From A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities: The 2023 James A. Joseph Lecture and Awards follow a decades-long tradition of recognizing Black excellence in philanthropy. Ambassador Joseph was a civil rights activist, a former ambassador to South Africa, an adviser to four American presidents, and one of the pioneering founders of ABFE. This year’s lecture and award ceremony will be the first since his recent passing on February 17, 2023 and there will be a video tribute to honor his impact and legacy in the sector and beyond.

“The entire ABFE family is deeply impacted by the passing of Ambassador Joseph and something that brings a glint of hopefulness to this time of grief is that we know his legacy lives on in these honorees,” said ABFE President and CEO Susan Taylor Batten. “There are countless individuals and institutions doing great philanthropic work in Black communities, but only a handful earn this award each year. We are happy to further ABFE’s and Ambassador Joseph’s mission with these very worthy philanthropic waymakers.”

Each year, three individuals and one institution are selected for this prestigious honor. Please join us in recognizing the 32nd Annual James A. Joseph Lecture and Award honorees!