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BLACK PROMPTS

Conversations in Black Storytimes Hosted by The Black Donors Project.

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Welcome home, cousins,


I hope this message finds you well and thriving. Can you believe we are embarking upon our second season of Conversations in Black?


As many of you are aware, I am deeply committed to the practice of bridging, which I view as a vital tool in our pursuit of equitable philanthropic support and practices. I believe wholeheartedly that these practices can be utilized to support the Black nonprofit community in addressing systemic inequities by nurturing inclusivity, collaboration, and a shared vision for justice. My belief in this work is so strong that I hold certificates from the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley in an effort to infuse our work with the tools necessary to invite people “in” along the way.

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Recently, PBS presented "Deadlock," a special presentation that invited viewers to engage in collective hypothetical scenario exercises. This season of "Conversations in Black" will draw inspiration from these concepts, utilizing bridging and scenario mapping to create a transformative space for navigating complex questions that remain unanswered, as well as the ethical, moral, and racial dilemmas faced by Black-led nonprofits operating in predominantly white spaces.


Here, we create hypothetical role-play scenarios based on real-life situations that resonate deeply within our community. 

 

And as if that is not enough, at the end of each session, our plan is to enter the scenario into ChatGPT and collectively assess the proximity and/or gaps between our narrative for collective solutions and the AI narrative, which may eventually play a part in harnessing solutions for our community—another tool designed without us in mind. This process pushes us to critically assess how well these AI-generated ideas align with, or do not align with, the context of our community.

 

So bring your main character energy, your vibe and play your part in our unscripted, unstructured role-play series.

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Until,

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Jeri Rayon 

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Volunteer Opportunity: Focus Group Participants 

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Black Prompts

Organization: The Black Donors Project
Location: Virtual/Remote
Time Commitment: Bi-monthly (2–3 hours per session)
 
About BLACK PROMPTS
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BLACK PROMPTS is a virtual, peer-to-peer learning journey that uses AI-generated simulation exercises to spark creative problem-solving for Black-led nonprofits. Developed by The Black Donors Project—a participatory action research initiative exploring Black philanthropic giving at the crossroads of art and social change—BLACK PROMPTS addresses the barriers that Black-led nonprofits often face in philanthropic spaces.
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What You’ll Do
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  • Join Bi-Monthly Sessions: Participate in structured scenario-based exercises that mirror real-world challenges for Black-led nonprofits.
  • Shape Community Solutions: Collaborate with other Black nonprofit professionals and community members to create culturally aligned strategies that honor our shared history and lived experiences.
  • Compare AI Insights to Lived Realities: Review AI-generated recommendations alongside community-sourced approaches, exploring where the two align and diverge.
  • Protect Narrative Sovereignty: Help uphold Black-led organizations’ right to determine how their stories are told and how their impact is measured.
  • Foster Racialized Safety: Contribute to safe, culturally competent spaces that nurture Black thought leadership and protect the dignity of Black communities.
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Key Pillars of BLACK PROMPTS
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  1. Interactive Scenario-Based Planning
  2. Narrative Sovereignty
  3. Maintenance, Repair, and Care in Philanthropy
  4. Cultural Competency and Trust-Building
  5. Racialized Safety and Collective Problem-Solving
 
Key Concepts
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  • Narrative Sovereignty: Ensuring Black-led organizations control their own stories, missions, and data—free from external reinterpretation.
  • Racialized Safety: Intentionally creating environments (virtual and physical) where the dignity and well-being of Black communities are actively protected and celebrated.
  • Cultural Maintenance and Repair: Reclaiming and renewing traditions, practices, and values eroded by systemic inequities.
 
Why Volunteer?
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  • Contribute to Equitable Philanthropy: A unique opportunity to be in an all Black space among your peers to help lay the groundwork for more inclusive philanthropic models that value Black voices and leadership.
  • Connect with a Larger Community: Join an active network of like-minded peers dedicated to social change and community care.
  • Expand Your Skill Set: Learn about scenario planning, the emerging possibilities (and pitfalls) of AI, and community-centered innovation.
  • Honor Our Collective History: Ensure that our stories remain at the forefront of transformative conversations in the philanthropic sector.
 
Dates, Times & Alignment

​The Black Prompts sessions will take place on the following Thursdays from 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM (EST):​

 
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025
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  • Passion for Black Community Empowerment: A genuine desire to see Black-led nonprofits thrive.
  • Open-Mindedness: Willingness to learn, reflect, and share perspectives in a group setting.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Comfortable working with others to brainstorm and co-create solutions.
  • Availability: Able to attend bi-monthly virtual sessions (approx. 2–3 hours per session).
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Application Process
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  • Submit an Application: Complete our short online form here highlighting your background and interest in BLACK PROMPTS.
  • Interview/Screening Call: You may be invited to a brief virtual call for us to learn more about your interests and confirm your availability.
  • Orientation: Participants will receive an orientation to help you get the most out of this peer-to-peer learning experience.
 
Join us in shaping philanthropic futures where Black-led nonprofits and communities can fully exercise creativity, narrative ownership, and community-driven solutions.
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