NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Black Agency Executives (BAE), a membership organization comprised of executives of major nonprofit organizations hosted its annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon on Thursday in New York City. The sold-out event of prestigious NYC leaders was held at Current, Chelsea Piers located on Manhattan's scenic West Side Highway. This year's event focused on continuing the work of diversity and justice within organizations.
BAE was founded in 1976 to support the growing needs of Black leaders in the human service profession. The organization is dedicated to growing leaders through management development, access to resources, advocacy and power networking.
Below is a snapshot of this year's distinguished lineup:
Keynote Speaker Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett who is the first African American to be appointed Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for an NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets reminded attendees "to never lose sight of the fact that what happens to the least of us" and how it still has an impact on everyone in society. He also stressed the importance of advocacy, bravery and passion.
Sheena Wright was honored for her work in the non-profit world and celebrated as the first woman to lead the United Way of New York City (UWNYC) during its 80-year history. Prior to her role at UWNYC, she served as President and CEO of the Abyssinian Development Corporation.
Kevin Livingston, Founder of 100 Suits for 100 Men, was also praised for his efforts in assisting many individuals in putting their best-dressed foot forward. His mission is to help underprivileged men and women improve their role in society, build dignity and self-esteem, foster self-sufficiency, dispel stereotypes, and promote community involvement in order to build each other up.
Diageo North America was honored for their role as a corporate leader dedicated to maintaining an on-going commitment to the African American community. A giant within the beverage industry, the company has established a Multicultural Marketing Advisory Group (DMMAG) with the purpose of advising on issues pertaining to diversity, inclusion and multicultural marketing. The award was accepted by Danielle Robinson, who is (title).
BAE President Carla D. Brown elaborated on the theme of the luncheon and why it was so important to the organization's mission. "Diversity and justice. What lies in the balance? Without diversity of thought, cultures and experiences, there is no balance. Justice and her scales represent all that our legal system should be. Balance plays a significant role in all of our lives."
Additionally, guests were treated to a special performance by the cast of the electrifying hit Broadway musical, AIN'T TOO PROUD: The Life and Times of the Temptations. AIN'T TOO PROUD follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Sandra Bookman, Anchor and Reporter for WABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News hosted as the Mistress of Ceremony and comedic entertainment was provided by Actor/Comedian Chuck Nice. The annual event was produced once again by Bee Season Consulting LLC.
Special thanks to BAE's MLK Luncheon Chair Maria C. Willis, President Carla D. Brown, Honorary Chair Members Keith Little and Emory Brooks for all their efforts in helping to make this year's event possible. In addition, the organization is grateful Committee Members Ingrid Floyd and Dr. Darlene Williams is grateful for their continued support.
ABOUT BAE
Black Agency Executives is a membership organization dedicated to the support and professional development of Black nonprofit senior executives who positively and purposefully impact the well being of the Black community.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Founded in 1976, BAE is dedicated to the support of and professional development of Black human service, nonprofit executives which in turn positively impact their staff, customers, organizations and communities they serve. These executives promote the interest, values, welfare and empowerment of the Black community.
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
The on-going professional development of Black Executives is mandatory as service demands increase and resources decrease. Training is provided in the areas of strategic planning, board and staff management, budgets, fundraising, legal and environmental changes impacting human service agencies. Sessions are open to members and other non-profit CEOs and managers. Informal one to one mentoring is available to new and seasoned executives.
ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Black Agency Executives identifies and facilitates access to funding and human resources for its members and other executives. Through its extensive membership base, BAE provides an informal linkage to professional employment, consultants, trainers, workshop leaders and guest speakers. It is also a clearing house for identifying, orienting and placing talented black professionals interested in serving on non-profit Boards of Directors.
ADVOCACY
The purpose of BAE's advocacy work is to ensure the presence of a Black voice in those arenas impacting Black executives, member organizations and the communities they serve. The focus includes the New York City and state budget allocations and contracting processes, as well as specific areas such as child welfare, black veterans, employment and training, violence, etc.
POWER NETWORKING
BAE hosts informal luncheons, power breakfast series, seminars and receptions in order to convene Black managers from businesses, corporations, religious communities, government, foundations and other non-profits in order to increase information sharing, personal contacts and collaborations between organizations.
For more information about BAE, visit http://www.blackagencyexecs.org.
SOURCE Global Spectrum Group LLC
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