Black Excellence Community Fund awards grants during Black History Month
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
The Black Excellence Community Fund, which is a Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Giving Circle, awarded three grants in honor of Black History Month. The grants benefit local nonprofits which elevate and celebrate the history of the local Black community.
Each organization received a $750 grant for their work. Grantees were:
Buffalo Soldier Living History Site Co dba The Outpost is dedicated to the restoration of Thomas Elzey Polk's homeland in Allen, Maryland. Polk, was a veteran of the US Army when it expanded in 1866 to create six African American regiments composed of former slaves and African Americans who served during the Civil War.
Sturgis One Room School House, Pocomoke, MD is the only African American One Room School in Worcester County retaining its original integrity. The organization actively works to preserve, promote, and protect the rich cultural heritage and educate youth to value the school's cultural and historical richness.
The Henry Hotel has stood at the corner of S. Division St. and Baltimore Avenue in downtown Ocean City, MD since 1916. The Henry Hotel is the last remaining hotel in Ocean City where Black people were allowed to stay up until the Mid-60s. This grant will support the restoration efforts of this historical site.
“Each of these nonprofits highlights important history for the Lower Shore,” says BECF founding member Lori Carter. “Charitable giving plays a valuable role in our community, and we hope these grants inspire others to give back to worthwhile causes.”
BECF was created in 2022 at the Community Foundation to preserve cultural awareness and pride by expanding the benefits of education, health, and welfare in the Black Community, while teaching the values of philanthropy. Members work together through the power of collective philanthropy to create a positive impact.
Dr. Angela Lee presented BECF visionary founder Sonya White with the My Mind Beautiful Magazine’s Historic First award for her vision and implementation of BECF, which was noted as the first giving circle of its kind on the Lower Shore.
To get involved or learn more visit CFES.org/becf.
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