2014 – 2015 Annual Report Executive Summary | Eric T. White, GBLA President (2013 – 2015)

Dear Partners in the Movement,

I would like to thank our members, supporters, leaders and partners; who have been 2014 – 2015 Executive Council an integral part of the work to make a positive impact in the Greater Area. Officers The Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA) supports the Urban League President, Movement through an array of volunteering, fundraising, networking, partnerships, Eric T. White and membership development activities. As a pipeline for success and model for Executive Vice President, personal social responsibility, our members use their individual strengths and Charles Jackson cultivate new ones for the betterment of our community and each other. This is excellence in action! Vice President of Communications, Our board set high goals this year, with ambitions of continuing the annualized Unity Watts programs previously established, growing our membership, cultivating partnerships and increased fundraising. I am proud to report that this team has accomplished all Vice President of Finance, Brian Sims and in many cases surpassed our goals. Through strategic planning, executing, and measuring, we have worked to affect a successful and informed Baltimore Vice President of Policy and community through a positive cycle of climbing, lifting and giving back. Procedures, Nicolette A. Louissaint, Ph.D. Some of our key accomplishments: Directors ● Supported our Affiliate with a gift of over $14,000 Community Outreach ● Significantly increased Affiliate volunteer support through collaborative Vernon Carter programming and augmenting the Affiliate staff Financial Empowerment ● Collaborated closely with our Affiliate to implement strategic Shariff J. Small communications and programs in the Baltimore Uprising: Response to Murder of Freddie Gray Marketing and Public Relations ● Chapter Volunteer Hours Increased dramatically through GBLA committee Laydia S. Olusa collaboration creating more layers of impact with programs ● Executed a successful annual fundraiser, the Monte Carlo Nights Membership Masquerade Ball Nikki Winn

Public Health Stacey Dennis, MPH Stacey Dyce, MHS (Assistant) Yours in the Movement, Political Empowerment

Stephanie Maddin Smith, Esq. Eric White | President Special Events Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA) Sherria Lovelace Young Professionals Network of the Greater Baltimore Urban League

- 3 - Youth Development Jerome Alexander

Professional Development Ernest Davis

Leadership Development | The Black Accountants; Western High School Alumnae “We Develop Me” name, Association; and Urban Alliance. the Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA), was selected intentionally. We are a mainstay for many Executive Council Planning Retreat young leaders throughout the greater Baltimore region. August 20 and September 14, 2014 Our membership is not only active in GBLA, but also • Orientation of the newly elected GBLA officers and hold leadership positions in other local and national appointed committee directors organizations. We pride ourselves on the continuous • Identification of personal leadership styles support of our members and the development of their • Revision of strategic operating procedures an leadership abilities. They are truly pillars in the • Development and adoption of GBLA’s strategic plan community. We strive to make programming that is inclusive and beneficial to all our members. GBLA General Body Meeting Speakers

GBLA serves as a hub February 2014 for leaders and • Torin Ellis – Diversity Recruitment Consultant provides them with a starting point for their March 2014 – “Feminism vs. Womanism” impact. It is within our • Cassandra Vincent – Creator, The Cassie Brown mission to develop Project leaders through their • Adrienne Starks – Chief Operating Officer, Equity experiences in GBLA Matters and to springboard them into prominent May 2014 – “The Gentrification Effect in Baltimore” leadership • A. Adar Ayira – Project Manager, Associated Black Charities positions in other organizations. Therefore, we have • Lawrence Brown, PhD – Assistant Professor, dedicated volunteer time towards programs focused School of Public Health on honing our leaders. Organizational collaborations • John Morris, JD – Dean of the School of Urban were another area for leadership growth. Planning and Community Economic Development, Sojourner Douglass College We also encouraged members to seek leadership opportunities in other organizations, external entities, October 2014 – “Do You Know the Law? What’s in store for including boards/ Baltimorethis Elecction” organizations/ • Brandon Scott – Baltimore City Councilman, District 2 committees such as: NULYP Awards December 2014 – “We Marched, Now What?” Selection Committee; • Dayvon Love- Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle NULYP Treasurers January 2015 – “We Got Next-New Young Professional Policy Round Table; NULYP Makers” Advocacy Committee; • Delegate Antonio Hayes- District 40, Baltimore City Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Inman Page April 2015 – “Black Eco-Proneurs” Black Alumni Council of • Walker Marsh – Tha Flower Factory Brown University; • Greg Brown– The Land of Kush Maryland State • Michelle Johnson & Tehma Smith – Earth Radiation Control Enrichment Advisory Board; National Youth Cheer and Football League; Society of Human Resource Management;

Baltimore Mayor's Youth Public Safety Forum’ Toastmasters International; National Association of

