with friends of many backgrounds, cultures and religions.
It has been a pleasure to see so many people in the community embrace and financially support the African American Foundation, which is well on its way to achieving the goal of a $1 million endowment.
That is an achievement everyone in this community can celebrate.
Tracy Souza is president and CEO of Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. Contact the fund at 812-376-7772 to learn more about how they can help you do “Your Philanthropy. Your Way.” Send comments to [email protected].
