Greetings,

This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) and the 30th year of saluting Black Professionals in our community.   In the tradition of 30th year celebrations, this year represents our Pearlanniversary year.

A pearl is a beautiful sculpted object that is comprised of many layers.  This description parallels to the vision of the BPACF Founders in that our organization is comprised of dedicated men and women that have historically and presently, given of their time, talent, and treasure unselfishly.  This is symbolic of the Foundation in that it was conceived by the very successful Black Professionals Association (BPA), as a catalyst for programming and scholarship award with funds generated through the signature gala.
 
With 30 years of community and corporate support, BPACF has assisted greater than 500 young people in their preparation and subsequent earning of their college degrees, thus enabling us to meet our mission, “To expand and maximize the social, cultural and educational opportunities of African Americans, through scholarship opportunities.”  We have watched with joyful pride as our scholarship recipients have taken leadership roles and contributed with impact in our community and communities across the country.

As we prepare for this celebratory year, I am both humbled and honored to serve as the 10th President of this beloved jewel in the Greater Cleveland community.  I am so delighted to have the privilege of crafting the mosaic of this grand 30th year.  To become a member of this small elite and esteemed number is indeed an honor.  The leaders that paved the way and lead this organization are to be admired for their vision, diligence, and leadership.
 
As we are on the eve of commemorating three decades of public service with emphasis on education, I implore you to join me in making this year spectacular.  The time has never been as critical as now as we all are confronted with the harsh realities that our global economy presents.  However, as President Barack Obama seeks to regain balance in the national and international economy, our intensity to ensure opportunity to award grants and scholarships has never been greater.  As an organization, we are yielding to that very familiar hymn, “we shall overcome” any obstacle that is before us.

Our focus this year will be to continue awarding grants and scholarships, to initiate implementation of the second year of the Leadership Education and Development Program (LEAD), and our capstone signature affair, honoring the Black Professional of the Year.

Again thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters that have been instrumental in knitting together the social fabric of BPACF as we know it.

"There is never time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now" (James Baldwin)

Sincerely,


Natoya J. Walker Minor
President