One of the most powerful reflections from Black Abundance 2025 came from an elder in the movement, a longtime Illinois organizer. After three days in Peoria, Mr. Norris paused and shared with two different staff members, almost word for word:

“In all my 72 years as an organizer in Illinois, I’ve never attended or experienced an event like this. It was informative, inspirational, and full of hope and joy. It was truly powerful. Thank you very much for putting this on.”

His words capture what so many felt—that Black Abundance 2025 was more than a conference. It was a convening that inspired action, deepened connections, and created space for restoration and collective joy.

This August, as we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month—a global campaign uplifting Black giving, leadership, and investment—we reflect with pride and gratitude on the powerful success of Black Abundance 2025, our statewide convening held in Peoria, IL.

Over three unforgettable days, more than 200 leaders and organizations from across Illinois came together to build black power, co-strategize for racial justice, nurture wellness, and celebrate Black joy and culture.

This wasn’t your typical conference. It was a celebration of community and exploration of opportunity. Attendees connected in deep and authentic ways: they strategized in working sessions, networked over shared meals, restored their spirits in wellness spaces, and celebrated through poetry, song, and dance—including a full-throttle moment on the floor of the main auditorium to “Boots on the Ground” cowboy hats and fans included!

The energy in the room was undeniable. Our keynote speaker, Mariame Kaba, lit the space ablaze with bold and honest truth-telling, sparking new commitments and conversations. Our emcee, local artist Binky, brought creativity, humor, and heart, making every moment memorable. Together, these voices helped shape a convening many participants described as unlike anything they’d ever attended—an experience they wished could happen repeatedly – sentiments like that voiced by Mr. Norris.

Black Abundance 2025 inspired action, deepened connections, and created space for both restoration and strategic collaboration. Participants left feeling empowered, uplifted, and ready to take collective action across Illinois.

This unforgettable convening was made possible through the vision and leadership of the Grand Victoria Foundation team, led by Tuyet Ngo, the guidance of our Steering Committee led by Hilesh Patel, and the outstanding execution by Wagner Lane Events. The Steering Committee—13 individuals representing 11 organizations who dedicated more than a year to dreaming and planning—shows what can happen when philanthropy steps back, shares power and trusts Black leaders to lead. We are grateful to all our sponsors, partners, and most importantly, the communities and organizations that showed up with such passion and commitment.

“As I reflect on Black Abundance, I am reminded of the “Abundant Philanthropy” pre-convening session where funders from across Illinois came together to ask hard questions and imagine new possibilities. Those conversations affirmed that abundance is not about scarcity or competition, but about trust, shared power, and the collective resources we hold when we center Black leadership and community. This month, as we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, my invitation is simple: let’s keep going. Let’s continue to build a philanthropic practice rooted in abundance—where we give boldly, trust deeply, and invest in the vision and leadership of Black communities across our state.” – Sharon Bush, President, Grand Victoria Foundation.

As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we invite you to carry this spirit forward. Together, we are building a future where Black abundance, joy, and justice are centered—not just for three days in Peoria, but every day in our communities across Illinois.