Thirty years ago, Charmaine Chapman, the first female and first African American President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) and Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American, decided that Black leaders needed a voice in the philanthropic community. That decision led to the creation of the Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) which is now one of the largest African American giving societies in the country.
In 1994, Chapman and Suggs began the African American Giving Initiative to encourage Black leaders to give back to the community through United Way. In its first year, nearly $150,000 was raised. Today, CCS has 548 members. Members give $1,000 or more annually and the Society has raised nearly $90 million since its inception.
Chapman passed away in 2001; the African American Giving Initiative was renamed the Charmaine Chapman Society to honor her memory.
“United Way of Greater St. Louis is proud to celebrate the remarkable 30-year history of the Charmaine Chapman Society that has meant so much to Black leadership and philanthropy,” said Michelle D. Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.
Arica Harris co-chairs CCS along with her husband, Steven, and they are both looking forward to continuing the legacy of CCS through their leadership.
“I’m so excited that Steven and I get to be part of honoring 30 years of CCS, and our goal is to make a huge impact by continuing to dedicate our time and treasure alongside CCS members in order to give the community what it needs and what it deserves to succeed,” said Arica.
To find out more about CCS, please visit https://helpingpeople.org/leadership-giving/