Giving Compass' Take:

• This Forbes post identifies action that philanthropic organizations can take in order to lift up Black communities that have been underserved. 

• The Association of Black Foundation Executives is one org looking to invest more in Black businesses. How can other groups contribute to this effort?

• Here's how Black-owned banks keep community money where it belongs.

The historic impact of racism and slavery in the black community continues to have a long-lasting effect on the economic growth of African Americans.  The dream that racism will no longer exist, that our education system will change, and that the jobs and business opportunities will get better for blacks seems unlikely in the near future.

Just when you are convinced that you have taken one step in the right direction, you end up feeling like you took one thousand steps back.  Often times, the desire for change seems almost impossible, but what if we changed that perspective?  With all that is going on in America, one could be overwhelmed, saddened, and discouraged, but what if we focused on being grateful, determined, and giving?

During a time of perceived adversity, let’s see this as a chance for opportunity. Now’s the time for us all to make a philanthropic commitment to providing the financial capital and human capital needed to create a lasting social change.

Read the full article about helping black communities that are struggling financially by Ashley M. Fox at Forbes.