About US
Over 30 Years of Community Service
Established in 1991, the Black Men of Greater Springfield is a no-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for community youth to engage in character-building activities.
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The organization grew out of a deep desire to avail positive adult males to model determination, diligence and dream-building for your boys and girls, particularly those who may not have a father figure in their lives.
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Founded upon the adage "it takes a village to raise a child", the organization's goal is to raise the expectations the community's youth have of themselves, instilling in them the belief that greatness is theirs to achieve.
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"Time" is the greatest tool the organization utilizes to reach that goal. Strategically, the organization creates constructive and meaningful events and activities where the mentors spend quality time with youth enrolled in their program.
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Members take great pride in nurturing and guiding young boys and girls to believe in themselves and strive to reach their fullest potential with confidence and conviction.
Over 30 years later, the BMGS has stayed true to its mission. We have provided, collaborated, or supported many programs over the years. We've worked with such programs and events as:
Our Officers:
Black Men of Greater Springfield is dedicated to empowering the youth of our community, providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Our organization aims to make a positive impact by hosting events, collecting donations, and showcasing the creative work of the young individuals we serve. Through our various programs and initiatives, we strive to create a nurturing environment where the potential of every young person is recognized and cultivated.
William Zachary
President
My-Ron Hatchett
Vice-President
Michael Blake
Treasurer
Gabriel Ross
Secretary
Roy Goodman
Clerk and Correspondence Secretary
Committees
Welcome to Black Men of Greater Springfield's youth programs. Our programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for the young black men of our community. Through a combination of mentorship, education, and community engagement, we aim to empower our youth to achieve their full potential. Please join The Black Men of Greater Springfield and contribute to one of our working committees listed below.
Membership
The Membership Committee is responsible for promoting and managing the recruitment and retention of members for the Black Men of Greater Springfield. This includes reporting membership status to the board, addressing member concerns, developing recruitment and retention strategies, collaborating with other committees, updating membership materials, fostering member engagement, and ensuring members are informed about the organization's objectives, activities and collecting membership fees.
W.E.B Academy
The W.E.B. Academy Committee manages and oversees the programs and activities of the W.E.B. DuBois Academy, including the Saturday School program and Summer Experience program. Responsibilities include administering youth activities, recruiting participants and volunteers, providing educational and developmental opportunities, and collaborating with other youth development organizations. The committee also focuses on innovative ways to enhance and support the growth of the youth involved.
Finance
The Finance Committee is responsible for managing and reporting on the financial health of the BMGS. This includes regularly updating the general board on financial status, maintaining records of revenue and expenses, ensuring tax filings are completed, reconciling bank accounts, satisfying the organization’s debts, assisting with budget projections, overseeing fundraising activities, solicit grant opportunities and recommending improvements to the board.
Executive
The Executive Committee provides governance and oversight to support the goals and objectives of BMGS. Responsibilities include meeting as needed to address current issues and opportunities, making recommendations or decisions to improve or resolve matters, implementing the strategic plan and offering additional support to sustain the organization’s objectives.
Unity Grant
The Unity Grant Committee manages the BMGS Unity Grant Awards Program, providing mini-grants to community-based youth-serving organizations. Responsibilities include promoting the program, evaluating and recommending grant recipients, monitoring awardees' activities, maintaining records, and suggesting improvements to enhance the program.
Program
The Program Committee identifies, suggests, and promotes new youth development programs and initiatives. Its responsibilities include creating opportunities for new programs and collaborations, recommending potential programs to the board, and supporting the enhancement of existing programs and activities.
Fundraising
The Fundraising Committee focuses on identifying and developing strategies to increase funds and resources for BMGS. Its responsibilities include identifying resource development opportunities, suggesting revenue-boosting ideas to the board, seeking new revenue sources, and promoting brand recognition for BMGS.
"To simulate wildly weak and untrained minds is
to play with mighty flies."
W.E.B DuBois
What We Do, Building Connections That Matter
At The Black Men of Greater Springfield, we are committed to forging meaningful bonds and relationships between our adult mentors and young mentees so they can truly feel the support and encouragement to pursue their hopes and dreams. We offer our youth services and mentoring opportunities in Greater Springfield, Massachusetts.