Five community-service awards announced in conjunction with Soul of Philanthropy photography exhibit

Golden Limousine President and Founder Sean Duval recently received the TSOP Michigan (TSOPMI) Humanitarian Award in recognition of his years of service to the greater Ann Arbor community. This award was presented as part of the opening reception of The Soul of Philanthropy: Reframed and Exhibited which was on March 10 at Washtenaw Community College.

Duval has been a passionate supporter of many local organizations in the region. He is currently on or has served on the boards of the Ann Arbor Community Foundation, Destination Ann Arbor, Michigan Works Southeast Workforce, Washtenaw Community College Foundation, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber, and others.
Other award winners announced at the event include:

• Young Black Philanthropist Award: Lemar Thomas
• Community Spirit Award: Faye Askew King
• Legacy Award: Willis Patterson
• Giving Black Award: African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County

An abridged edition of the Soul of Philanthropy Exhibit is on display in Ann Arbor until Saturday, March 25, 2023. This pop-up is a precursor to the full installation of "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited," opening to the public at a Detroit venue this summer.

“The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit was designed to reshape the narrative around Black Philanthropy, and AAACF is excited to be a sponsor,” Shannon Polk, president and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation said.

“The narrative for institutional philanthropy has not always fit the many ways communities of color give,” she added. “In particular, the African American expression of philanthropy includes collective giving and personal responsibility with tithes and offering in the local church, communal sacrifice to support first-generation college students and families in crisis, or responding to national tragedies.”

Pam Smith, CEO of the United Way, also shared, “There is a deep and rich tradition of Black philanthropy in our community supporting the United Way of Washtenaw County’s programs. We are honored to co-sponsor this exhibit and celebrate the Soul of Black Philanthropy through this moving exhibit.”

The Soul of Philanthropy: Reframed and Exhibited is designed to:

• Honor, celebrate and sustain rich traditions of giving within African American communities.
• Inspire communities to engage in the work of philanthropists—thoughtfully, strategically and generously.
• Enhance the capacity of African American institutions to present highly engaging and authentic stories from the Black experience and to lead civic engagement activities that benefit the community.

As part of the Ann Arbor Soul of Philanthropy exhibition, TSOPMI also hosted an illuminating panel discussion about Black philanthropy with accomplished local community leaders Faye Askew-King, Lemar Thomas, and Sean Duval on March 22.

The pop-exhibit and opening event are made possible by gracious sponsors:

• The African American Endowment Fund at Ann Area Community Foundation
• Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
• United Way of Washtenaw Country

TSOP Michigan is a volunteer collective dedicated to bringing the country’s most coveted interactive celebration of Black philanthropy to the state of Michigan. As practitioners and advocates for philanthropy, we are honored to invite the Detroit community and our neighbors to experience "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited."