What about nonprofit board directors?

I APPLAUD MR. GRAVES AND BLACK ENTERPRISE FOR HIGHLIGHTING THE importance of black board service in the February issue (Publisher's Page), however I was disappointed that this issue neglected to give equal ink to the importance of black service on nonprofit boards.

Many nonprofits work in and for majority black communities, yet governance and decisions (in some cases executive-level) are often made by non-blacks who are loosely connected to these communities. In order to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of nonprofit work, it is important that blacks proactively engage these organizations in meaningful ways; not simply as donors, but also as directors. Blacks having a presence on nonprofit boards is not merely essential to more fairly represent diverse experiences, it is also a prime opportunity to use and refine our knowledge and expertise in areas such as public relations, fiscal management, and law to responsibly guide the direction of this nearly $1 trillion sector.

As a trustee of several local boards, I am both humbled and challenged by being in a position to enrich communities in this capacity. Many of us know the vital impact that agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club or the neighborhood recreational center had on our lives, let's help guarantee that same impact in the lives of others. Let's encourage black professionals--young and old, wealthy and not--to recognize the opportunity in and fiduciary value of serving on nonprofit boards.

Naomi Christine Leapheart, founder and CEO

The MatchStick Group

Philadelphia

Naomi@matchstickgroup.org