- 4 - 2015 Community Impact | 12,050 Chapter 2014 Volunteer Hours Bridging the Gap 1,054 Chapter +1043% Volunteer Hours Service to the region is based on a five-pronged approach comprised of: youth development, financial This event was a public viewing of a documentary empowerment, political empowerment, public health, about the power of community organization through and professional development to fulfill its mission. partnerships and real estate in Boston’s Dudley Street During the past year, GBLA altered its organizational Corridor. structure by establishing a standing Community Impacted audience: 100 Attendees Outreach committee. As a result, we have added new Community partners: Wake Up Baltimore, Morgan State and exciting partnerships. Community outreach University, ReWired for Change, Reginald F. Lewis continued to find and foster partnerships by attending African American History Museum panel discussions to better understand topics affecting the community and to learn best practices. Partnerships included, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, The Baltimore Impacting Racial Justice Action Group and BMoreUnited. Public Health In total, GBLA provided community service impacting War On Women’s Health the Greater Baltimore region, including annualized Thursday, September 18, 2014 programs and National Initiatives. Below highlights work the areas of: Arts & Culture, Education & Youth, The public health committee met with health leaders Public Health, Community Engagement, Citizen Uplift, to review proposed changes surrounding Women’s and National Urban League Young Professionals Healthcare and rights. Panel Discussions included Outreach Programs. concerns about the politicizing of Women’s bodies, the right to reproductive health and more. Impacted audience: 5 Community Partners: Public Health

Community Healing & Transformation Session Thursday, April, 30, 2015

The Public Health Committee organized this first series of sessions. The GBLA provided the community space to access social workers, mental health specialists, youth enrichment program

information, prayer, and an opportunity to make Impacting specific requests of stakeholders (local government, EDUCATION & YOUTH nonprofit community, etc.) on how to help our Boy’s Hope, Girls Hope Community Dinner communities heal to transform. Wednesday, June 11, 2014 Impacted audience: 115

Community Partners: Legal Aid of Baltimore, GBLA members dined with youth in Harford County, Centerstage, Equity Matters, Independent massage MD, to expose them to successful young professionals therapists, Mental Health Professionals and Social and to motivate them to pursue a variety of career Workers of multiple affiliations. options.

Impacted audience: 125 Children Community Healing & Transformation Session Black Professional Men, Boys Community partners: Thursday, May, 9, 2015 Hope Girls Hope Heal A Sista Project Mother’s Day is hosted with Impacting partner Shawna Murray-Browne. BUL headquarters Arts & Culture is opened for women to assist other women in the Gaining Ground Documentary healing process through holistic reflection, dance Thursday, January 22, 2015 and meditation.

- 5 - Impacting COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT New Year Skate Date Comcast Cares Day 2015 Saturday, January 3, 2015 Friday, April 25, 2015

GBLA’s Youth Development committee hosted an Comcast partnered with The Living Classroom Foundation afternoon of winter fun for students of BUL’s Saturday and many civic and fraternal organizations to clean and Leadership Program and community supporters. This beautify Middle Branch Park and the shoreline of the activity served as a means of encouraging recreational Patapsco river that terminates at the park. This middle fitness and exposure to a new activity for most of the branch feeds the harbor of Baltimore and is a source of attendees. recreation and relaxation for the surrounding community Impacted audience: 60 adults and children and the larger city. It is also the home of The Baltimore Rowing Club. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade Impacted audience: 26 Monday, January 19, 2015 Community Partners: Comcast, The Living Classroom Foundation GBLA/GBUL members and supporters showed their support of Dr. King's vision by marching in Baltimore City’s annual commemorative parade. Participants rallied the crowd with its signature chant “we are empowered!” Impacted audience: 1000+ citizens Committees involved: Youth Development

Freddie Gray Response April 2015 – Ongoing

GBLA collaborated closely with our Affiliate to develop strategy and implement programs in response to the death of Freddie Gray.

- 6 - Community Associations Meetings Wealth Diversity Summit Ongoing Saturday, October 18, 2014

Members of the Community Outreach Committee attended multiple community association meetings throughout the city to receive firsthand knowledge about potential resources.

Malcolm X Talks: Feminism and Intersectionality Friday, March 20, 2015

Malcolm X Talks is a monthly series of seminars and workshops hosted by the Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle.

