The Resurgence of African American Male Philanthropists: Reggie Gordon at TEDxRVA

Reggie Gordon, CEO of the American Red Cross - Eastern Virginia Region since July 1997, is a Richmond native that has dedicated his career to the nonprofit sector. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and law degree from Howard University School of Law. He began his career with the Central Virginia Legal Aid in Emporia, Virginia, which provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents. Next, he relocated to Washington D.C. with the National Red Cross where he served as a Senior Associate General Counsel and the National Ethics Officer. In 1997, Reggie returned home to Richmond and worked with the United Way as a fund developer. The United Way supports the Homeward program whose mission is to prevent, reduce, and end homelessness in the Richmond region and he became the first executive director of this program in 1998. After seven years with Homeward, he became the executive director of the William Byrd Community House, which aids in transforming lives and building self-sufficiency for area families in need.

Reggie currently serves on several boards including Bon Secours Healthsource, the Rotary Club, GRTC, and Richmond Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Also, he is a founder of the Ujima Legacy Fund, a giving circle created by civic-minded African American men to have a greater philanthropic impact in the Metro Richmond community.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)