Our Legacy
Every family has its own stories
Unique and universal: births and deaths, rites of passage, joys and sorrows. All families also have a set of beliefs, values, and attitudes passed down from generation to generation.
Diane Diamond and Norman Bernstein came from humble beginnings which informed their humility, passion for life, humor, generosity, and a strong sense of justice.
They were different temperamentally and a marvelous team. Norman was thoughtful, patient, soulful, and quiet. Diane was passionate, a trailblazer, and committed to collaboration. Married for 67 years, the key to their relationship was respectful and honest communication.
In these divisive times, we are grateful for Diane and Norman's lifelong commitment to empathy and engagement.
As funders, our goal is to listen carefully and empower others who are trying to do the same. This website highlights our support for organizations that bring diverse voices together to converse about the complex root causes of strife. Like Diane and Norman, we believe in the power of the imagination to create meaningful change.
Diane Bernstein
Diane Diamond Bernstein grew up in New York City. In 1954, she married Norman Bernstein, and their lifetime bond of 67 years produced six children and 12 grandchildren.
She founded the Patient Representative Office at Children’s National Medical Center (CHNMC) in Washington. In addition, she co-founded their New Horizons cultural enrichment program and Quality Assurance Program. She later served on the CHNMC board of directors and was vice chair of the Children’s Research Institute. She also served as board chair of the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young Children.
In 1992, Diane co-founded DC Action for Children and served as Executive Director. In 1999, she was appointed by Mayor Anthony Williams as board vice chair of the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation. She passed away peacefully on April 30, 2021.
Norman Bernstein
Norman Bernstein was born in Washington, DC. A son of Jewish immigrants from present-day Lithuania, he began his real estate career in 1940 with his older brother, Leo. He launched his own firm in 1953, Norman Bernstein Management, now called Bernstein Management Corporation. In 1954, he married Diane Diamond Bernstein, his lifelong partner.
As a Washington real estate developer and philanthropist, Norman championed Jewish causes and civil rights, pioneering efforts to end racial discrimination in housing in the 1960’s. In addition to his work in real estate, Bernstein was a student of literature, music, and art and loved the outdoors. He died peacefully on July 5, 2021.
“Diane and Norman's inspirational and courageous legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come through their contributions to the many organizations, causes, and lives impacted nationwide.”
