I don’t make many statements or give quotes but sometimes I do when I think the issue is interesting and my perspective will help. That was the case in an article by Christine Scheller  titled “Who Gets The Money?”. The premise is Christian donors are less likely to write checks to minority-run ministries and there is possibly a race-based disparity. A minority ministry leader, Leroy Barber from Mission Year, wrote a response:
“I was incredibly saddened earlier this week as I read an article by Christine A. Scheller titled “Who Gets The Money?” on urbanfaith.com. Although I have lived with this reality swirling around me for over twenty years in ministry it was still shocking to see it documented in print. The fact that organizations run by African Americans suffer simply because they are at the helm is quite an indictment on Christianity. The feelings caused me to tear up as I read the story. The following is an excerpt from the article:”
“Fred Smith is founder and president of The Gathering, a group that encourages Christian philanthropy. He has seen similar dynamics in the Dallas area and agrees that lack of trust and latent racism can be factors but says ‘I suspect the predominant cause is a lack of networks that are peer-based.’ Soderquist acknowledges the reality that white- led ministries often have an easier time getting funding than black-led ministries. ‘It’s like urban ministry’s dirty little secret in that we are often the ones who speak prophetically to the majority culture church about issues of justice and issues of race and yet we continue to fit into this system where we seem dependent on the white leadership of organizations.’ He says it’s a catch-22 because inner-city ministries need resources but funding more easily flows from white resources to white-led organizations.
“This makes me sick to my stomach and yet I’m also very thankful for the many people that have supported Mission Year and the many projects I have led as an African American leader. My heart is full of joy as I think about the many donors I have sat with around the country who consistently support our work. Thank you for not following the racist trend that sits before you, thank you for trusting a leader of color and thank you for really changing the world. I constantly hear of people who profess to change the world and yet continue to support the racism that exists within philanthropy in this country. I am proud to say I know and have been with philanthropists that don’t follow that trend and who have instead committed to change by supporting our work. I will not bow to the current majority trend but will choose to spread the hope of change by highlighting the great efforts of those who go against the flow. Friends and donors in Pennsylvania, New York, Atlanta, LA and Memphis to name just a few.
“What would happen if the leaders of The Gathering would sit down with a few quality Black leaders and learn about our work? Perhaps they could be challenged to be trendsetters instead of trend followers. To all my white friends that help make a difference by living giving and serving alongside black led ministries, I’ve got nothing but love for you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting that Black leaders can do a good job. To all my Anglo brothers and sisters who do not yet support an African American-led organization I urge you to join us as we change the world.”
I’ve been thinking about my take and his response. As a result of the article he has invited me to join a group of minority led ministries to talk about this. I stand by the quote because I don’t think it is overt racism as much as it is that minorities do not circulate in the same groups as ministries led by white, well-connected leaders. At least that is my experience.