Mike Wolanin | The Republic Tom Harmon, left, and Whittney Wood-Gaines announce the opening of the Black History Month exhibit highlighting Bartholomew County’s Black heritage at The Commons in downtown Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Paulette Roberts and Brenda Pitts curated the exhibit.
The local nonprofit African American Foundation is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with plans to increase its funds from more than $400,000 to $1 million by 2026.
Formerly known as the African American Fund of Bartholomew County, it was founded by six local African American families in response to a challenge from the Heritage Fund — the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County to establish a new endowment fund.
Tom Harmon, a longtime community leader, one of the founders and a board member of the foundation, said he is confident of reaching the goal.
“We are confident based on the community support we have experienced over the last 10 years,” Harmon said. “We feel we are really making an impact on our youth academic achievement and helping develop the next generation of leaders. It is an exciting opportunity to have a lasting impact on Bartholomew County.”
The foundation was then created with this vision in mind, according to its website at aafbc.org: “We see a future where African Americans who make their home in Columbus do so as part of a vibrant community that is welcoming and nourishing. We expect to have equitable access to educational and work opportunities that support both personal development and the ability to live fully and contribute back to our community. Our intent is to support processes to encourage a true exchange of knowledge, understanding, and an ongoing collaboration and inclusion of all people regardless of ethnicity or gender.”
Since 2013, the foundation has demonstrated significant growth in its community development efforts, charitable contributions, and collaborative initiatives. The foundation’s work encompasses vital areas including education, arts, culture, leadership development, and economic development. Leaders emphasize that it’s all geared toward strengthening community bonds and creating a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Bartholomew County.
In education alone, the foundation:
- Has awarded $53,000 in scholarships awarded to 33 students since 2019.
- Made it possible for 80 students to attend STEM camps.
- Helped 70 youth attend college fairs
In arts and culture, the foundation:
- Has co-sponsored more than 30 African American movies, speakers, and performances.
- Collaborated with more than 20 community organizations.
The foundation’s new name, accompanied by a new logo and website, reflects its commitment to fostering positive change within the community, its leaders say.
Those leaders are calling upon residents, businesses, and individuals from all segments of the county to commit to a pledge in support of their mission “to bridge educational disparities and empower future leaders,” according to a news release.
Additionally, the foundation’s accomplishments have inspired the release of a comprehensive 10-year impact report, now available on the foundation’s website at aafbc.org.
The website also features current scholarship opportunities and other valuable resources for members of Bartholomew County’s Black community.