The Birth of Mutual Aid Societies: Communities Taking Care of Their Own
In the late 18th century, free and enslaved Black people in America faced a harsh reality: that formal societal structures excluded them. But out of this exclusion, the first Black Mutual Aid Societies were born. These societies were lifelines, channels of hope, and practical means of survival.
For example, the Free African Society, founded in 1787 in Philadelphia by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, wasn’t just a charity — rather it was a blueprint for Black self-determination. The Society provided a safety net for its members, pooling their limited resources to offer emergency assistance, burial services, and care for the sick. It also set the stage for the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first independent Black denomination in the United States.
“Being excluded from white churches, we realized we must create our own,” Richard Allen once wrote. “We had to build a house where we could worship without fear, where we could gather without threat, and where our children could learn without shame.”
The African Meeting House, built in Boston in 1806 by the African Baptist Church, became a vital hub for abolitionist meetings and education. It was a place where freedmen and women learned to read and write, and where mutual aid was extended not just in the form of money, but with knowledge and a sense of empowerment.
The Power of Self-Reliance: Building Institutions from the Ground Up
As the 19th century progressed, Black Mutual Aid Societies continued to grow in number and influence, often operating as the only means of social welfare available to fledgling Black communities. Societies like the New York African Society for Mutual Relief, founded in 1808, took on roles far beyond their original missions. They opened schools, such as the African Free School in New York City, which became a model for Black education in the North.
A member of the African Society for Mutual Relief might have recalled, “They told us our children wouldn’t amount to much, but we taught them otherwise. Our school was a beacon, a place where our boys and girls learned not just their letters and numbers, but their worth and their power.”
Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and philanthropist, founded a school for Black girls in Daytona, Florida, in 1904, which eventually became Bethune-Cookman University. She famously said, “I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you a thirst for education. I leave you faith. I leave you racial dignity.” Her words encapsulate the spirit of these early societies — a fierce commitment to self-improvement, education, and community uplift.
The Black church, particularly denominations like the AME and Baptist churches, played a central role in this ecosystem. They were not just places of worship but were often the organizational heart of Black communities. Churches provided space for mutual aid meetings, served as informal banks, and were centers of political and social activism. The historic Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, for instance, was a hub for the Underground Railroad and a training ground for abolitionist leaders.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Mutual Aid Through Turbulent Times
During the Reconstruction era and the subsequent backlash of Jim Crow, Black Mutual Aid Societies became even more crucial. They were the unseen hand that kept many families afloat when jobs were scarce and violence was rampant. In cities like Chicago and New Orleans, organizations such as the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows and the Prince Hall Freemasons provided insurance and burial benefits, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
“We had to look after our own,” said an early member of the Odd Fellows. “When no one else would care for our widows, orphans, and the elderly, we stepped in. We created a community where no one was forgotten, where every soul had worth and purpose.”
Legacy of Triumph: From Mutual Aid to Modern Philanthropy
Today, the legacy of these societies lives on in modern Black philanthropy. Contemporary organizations and philanthropists have built on this rich history by focusing on community-driven solutions, economic empowerment, and social justice. The National Giving Alliance for African Americans in Philanthropy (NGAAP) continues this work by advocating for equitable giving and investment in Black communities.
Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, echoes the sentiments of early leaders when he says, “The spirit of mutual aid and self-help has always been at the core of Black philanthropy. It is about taking care of one another, building strong communities, and lifting each other up.”
Modern Black philanthropists like Robert F. Smith, founder of Vista Equity Partners, have taken this legacy to new heights. In 2019, Smith made headlines with his announcement to pay off the student debt of an entire graduating class at Morehouse College. Reflecting on his philanthropic philosophy, Smith stated, “I want to show that we can do more than just talk about the problem. We can be the solution. We have a responsibility to each other, to lift each other up in ways that are meaningful and transformative.”
Valaida Fullwood, author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, reflects on this legacy: “Black giving is not just about writing checks. It is about love, about seeing and valuing each other, about knowing that our fates are tied together. This is the legacy of our ancestors, and it is our gift to the future.”
Celebrating a Living Tradition
With Black Philanthropy Month winding down, let’s do more than celebrate a history of giving — let us instead affirm a living tradition. The countless stories of those who have benefited from mutual aid societies should remind us that every day Black folks have always had the power to create change from within, to turn scarcity into abundance through community, and to face adversity with courage and resourcefulness.
