“I am a proud partner in this important community-building work,” said Pittsburgh Mayor, Bill Peduto. “These BMe Leaders not only provide Pittsburgh residents with care, education, and economic opportunity; they provide inspiration, role models and hope.”
Pittsburgh has 20 of the 165 BMe Leaders who are in 6 cities providing education, public safety, and economic services to over 500,000 people every year.
“We’re serious about community-building,” said BMe Community founding CEO, Trabian Shorters. “Thanks to The Heinz Endowments, BMe’s vision of black men as catalysts for community-building is here in Pittsburgh.”
BMe posits Black men are assets but it’s social network has over 22,000 members of all races and genders.
“BMe is providing an innovative and collaborative network for local residents to plug into and better network with one another,” said Urban Innovation 21 President, William Generett. “That is why I am such a huge supporter of this important community-building network.”
On June 17th, BMe and its partners are hosting “Better Together Awards” to celebrate many of Pittsburgh’s men and women who are community-builders.
“That’s because BMe isn’t about Black men,” said BMe-Pittsburgh Community Manager, Harry Johnson, III. “We’re about better communities. Black men just so happen to lead the nation in measures of service, enterprise and generosity. So we invite Pittsburghers to realize that and get more involved no matter your race or gender.”
Congratulations to 2016 BMe Leaders:
Emmai Alaquiva—Emmy Award Winning Videographer; Founder of Hip Hop on L.O.C.K.
Emmai Alaquiva has gone from once being homeless to being an Emmy Award winning videographer. In 2007, he also created Hip-Hop on L.O.C.K., an arts education program that promotes youth empowerment and self-esteem. Emmai will use his BMe Leader Award to grow the Hip-Hop on L.O.C.K. program, and develop a pipeline for more positive images of Black people to be highlighted in popular media.
Vernard Alexander—Founder and CEO of the Minority Networking Exchange
Vernard Alexander is nicknamed the “Connecting King” for his ability to connect people throughout Pittsburgh and abroad. Vernard has over one thousand business-owners in his network and provides coaching to assist entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. Vernard will use his BMe Leader Award to grow the Minority Networking Exchange and connect thousands of Pittsburgh residents to entrepreneurial opportunities and resources.
Chris Edmonds—Founder and CEO of Athletic Trauma Unit
Former NFL player, Chris Edmonds created Athletic Trauma Unit (ATU) to provide free physical workouts and healthy living activities for people of all ages and abilities in low-income communities. ATU has helped people recover from work injuries, amputation, back and knee surgeries. Chris will use his BMe Leader Award to extend ATU to thousands of Pittsburgh residents.
Cornell Jones—Founder and Pastor of Iron Cross Community Ministries
Reverend Cornell Jones believes in second chances. Through Iron Cross Community Ministries, he is giving formerly incarcerated citizens opportunities to reintegrate into society. Cornell will use his BMe Leader Award to create an Internet radio show that takes an insightful and asset-oriented approach to topics such as violence prevention, reentry, and social justice.
Claudy Pierre—Owner of Culture Restaurant and Lounge; Founder of E.A.T. Initiative
Restauranteur Claudy Pierre grew up in a busy Haitian-American household in Brooklyn where by age 10 he was cooking dishes for his parents and 8 siblings. He attended the LeCordon Bleu School Arts, in Pittsburgh and is now the proud owner of Culture Restaurant and Lounge. Claudy will use his BMe Leader Award to create a healthy eating initiative supported by Culture Restaurant and Lounge.
Jason Rivers—Project Manager for the Office of Equity, Pittsburgh Public Schools; Founder of AR3 Foundation
In 2008 when Jason Rivers’ brother Anthony was senselessly gunned down by two young men whom he didn’t know; Jason launched the AR3 Celebration of Life Foundation. AR3 has provided life-enriching activities for thousands of young people. Jason will use his BMe Leader Award to help mentor boys in Pittsburgh Public Schools, and to grow the impact of AR3.
Greg Spencer—Founder & CEO of Randall Industries
Greg Spencer has a long history of creating opportunities despite obstacles. As a child he had both a stutter and difficulty reading; but he went on to found one of the largest Black-owned chemical manufacturing companies in the nation. Greg will use his BMe Leader Award to help create a leadership skills development program connecting Black residents to successful corporate, government and nonprofit leadership opportunities.
Derrick Tillman—President and CEO of Bridging the Gap Development
Derrick Tillman is committed to providing housing and job opportunities. His company, Bridging the Gap Development, is focused on affordable housing, job training opportunities, mixed-income housing, and developing retail space for small businesses. Derrick will use BMe Leader Award to support projects that expand livable wage job opportunities to residents throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Dwan Walker—Mayor of the City of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
When Dwan Walker’s 33-year-old sister was shot and killed in front of his nephew, Dwan began campaigning to change things; and became the first black mayor of the City of Aliquippa. Today he’s working to bring more businesses and corporate partnerships his city. Mayor Walker will use his BMe Leader Award to support youth programming there as well.
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