Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love

by Nneka Allen, Camila Vital Nunes Pereira (Editor), Nicole Salmon (Editor)

“An anthology that’s lyrical, poetic and beautifully written …” Collecting Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love is a collection of stories documenting racism and survival by 14 accomplished Black fundraisers working in charities across North America. With searing and intimate detail, they write about their experiences with anti-Black racism—about coping with being last hired, first fired, overlooked for promotion to outright hostility in toxic workplaces. Their testimony chips away at the idea of the inherent goodness of the charitable sector. “First and foremost, this book is the start of a process to systematically document our experiences, so our voices are the ones that shape the narrative,” say the editors. “Secondly, for those whom our stories resonate, we hope they give you the courage to voice your own experience. “Finally, for those committed to being allies and accomplices in dismantling barriers and championing a sector culture of belonging and reciprocity, we hope the book illuminates a path to action.” In addition to the editors Nneka Allen, Camila Vital Nunes Pereira and Nicole Salmon, contributors to Collecting Courage include Birgit Burton, Christal Cherry, Kishshana Palmer, Heba Mahmoud, Mide Akerewusi, Naimah Bilal, Niambi Martin-John, Fatou Jammeh, Muthoni Kariuki, Sherrie James and Marva Wisdom.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2020

Reviews

[Melanie ODoumas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has worked in the fundraising sector for decades, I was really interested in this powerful book that pulls the back the veil on how this charitable community has treated Black fundraisers and leaders.
The editors gave it the perfect name, "Collecting Courage". The powerful writers really allowed me to get a glimpse into an experience of which I was completely unaware (I know, shame on me).
As an observer, I was so impressed by the accomplishments of the various authors and stunned by their treatment. As a fellow fundraiser, I felt shock, shame, guilt ... followed by resolve to open more doors for my colleagues.
While horrified that these stories exist, they are stories that I want to hear, they make me (and I suspect you) uncomfortable enough to take action.
This is a "do not miss" read for me.

[Paula A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read, the stories of racism by Black fundraisers in “Collecting Courage” are poignant and telling. This book underscores the need for radical change in the nonprofit sector — a sector that purports to be inherently good. This is a must read for all fundraisers and anyone with an interest in the nonprofit sector. And for those wishing to be allies, this book will serve as a call to action. A must read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays contains one by my friend Marva Wisdom. Many people, mostly women, who work in the fundraising sector talk about their professional experiences and the invisible barriers they confront because of their skin colour. Powerful read.

[Guy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for fundraisers and others in the non-profit sector. Particularly in historically white institutions and orgs.

[Deidre McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated the personal stories and calls to action in this book. A must read for those working in non-profit sector!

[Ann Rosenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read for charity sector employees and volunteers.