As Ida B. Wells once said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” The truth of Black philanthropy, past and present, is a story of triumph, of community values upheld in the face of injustice, and of an unwavering belief in the collective power to do what needs to be done now for the betterment of those in need.
Support a Black-led organization, join a giving circle, or start a new initiative of philanthropy in your community in the spirit of mutual aid and self-determination.
Other resources:
- Smithsonian Magazine – “The Origins of Black Philanthropy in America”:
- This article provides an overview of the historical development of Black philanthropy in the U.S., with a focus on mutual aid societies.
- Read more at Smithsonian Magazine
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) – “Mutual Aid Societies”:
- This resource from the NMAAHC details the significance of mutual aid societies in African American communities and their lasting impact.
- Explore more at NMAAHC
- Black Perspectives – “The Radical Tradition of Black Mutual Aid”:
- A scholarly article that delves into the radical roots of Black mutual aid and its role in social justice movements.
- Read the article on Black Perspectives
- Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) – “The New Wave of Black Philanthropy”:
- An article examining contemporary trends in Black philanthropy, drawing connections to the historical roots of mutual aid.
- Learn more at SSIR
- Philanthropy News Digest – “Black Philanthropy Month: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future”:
- An insightful piece on the significance of Black Philanthropy Month and the ongoing impact of Black philanthropists.
- Read the full piece at Philanthropy News Digest
- The New Yorker – “The Enduring Legacy of Black Mutual Aid”:
- This article explores the historical context of Black mutual aid societies and their relevance to current social movements.
- Read the article at The New Yorker
- NGAAP (National Giving Alliance for African Americans in Philanthropy):
- NGAAP focuses on promoting philanthropy within African American communities and provides resources for Black donors and community leaders to leverage their giving for impactful social change.
- Visit NGAAP for more information
Restorative Pathways to Success
Reentry Simulator: Building Empathy and Understanding
Early last month, City Startup Labs hosted an insightful Reentry Simulator event, led by the Restorative Pathways team for Atrium/Advocate Health. The goal of this immersive experience was to provide a deeper understanding of the significant barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals returning back to our community.
Participants walked through a simulated journey of reentry, with the help of City Startup Labs’ volunteers, experiencing firsthand the obstacles related to employment, housing, and social integration. The intention was to foster empathy and insights, highlighting the complexities and systemic issues that returning citizens navigate daily. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts for removing the difficult barriers faced by those reentering society.
Contact us to learn more and stay informed about future Reentry Simulations: admin@citystartuplabs.com
Celebrating the Restorative Pathways Graduation
Also last month, our latest Restorative Pathways cohort (eight in total to-date) graduated and were placed in new roles at Atrium Health. The 11 new graduates successfully completed the requisite 100-hours of training while demonstrating their understanding and capacity for entering into a dynamic healthcare workplace. The occasion included remarks from Senior Atrium/Advocate leadership, such as Fernando Little, SVP & Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer at Advocate Health, and Michele Smith, Ed.D, Enterprise Director, Workforce Development Strategy at Advocate Health. We also heard testimonials from the participants about their journey and their aspirations for their new jobs and careers within healthcare.
Congratulations to our graduates!
Anyone interested in applying to Restorative Pathways click here: https://bit.ly/RPRegister.
City Startup Labs is redefining reentry workplace readiness with Restorative Pathways.
CEO of Advocate Health, Gene Woods gives Restorative Pathways a wonderful tribute on LinkedIn.
Yesterday, it was my pleasure to meet two teammates – Alisha (on my right) and Constance (on my left) – while visiting our Kenilworth medical plaza in the Charlotte area. I was deeply touched and inspired by Alisha’s personal story of doing the most with a second chance through our innovative Atrium Health Restorative Pathway program. And I was reminded of the amazing teammates we have like Constance who mentor those in this program to try ensure the most positive outcome.
In 2021, we started the Restorative Pathways program to be an example and leader in fair chance hiring. As the largest employer and provider of care in North Carolina, we are keenly aware of how poverty has a direct correlation to the health of people – and believe we can be part of the solution to offer opportunities and careers that lift people out of poverty.
I am extremely proud of how Advocate Health is removing barriers and are offering not just jobs, but actual career journeys for justice involved individuals. Nearly 90 teammates have already been part of this program to date, with 20 more slated to start later this year! hashtagForALL
With gratitude,
