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A Brief History
The Black United Fund Movement
“A response to the need for a philanthropic” infrastructure to help us save us. Walter Bremond, Founder National Black United Fund, Inc. (1933-1982)
William Merritt, National Black United Fund - President “We have no other way to ensure our survival but through self-help.” The Black United Fund of Texas, Inc. God has given us all we need to help ourselves We stand firm on our commitment to make changes “ Through precepts and examples” Cleo Glenn-Johnson, President/CEO
Blacks in America come from a long history of struggle in the United States, this long-drawn-out struggle has continued for over four hundred years. We are now in the 21st Century, and the never-ending need to articulate a vision of self-help, and self-determination is more pressing than ever before. Our struggle in this country is far greater than just being away from our roots, culture, and heritage, it has to do with being in a foreign land where our good is not good enough, our access to knowledge is denied for reasons of inequality and our survival is tied to acceptable behavior determined by those who have not walked one day in our shoes. No matter the contributions, the involvement, or the length of time in this country and the support we give, there is still very little change in society’s behavior towards our good will. Nevertheless, in spite of this treatment, people of African descent continue to help build and develop America although there is continued ill behavior towards us. We recognize it is to our benefit to participate in the architect of this country, because our need for inclusion grows out of our perspective, even in a place where seldom we are given the credit for our contributions. Our people’s perspective, which grows out of our duality of existence, which is both African and American, causes us to embrace and work towards a workable solution of peace. It is our belief in God that keeps us focus on the unknown and doing well towards our fellow human being. The African essence tell us that we are a communal people who must take care of our own and the American experience tell us we must hasten. It is this belief that accounts for the various philanthropic activities of Americans of African descent, which dates back to the beginning of our existence in this country.
Contrary to general belief, Blacks in the United States have an extensive history of participation in development of a variety of locally organizations. The earliest recorded Black fundraising organization was established in Boston in 1775. In the 1700 and 1800’s causes and existence defined our giving and themes were traditional and important for the development of our community. Prince Hall, a native of Barbados, developed an order of Masons, in 1775, whose overall goal was mutual aid for Blacks.
The Free African Society developed in Philadelphia around 1787 by Rev. Richard Allen and Rev. Absalom Jones also the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1789 the Sons of Africa- Many times it was necessary to understand collective action, not only to substitute for normative institutional support but also to provide a mechanism for protecting Blacks from slavery or re-enslavement.
In the 1800’s Black organizations gave increasing support to broad efforts of Emancipation.
Free School Society in Charleston, South Carolina in 1810. also provided on-going financial maintenance to insure that Black children received adequate education. In the mid-1900’s The Black United Fund Movement continued the effort of emancipation. The late Walter Bremond, founded the Brotherhood Crusade in 1968, and in 1972 established The National Black United Fund, which gave new life to an old movement.
YOU can support the Black United Fund of Texas Inc. and the Black United Fund of Texas Charities Inc. in your workplace through payroll deduction. You can ensure your workplace offers choices that reflect your interest and your community’s needs. We have consistently challenged the traditional structure in philanthropy and have made changes.
5407 Chenevert @Calumet-Museum District
800-443-BUFT (2838)
“It is a sense of honor and dignity, it is the development of community closure that interlocks our people with our institutions…it’s investing in people…it’s lobbying on each other’s behalf…. It’s organizing in our communities as we have never organized before. It’s demanding that we relate to and struggle with one another as a people. We have no choice.”
Walter Bremond (1980)
