Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Podcast Description
"Black Philanthropy: Our Stories” is an unprecedented podcast that brings you inside the world of Black and African-American philanthropy like never before. Produced by Simuel + Murray and hosted by award-winning writer-director Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, this powerful series features authentic conversations with foundation presidents, philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, board members, and consultants who are driving meaningful change through giving.
Whether you're a donor or foundation looking to give more effectively or a nonprofit professional seeking to raise more money, this podcast delivers the tools, strategies, and inspiration you need to make a greater impact.
Learn how to:
• Donate more purposefully and strategically
• Build stronger, more meaningful donor and community relationships
• Raise more money for your mission
• Prioritize storytelling in your philanthropic work
This is more than a podcast—it’s transformation, for you and for philanthropy. Each episode challenges, inspires, and reminds you that you are not alone in your commitment to change the world through giving.
Subscribe now and join a global community of Black and African-American leaders changing the world through philanthropy.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes such as the impact of lived experiences in philanthropy, community-centered funding strategies, and relational repair. Episodes tackle specific topics like the shift in philanthropic power dynamics through the lens of Brianna Rogers's journey, as well as discussions on authentic donor engagement practices exemplified by Steven Wallace. By prioritizing storytelling and connection, the show aims to reshape conventional norms within the philanthropy sector.
“Black Philanthropy: Our Stories” is an unprecedented podcast that brings you inside the world of Black and African-American philanthropy like never before. Produced by Simuel + Murray and hosted by award-winning writer-director Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, this powerful series features authentic conversations with foundation presidents, philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, board members, and consultants who are driving meaningful change through giving.
Whether you’re a donor or foundation looking to give more effectively or a nonprofit professional seeking to raise more money, this podcast delivers the tools, strategies, and inspiration you need to make a greater impact.
Learn how to:
• Donate more purposefully and strategically
• Build stronger, more meaningful donor and community relationships
• Raise more money for your mission
• Prioritize storytelling in your philanthropic work
This is more than a podcast—it’s transformation, for you and for philanthropy. Each episode challenges, inspires, and reminds you that you are not alone in your commitment to change the world through giving.
Subscribe now and join a global community of Black and African-American leaders changing the world through philanthropy.
How do we build a vital and inclusive democracy in a time of polarization, uncertainty, and systemic inequities? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Keesha Gaskins-Nathan, Director of the Democratic Practice Program for the United States at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, to explore her journey from law school and community organizing to leading philanthropic strategies that strengthen democratic systems and culture.
Keesha shares how her upbringing, her parents’ influence, and her early career in law and advocacy shaped her commitment to racial and gender justice. She discusses why voting is an expression of power, the ethical complexities of philanthropy, and why not all money is good money. This episode dives deep into future-oriented leadership, the grieving process of letting go of old paradigms, and the courage nonprofits need to say ‘no’ when funding misaligns with mission.
This conversation is a masterclass in strategic foresight, equity-driven philanthropy, and sustaining hope through intentional action.
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Recorded on August 5, 2025
In this episode, you will hear:
· Why voting rights and democratic engagement matter now more than ever
· How the Future Bound project is reshaping leadership and systems for the next generation
· Why nonprofits must learn to say ‘no’ and protect mission integrity
· How grief and unlearning are essential for transformative leadership
Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:
· How to embed futures and forecasting practices into your organization
· Why relationship-building matters more than chasing dollars
· How to evaluate funding opportunities and avoid mission drift
· Strategies for sustaining hope and resilience in advocacy work
· Why diversity—of thought, resources, and leadership—creates stronger systems
About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv:
Michelle Renee Jackson is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy, known for using film and visual storytelling to help organizations secure transformational gifts. She is the Founder and Principal Artist of Simuel + Murray, a production company with bases in New York and Los Angeles. Michelle’s work has redefined how nonprofits connect with donors through compelling narratives. Connect on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/ Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson
About Guest:
Keesha Gaskins-Nathan is a nationally recognized leader in democratic reform and racial justice. She directs the Democratic Practice–United States program at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, advancing strategies to strengthen democratic systems and culture. Her career spans law, organizing, and policy advocacy, including roles as Senior Counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice and Executive Director of the League of Women Voters Minnesota. Keesha serves as Board Chair of The Workers’ Lab and holds advisory roles with national civic initiatives. A former adjunct professor at Columbia University, she is an Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity and Aspen Ideas Scholar.
Connect on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeshagaskins/
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Produced by Simuel + Murray
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations they are affiliated with or employed by. Listeners should consult their own attorney or financial advisor for guidance. This episode does not provide legal or financial advice.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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