Hello Giving Black Family,

In this episode of The Giving Black Podcast, we traveled—at least in spirit—to the home of the global philanthropic tradition of Sankofa: Ghana, West Africa.

We knew we had to include a Ghanaian perspective in this series, and I was introduced to exactly the right person. As fortune would have it, a close brother of mine, while holidaying in Ghana, told me about an incredible coach with an amazing program teaching children basketball skills, helping them grow as student-athletes, nurturing their physical, spiritual, and mental health—and making sure they had fun along the way.

I am pleased to share an inspiring conversation with Coach Ernest “Oxy” Koomson, Founder and Head Coach of The Charm Academy Basketball Program, in Accra Ghana.

This dynamic discussion continues our celebration of Black Philanthropy Month and our series on Sankofa: Remember, Reclaim, Rise. Coach Oxy brings a powerful message: Black faith is deeply intertwined with our destiny, and our destiny is to embody the spirit of Sankofa in all that we do.

There is a sacrificial and spiritual essence to what Coach Oxy is building at Charm Academy. It is more than a sports program—it is a calling to support Ghana’s youth to become future leaders. Whether or not they go on to play professional basketball is beside the point. The true spirit of Sankofa within Charm Academy lies in providing young people with the opportunities for growth and development that Coach Oxy himself did not have as a youth.

Giving Black family, I encourage you to learn more about Coach Oxy and his inspiring work through the following channels:

Email: ernest.koomson1989@gmail.com

Instagram: charmbasketballacademy

Philanthropy Is The Heartbeat Of The World!

#blackphilanthropymonth #givingblack #backblack