Since its founding in 1938, Carver has held fast to its namesake’s legacy—George Washington Carver—and the values of service, education, and racial equity that inspired our name. For 86 years, Carver has been proudly led by Black CEOs and Black Board Presidents. While our student population has grown more diverse over time, our roots remain deeply grounded in Black history and the power of Black-led philanthropy.
This August, we join the global celebration of Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), which calls on us to “Remember. Reclaim. Rise.” This year’s theme, Sankofa Now, reminds us that to move forward with strength, we must also look back with purpose.
Carver will participate in a special statewide virtual event on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, celebrating Black philanthropy in Connecticut. This impactful gathering will feature spoken word performances and a panel discussion that highlights the culture, impact, and legacy of giving within Black communities.
Representing Fairfield County on the panel is Julienne Foy, Executive Director of The Odyssey Family Executive Center and a tireless advocate for youth and education. She also serves on the board of the Stamford Public Education Foundation. She is Co-Chair of The SOUL Fund at the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation—a giving circle advancing support for Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in our region.
A second George Washington Carver stamp was issued February 3, 1998.
From the mutual aid societies of the 1800s to the giving circles and grassroots movements of today, Black philanthropy is a vibrant and enduring force in American civic life. Black communities give at higher rates relative to their wealth than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Yet, traditional fundraising efforts often overlook these donors and their deep-rooted commitment to community wellbeing.
Carver’s mission is—and always has been—an expression of this tradition: mobilizing community, uplifting youth, and honoring the strength and generosity that defines Black leadership and vision.
This month, and every month, we recommit to that legacy. We invite you to learn more, get involved, and celebrate the beauty and power of Black giving.
👉 Register here for the August 19th virtual event presented in partnership by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Connecticut Community Foundation, Fairfield County's Community Foundation, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and The Prosperity Foundation.