JUAN WILSON JR. DEMOCRATIZING AND DEMYSTIFYING COMMUNITY-LED PHILANTHROPY
JUAN WILSON JR. DEMOCRATIZING AND DEMYSTIFYING COMMUNITY-LED PHILANTHROPY
For Juan Wilson Jr., founder of the MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island and a first-generation Black philanthropist, nonprofit work is all about giving his community a seat at the table.
Wilson, who has a background in marketing and creative entrepreneurship, founded MUSE in 2021 with the goal of giving back to the community that supported him through his adolescence. He was inspired in part by his cousin, civil rights advocate Michael S. Van Leesten( namesake of Providence’ s Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge). His passion for philanthropy, he knew, could create a tangible difference within communities of color.
“ When you look at philanthropy, you always think it’ s people with affluence, people with certain resources always giving down,” he says.“ Communities do philanthropy all the time with time and talent and treasure. It’ s not always monetary. They go to churches, tithing, soup kitchens and donating— that’ s what is big in this community.”
The foundation’ s motto calls for“ enriching communities through education and inspiration, empowering them through advocacy and action, and equipping them with essential resources and networks.” It’ s a mission that allows Wilson to spread his message, not just within his community, but to decision-makers, too. None of those“ E” words, he points out, is“ equity.”“ I’ ve always looked at that equity word as‘ We’ ll fit you in now.’ Then something else will change, and you’ re fighting for it,” he says.“ I’ m more about liberation. How do you implode the system and build it intentionally to take care of everyone?”
Wilson wants to show communities that they hold the power to make change.
“ Every time you create that hierarchy, there’ s that separation, and that’ s why I wanted to de-mystify philanthropy,” he says.“ I want to democratize and make sure people know it’ s obtainable.”
Thanks to the organization’ s efforts, Rhode Island was the first state in New England to recognize August as Black Philanthropy Month. MUSE also created a Black Philanthropy Month Legacy Fund that establishes a new model for unrestricted, Black-led giving to support Black youth. In addition, the group’ s Youth Empowerment Society of Providence County helps young people develop entrepreneurship and other skills to help them gain confidence and reach their full potential.
The organization also played a crucial role in establishing Juneteenth as a paid state holiday in Rhode Island, starting in 2024. Wilson helped get the legislation crafted and was among community members who testified in front of legislators in 2023 in favor of the bill, which was sponsored in the House by Representative Brianna E. Henries and in the Senate by Senator Tiara Mack.
Following the holiday’ s recognition, the MUSE Foundation founded the Taste of Juneteenth, an event showcasing food and food culture from the African diaspora. For the past ten years, Wilson has also organized a youth summit called # TurnUpRI to empower and equip the next generation of leaders. The conference has reached hundreds of young people, a number that expands into the thousands when MUSE Foundation grants and scholarships are included.
As time goes on, Wilson hopes to leave a legacy that extends beyond the state’ s borders and expand his work to Connecticut and Massachusetts.— Justin Theriault
92 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I OCTOBER 2025