Giving While Black

Rising Above: Dr. Toni Damon’s Journey from Student to Philanthropic Leader In a world where education can be a powerful equalizer, Dr. Toni Damon stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. Raised by a single mother and now a trailblazer in the field of education, her story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and community support.

In the realm of philanthropy, there exists a vibrant tapestry woven with stories of generosity, resilience, and community impact. Yet, within this tapestry, certain threads have been overlooked or dismissed, their significance diminished by the prevailing narrative. In a world where the term "philanthropist" often conjures images of affluent, predominantly white individuals, there exists a profound need to reclaim and celebrate the diverse stories of giving that have shaped communities for generations. Enter Valaida Fullwood, a trailblazer in the field of Black philanthropy whose remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of giving back. Host of the Giving While Black podcast, Barron J, aptly describes Valaida's mission as one to "uplift, amplify, and celebrate Black philanthropists, people of color who are doing amazing things in their community each and every day." Valaida's story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

As the founder of the Apparent Miracles organization, Melanie Williams exemplifies the essence of a modern-day philanthropist. Her journey, shared on the Giving Black Podcast, unveils a life dedicated to uplifting and celebrating the resilience of single parents, a mission rooted in personal experiences and a desire to honor her father's memory.

In the heart of a captivating podcast episode, Baron J., the host of the Giving While Black Podcasts, welcomes Rojay, a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The conversation unfolds like a rhythmic melody, tracing Rojay roots, musical upbringing, and the harmonious intersection of his artistic passion with a profound commitment to philanthropy.

In the heart of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, a remarkable young man named TJ Walker is weaving a tapestry of change and inspiration. TJ, the youngest city council member in Rocky Mount's history, is not just a politician; he's a multifaceted force for good—a philanthropist, entrepreneur, pastor, and family man. In an exclusive interview with the "Giving While Black Podcast," TJ shares the profound impact of his philanthropic journey. The conversation begins with Baron J, the host, setting the stage for an enlightening discussion. The podcast, dedicated to uplifting and celebrating Black philanthropy, provides a platform for TJ to share his experiences, values, and insights.

In a world often consumed by self-centered pursuits and material gains, there are individuals like John Miller who remind us of the true essence of giving. Welcome back to the Giving While Black podcast, a platform dedicated to uplifting, amplifying, and celebrating extraordinary individuals making a difference in their communities. Today, we have the privilege of introducing you to John Miller, a remarkable teacher, an outstanding football coach, and above all, a compassionate philanthropist.

In Episode 6 of the “Giving While Black” podcast, we have the privilege of introducing you to a remarkable guest, Nelldra Allen, a realtor in the million-dollar club who is changing lives through her commitment to community and philanthropy. Nelldra Allen is a real estate professional who doesn't just excel in the industry— she also uses her success as a platform for giving back. Her story is one of empowerment and education. She understands the importance of home ownership and the role it plays in building wealth and stability. That's why she’s dedicated herself to providing education and down payment support to low-to-moderate-income first-time homebuyers. In the episode, we dive into Nelldra's journey, exploring her path to becoming a million-dollar club realtor and how her personal success has fueled her passion for community upliftment. She'll share her insights into the real estate market and why she believes in making homeownership accessible to everyone. Together, let's celebrate individuals like Nelldra who are making a difference one home at a time. Subscribe to our channel to stay connected and join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and inspiration. Share this episode with your friends and family to amplify the voices of those driving change and making the world a better place for all. Together, let's celebrate the incredible impact of passionate community leaders and embrace the spirit of giving back in all that we do.

In Episode 5 of the “Giving While Black” podcast, we’re joined by a truly exceptional leader, JT Tate, who is the CEO of Cast Your Cares Fishing. JT is using fishing as a powerful philanthropic tool to teach, encourage, and support young people, senior citizens, and others in his community. JT's passion for fishing goes beyond the catch; it's a means to create connections, instill life skills, and foster a sense of community. Through his company Cast Your Cares Fishing, he’s casting a wide net of compassion, empowering individuals of all ages to find solace, inspiration, and camaraderie through the art of angling. In this episode, we explore JT's story, from his love of fishing to the journey of creating an organization that reaches out to underserved communities. You'll be inspired by the positive impact one person can make in their community. JT embodies the spirit of giving while black, showing how a shared love for a simple pastime can lead to profound connections and personal growth. Subscribe to our channel to stay connected and join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and inspiration. Share this episode with your friends and family to amplify the voices of those driving change and making the world a better place for all. Together, let's celebrate the incredible impact of passionate community leaders and embrace the spirit of giving back in all that we do.

