Annie Malone’s Legacy of Love and Generosity
Annie Malone is credited as one of the first African American millionaires. Her story is incredible. I encourage you to take time this month to stream one of my all-time favorite WTVP productions, My Journey with Annie Malone: James Agbara Bryson.
This woman was not just an entrepreneurial genius; she made it her business to change lives. She invested in her community to create lasting change. She poured into her employees in ways that would have a generational impact on their families. As someone herself who was one generation removed from slavery and orphaned at a young age, I don’t think anyone would have thought less of Annie had she not pursued the path of philanthropy amid her business success. But Annie was all about others. She was most interested in investing in people, lifting her community, and making the world a better place.
And speaking of extraordinary giving, I would like to personally thank you for your generosity to WTVP through the We Believe in WTVP Campaign. Thanks to you, we met our goal (in record time) of raising $1 million to fill the gap left by the exodus of federal funding! Because of you, the station is here today, continuing to inspire and connect central Illinois with quality content that educates, informs and entertains.
And what does that mean for our community? It means that parents and children will continue to have access to free, life-changing, early childhood educational programs that develop literacy, math and cognitive skills. It means that young people can enjoy the very best in arts, culture, history and nature programming free of “influencers” and advertisements. It means that people of all ages will have access to locally driven content that doesn’t distract and disrupt, but instead connects you to your community, helps you learn new things, stay informed and grow to be your best self. You’ve invested in WTVP, and that means you’ve invested in our community. I think Annie Malone would approve.
From all of us here at the station, thank you!
Jenn Gordon
