Get Involved!: Stories of Bahamian Civil Society

Philanthropy is commonly depicted as a universal practice, but dominant definitions and popular connotations tend to privilege wealthy Western approaches. Get Involved! Uncovers the hidden and under-documented activities of "philanthropy from below" in the Caribbean, revealing a broader conception of philanthropy and civil society, especially within Black and other historically marginalized populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Philanthropy is a widely embraced practice, often celebrated for its role in driving community transformation or critiqued for its potential limitations in addressing social justice. However, prevailing definitions and popular perceptions often favor wealthy Western approaches. In order to challenge these biases, "Get Involved! Uncovers the Hidden and Under-Documented Activities of "Philanthropy from Below," focusing on the island nation-state of The Bahamas. By employing a rich site of observation, particularly in the Caribbean region, the book delves into the lesser-known endeavors of "philanthropy from below," shedding light on a broader conception of philanthropy and civil society, particularly among Black and other historically marginalized populations.

Drawing on narrative analysis spanning enslavement to the present post-post-colonial era, author Kim Williams-Pulfer vividly portrays the repertoires and practices of primarily Afro-Bahamians through the stories emerging from history, including the transnational insights of Zora Neale Hurston, social movements, and political and social institution-building. The book also explores the arts, encompassing Junkanoo, literature, and visual practices, as well as the lived experiences of contemporary civil society leaders.

"Get Involved! Reveals the Long History and Continued Significance of Civil Society and Philanthropic Engagement in The Bahamas, the Circum-Caribbean, and the Wider African Diaspora." Junkanoo, the national cultural festival of The Bahamas, holds a profound significance in fostering a sense of community pride, identity, companionship, spirituality, and unity. Witness a captivating video about Junkanoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnMpMesNb1Q&t=14s

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978834446