American Philanthropy, Business, and Community Samuel P. Black, Jr.

Abstract

There are many reasons to give to charities, many are highly personal and reflective. Rose Dobrof and Harry Moody have deduced that people give because of “a wish to help those in need, a desire to have one’s name and reputation celebrated, identification with a mission or cause, and gratitude or a wish to “pay back” for service received in the past.”2 The activities of one individual, Samuel P. Black, Jr. of Erie, can be hailed as a model for philanthropists to follow. His success in business translated into Erie community benefit; he has given much back to the community in which he was initially successful. Mr. Black has been involved with organizations such as the Lions Club, which aid the poor in need of glasses, and was instrumental in the founding of the Arts Council of Erie, which organizes and supports the local arts. He has also been a long time supporter of the Erie Philharmonic. Mr. Black is a wonderful example of how business success, philanthropy, and community interact at the local level.