In Episode 4 of the “Giving While Black” podcast, we are honored to have Cherelle James, a dynamic profit strategist from My Local CFO and an inspirational force within her community. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of giving while black, showcasing how one individual's efforts can ripple through society and create lasting transformation. Join us as we sit down with Cherelle, who is a visionary leader whose expertise in profit strategy is equaled only by her commitment to philanthropy. As the Alumni President of Elizabeth City State University, an HBCU, she’s a driving force behind the transformational change being brought to low-income students who aspire to pursue higher education. In this engaging conversation, we dive into her journey, exploring how her role as a profit strategist intersects with her dedication to creating opportunities for those who need it most. Through her philanthropic efforts, she’s breaking down barriers to education by providing scholarships to ambitious young minds, igniting a passion for learning and fostering growth that transcends generations. Subscribe to our channel to stay connected and join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and inspiration. Share this episode with your friends and family to amplify the voices of those driving change and making the world a better place for all. Together, let's celebrate the incredible impact of passionate community leaders and embrace the spirit of giving back in all that we do.

In Episode 3 of the “Giving While Black” podcast, we have the honor of featuring a very special guest, JacQuil Leathers, the remarkable owner of the 7CutzAbove mobile barbershop. JacQuil is a talented barber who goes above and beyond to provide haircuts to children and adults with special needs and disabilities. Her dedication to her craft is only surpassed by her unwavering commitment to positively impacting the lives of those she serves. Listeners will be moved by the heartwarming stories of the individuals whose lives have been transformed through JacQuil’s compassionate barbering services. Tune in as we delve into the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with special needs and disabilities, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of their lives. Jacquil's commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and understanding environment for her clients serves as an inspiration to us all. Subscribe to our channel to stay connected and join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and inspiration. Share this episode with your friends and family to amplify the voices of those driving change and making the world a better place for all. Together, let's celebrate the incredible impact of passionate community leaders and embrace the spirit of giving back in all that we do. The songs "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang and "Bless Me” by Kirk Franklin & Maverick City are featured on the podcast.

In Episode 2 of the “Giving While Black” podcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Adiana Perez, the vibrant and talented producer of the "Giving While Black" podcast. She shares her journey, her passion for music, her perspective on philanthropy, and her enduring commitment to making a positive impact.  Adiana takes us behind the scenes of her own musical journey and talks about why she decided to become the producer for the “Giving While Black” podcast. Throughout this engaging conversation, Adiana reveals when philanthropy really started resonating with her and her goals for the future. In Adiana, our podcast has found not just an intern and producer but a passionate advocate for making the world a better place. With her dedication to philanthropy and her unwavering commitment to giving back, she’s poised to become a force for good, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of listeners and inspiring future philanthropists. Subscribe to our channel to stay connected and join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and inspiration. Share this episode with your friends and family to amplify the voices of those driving change and making the world a better place for all. Together, let's celebrate the incredible impact of passionate community leaders and embrace the spirit of giving back in all that we do.

In this inaugural episode of the “Giving While Black” podcast, Host Baron J. Damon discusses shifting the negative connotations attached to the phrase “while black.” Recognizing the societal challenges the Black community faces, from “driving while black” to “bird watching while black,” Baron sets out to reframe the narrative, focusing on the positive impact of philanthropy within the Black community. With a clear vision to uplift, amplify, and celebrate Black philanthropists and people of color, this podcast will spotlight the commendable contributions made by individuals within their local communities. It will feature a diverse array of guests, including local heroes, notable personalities, athletes, musicians, and professionals from philanthropic institutions. Along with the help of the show's producer, Adiana Perez, Barron endeavors to recognize the legacy and sacrifices of our ancestors, underscoring the importance of honoring their contributions by continuing the tradition of giving back to our local communities. He wishes to bring light to the often-overlooked and unrecognized acts of generosity and kindness within the Black community.  Subscribe to our channel to stay connected and join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and inspiration. Share this episode with your friends and family to amplify the voices of those driving change and making the world a better place for all. Together, let's celebrate the incredible impact of passionate community leaders and embrace the spirit of giving back in all that we do.