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please email simone@babybirddesign.com
About
Masala’s vision is to enhance our culturally vibrant, thriving communities. Its mission is to promote economic and personal empowerment through financial support for programs and initiatives that benefit our communities.
History
Sheila Baynes, Founder & Inaugural President
for the Masala Giving Circle
When the Masala Giving Circle was founded through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in 2013, it joined a growing group of black philanthropic organizations across the globe. We had one mission: promote economic and personal empowerment through financial support for programs and initiatives that benefit our communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Our vision was to continue a legacy of giving back by establishing a more formal way for us, as African American women, to make a difference in our community and beyond. However, our support goes beyond a financial transaction. A key component of Masala’s philosophy is sharing the long history of black philanthropy, bringing awareness to and creating conversation around our philanthropic causes. We proudly invite our friends and allies to continue to promote the power of giving to transform lives.
If you’d like to learn more about the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, please visit here.
Black women have had a long tradition of creating voluntary and mutual aid organizations:
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In 1793, Black Women in Philadelphia establish a mutual aid society called the Female Benevolent Society of St. Thomas.
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In 1809, Black Women in Newport, Rhode Island establish organization to aid the poor and each other when they were not allowed to vote or hold office in the African Benevolent Society.
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In 1818, Black Women in Salem, Massachusetts establish the Colored Female Religious and Moral Society.
Did You Know?
Masala Giving Circle Officers
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Dale Booker
President
Avolon Moses
Vice President
Jean Taliaferro
Treasurer
Kathleen Pinkett
Secretary
Angela Hawkins
Grant Chairperson
Wanda Gilbert
Program Chairperson
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