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Amanda B. Moniz

Amanda B. Moniz is curator of philanthropy at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, and is the author of From Empire to Humanity: The American Revolution and the Origins of Humanitarianism (2016).

Stories from this author

Anti-suffrage pennant

Why a Social Activist Opposed Woman Suffrage

The right to vote, insisted some women, would undermine their efforts to promote the public good

Portrait of Madam C. J. Walker, taken in 1915.

How Madam C.J. Walker Changed Philanthropy

Walker challenged the accumulation-of-wealth model of philanthropy, which postpones giving until the twilight years of life

GI forum detail .png

Carlos Martinez, Patriot and Philanthropist

The Defense Department discriminated against Latino veterans — Carlos Martinez decided to do something about it

How Do the Arts Promote Social Change?

The long tradition of Americans using the arts to move people to support all manner of philanthropic endeavors has shaped American society by advancing causes while also shaping American culture by fostering appreciation for the arts.

During World War I, Black soldiers served in segregated units. (Scurlock Studio Records, NMAH Archives Center)

How Black Philadelphians Fought for Soldiers During World War I

Since the colonial era, in times of peace and war, the African American experience of inequality included being denied medical treatment equal to that received by white peers. Unequal treatment continued during World War I. Not even the era's increasing humanitarian efforts were immune to inequality. Groups like the Crispus Attucks Circle for War Relief, founded by Black Philadelphians, worked to help members of their own communities.