Jim Gilliam Sr.

The James H. Gilliam Sr. Fund for Social Justice & Equity has been established at the Delaware Community Foundation to honor the late Jim Gilliam Sr., one of the original 19 DCF founders and a legendary civic leader in Delaware.

Gilliam, a Baltimore native who moved to Wilmington in 1965, was a dedicated public servant and advocate for parity, power and civil rights for all people, especially low-income and/or people of color throughout our community.

Gilliam also was a decorated member of the African-American Buffalo Soldier Infantry in World War II, a leader and activist with many local and national nonprofit organizations, and founder of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.

“Jim was a giant among men,” said DCF President & CEO Fred Sears, a longtime friend of Gilliam. “He was a tireless, powerful voice for fairness and opportunity for everyone. He challenged us all to make Delaware a better place for everyone – regardless of race or economic status – to live and work. I was so honored to know him and work with him on many programs. We are proud at the DCF to be able to help continue his work.”

To support the Gilliam Fund, give securely online at delcf.org/Gilliam, or send a check written to the DCF with “Gilliam Fund for Social Justice & Equity” in the memo line to DCF, PO Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899.

For more about Gilliam, please see this Gilliam Tribute video, which The Grand Opera House showed at its 2010 Grand Gala, and this column by Tony Allen.