The Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative is hosting its third annual Convening on Giving Tuesday, which falls on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Approximately 100 philanthropic professionals, nonprofit and education leaders, and business executives are expected to attend the sold-out event from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Little Rock.
The theme of this year’s Convening is “OPP: Opportunities in Policy and Philanthropy.” In honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative will examine how philanthropy – like the genre – has the ability to strategically influence levers of change at the local, state and federal levels.
For the first time, the top leaders at Arkansas’ four Historically Black Colleges and Universities will share the stage to discuss how their institutions are responding to the recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that ended race-based admissions policies in higher education. Several of these leaders will discuss what policies are needed to ensure equitable funding is available to support the next generation of students of color. The “Meeting of the Minds” panel begins at 1:40 p.m. and will be moderated by ABPC program director Kara Wilkins.
A panel on Politics and Race will take place at 12:30 p.m. and will feature Black mayors from across Arkansas. Three mayors will share the stage to discuss how local municipalities are working to address the needs of their communities – despite ongoing challenges – and how philanthropy can continue to help cities and towns in this emerging political climate. Dr. Abe Hudson Jr., program officer at the Walton Family Foundation and former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, will moderate the discussion.
All of the following are expected to be in attendance:
Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, chancellor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson, interim president of Philander Smith University
Dr. O. Jerome Green, president of Shorter College
Dr. Calvin McFadden Sr., president of Arkansas Baptist College
Beverly Morrow, Philanthropist
Mayor Frank Scott of Little Rock
Mayor Jaylen Smith of Earle
Mayor Tomeka Butler of Eudora
Kim Evans, senior program officer, Walton Family Foundation
Scott Hamilton, CEO/President, The Urban League of Arkansas
Rev. Shantell Hinton-Hill, senior equity officer at the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Dr. Abe Hudson Jr., program officer at the Walton Family Foundation
Derek Lewis II, president of the Derek Lewis Foundation and chair of the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative
Keesa Smith, executive director, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Kara Wilkins, program director, Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative
A social hour celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop will follow immediately afterward. To view the complete agenda and full speaker list, click here.
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