Honoring one of our greatest inspirations

“We may not end poverty in my lifetime, but we can end it in yours.”

In our nation’s capital, there have been several eras when “the town was built.” The 20th century saw some of its most influential people leave their fingerprints on every part of the city and beyond. These were individuals who not only built the buildings in which many live and work; they built the philanthropy sector that has fueled a large percentage of the good works of our time. They have funded schools, underwritten social programs, and helped leaders in every sector to bring innovation to charitable and philanthropic efforts. Indeed, thousands of nonprofit organizations exist year after year because these philanthropists believe in and support their causes.

Donald A. Brown was a leader of these leaders.

I will always remember when Don said that opening line above. In fact, he often shared with me his belief in the possibility of this work, and his passing just a few years ago left a giant hole for so many of us. Don was as tough as he was smart, so when he said he believed we could end poverty, it was as if the national plan’s engine had been turned on.

Don was uniquely intelligent, hard-working, and courageous, but more than all those traits combined; he was a person who loved others. He made it one of his life’s callings to support causes he believed would best help those who were most vulnerable.

In our many conversations over the years, Don challenged me to always strive for the mission and to do whatever it takes.

Like many who knew him, Don was one of my greatest inspirations. And at The Shared Humanity Project, we are more motivated than ever to make his belief a reality in this nation.