This category recognizes the unsung hero in our community. Their individual contribution of time, talent and treasure is the engine behind the grassroots organizations, churches or communities.
Richard Gibson
As Pastor at Elizabeth Baptist Church, Richard Gibson has an "external focus." Not only does he care for the spiritual life of church members, but he operates a homeless shelter for over 20,000 people annually and Ohio's largest prison ministry for re-entry. His work on Cleveland's City Council gave Pastor Gibson the know-how to buy the land upon which the church stands, creating stability for his community. He sees Giving Black as using existing resources to help build community for low income black Clevelanders. Pastor Gibson hopes to elevate the most challenged people to a better life.
Greg Moore
Like his parents before him, the power of the vote motivates Greg Moore to Give Black. Moore spends his time between Washington, D.C. and Cleveland to learn how policy affects communities of color that are traumatized by poverty, violence, police brutality, and fear: "Voter engagement is the power that has to be re-awakened in many who have lost faith in leaders, policies, and politics." He goes door-to-door to talk directly to people about the importance of registering and voting, in particular ensuring that 18 year olds from lower income households register to vote. "That population moves more and if they do not update voter registration information, they lose the ability to vote," says Moore. Helping young people and parents understand thenuances of civIc engagement is his brand of philanthropy.
Musette Bennett
Caring for people is in Musette Bennett's DNA, and she's even raised a family of caregivers. Bennett has worked as a nurse for over 30 years, helping to make life better for long-term care patients. Her work became personal at the early age of 19, when she took in her first foster child, as her mother did before her. Bennett is always trying to help her community, from gathering school supplies and clothing for donation, or helping her husband with his plans to open a group home for teens. When she Gives Black, Bennett says, "We must give to our own culture first, and we must start looking at ourselves... too many people hurt each other now rather than care about and for people."