The workshops are centered on teaching the Baltimore community about the Black experience and using it as a The Wealth Diversity Summit (WDS) consisted of resource for nation building in the 21st Century. powerful panel discussions throughout the day to provide impactful solutions to economic, social and Through this discussion, we hope to educate the political issues that have widen the wealth diversity gap community and empathize importance of how gender, among minorities and non-minorities within the last 50 race, class, sexual orientation, religion and other axes of years. identity cannot be examined separately from one Impacted audience: 75 another. Community Partners: The Baltimore Association of Black Journalist, Deborah Owens (Owens Media Group, LLC), Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, Black Legislative Agenda Day Associated Black Charities, City of Baltimore, Financial December 2014 Empowerment Movement, Inc., Will Holmes Consulting, City Councilman Nick Mosby, The Entrepreneurial Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle convened the Black Development and Assistance Center Morgan State Legislative Agenda Day to unite local organizations from University, New Beginnings Youth Development around Baltimore to discuss this year legislative Coaching Program, Black Professional Men Inc., priorities. Operation Hope, Small Business Administration, National Association of African Americans in Human Resources Impacting (NAAAHR), Betty Hines Business Builder (BH), Urban FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT Financial Services Coalition, The Cassie Brown Project, Male Enterprise Network (MEN), Maryland Department Right Steps to Home Ownership Workshop of Housing and Community Development, National Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), Baltimore Housing, Rob West Design Participants learned about beginning the process of buying a home. The also learned about preapproval & underwriting requirements; home ownership incentive programs; finding and maintaining the dream home. The event was free and food was provided. Impacted audience: 73 Future Home Owners Community Partners: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Neighborhood Housing Services, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Baltimore Housing-Homeownership Division, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Financial Empowerment Movement, Inc.

- 7 - Real Estate Investor Workshop Saturday, January 21, 2015

Participants gathered at the Center for Urban Families where they gained knowledge about wealth building, investing in properties and real estate resource opportunities. Impacted Audience: 144 Community Partners: Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby, Wells Fargo Bank, Baltimore Housing, Financial Empowerment Movement Inc.

Veterans Benefits Informational Workshop Saturday, May 30, 2015

Veterans, Spouses and Dependents of Veterans were invited to this special workshop. Topics discussed included: housing, healthcare options, education benefits, small business resources, and career opportunities. Impacted Audience: 30 Community Partners: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, U.S. Small Business Association, Dr. Jay Jalisi, Financial Empowerment Movement, Inc.

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Impacting NUL/NULYP PROGRAMS

Attendance at the I Am A Man: Town Hall Discussion National Day of Service- The Big Dig 6 with Men of the Movement Friday, April 24, 2015 Wednesday August 27, 2014 This annual program aims to bring awareness to the GBLA members attended the NULYP hosted first online necessity of urban-environmental conservation and I AM A MAN: Town hall discussion with specifically focuses on increasing Baltimore’s tree #MENOFTHEMOVEMENT. The Town Hall featured the canopy. This year's focus was to emphasize the value of male members of they NULYP board, where they self-reliance via maintenance of community gardens in answered questions about the community, professional addition to continuing tree planting efforts. advancement, race and police misconduct. Over 80 trees were planted in Baltimore city’s Forest Park golf course while another team prepared one of Baltimore’s longest thriving community gardens, the Duncan Street Miracle Garden. Impacted audience: 75 total students from two Baltimore grade schools. Community partners: BioEYES, Blue Water Baltimore, Tree Baltimore, Booker T. Washington Middle School, Gilmore Elementary School.

Join Week 2015 January 19-23 2015

National Day of Empowerment 2015 Tuesday, November 18, 2014

GBLA held a “Tackling Student Loans and Education Costs” discussion during our November General Body In honor of National Join Week, GBLA invited past, Meeting. Guest speakers shared Financial Aid tips, current and interested members to come celebrate FAQs and common pitfalls when it comes to managing with us. We had various events to participate in. There Student Loan debt. were laughs, volunteering, debate, good food, good Impacted audience: 40 Young Professional meeting vibes, good music and good times enjoyed by all. attendees Topic Speakers: Danielle Foreman, former University of Maryland College Park Counselor/Advisor for the Academic Achievement Program and Sharif Smalls, GBLA Director of Financial Empowerment

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Membership Development | 2015 132 Members Bringing them to the Movement! 2014 +13%

113 Members

GBLA attracts a talented and diverse membership in the Baltimore area. Many of our collaborations and initiatives are spurred because our membership spans beyond that of GBLA’s community, with many members active in other organizations and sitting on various Board of Directors throughout the country; these include but are not limited to the organizations below.

General Body Meetings – Our general body meetings provide professional development, networking and volunteer opportunities in the community. They are open to members and those interested. Past attendees include:

Torin Ellis – Diversity Recruitment Consultant Cassandra Vincent – Creator, The Cassie Brown Project Adrienne Starks – Chief Operating Officer, Equity Matters A. Adar Ayira – Project Manager, Associated Black Charities Lawrence Brown, PhD – Assistant Professor, Morgan State University School of Public Health John Morris, JD – Dean, School of Urban Planning & Community Economic Development, Sojourner Douglass College Baltimore City Councilman Brandon Scott, District 2 Delegate Antonio Hays, District 40, Baltimore City Walker Marsh-Owner, Tha Flower Company Greg Brown-Owner, The Land of Kush Michelle Johnson & Tehma Smith-Creators, Earth Enrichmen

New Member Orientation (NMO) – NMO attracts new members by energizing and educating attendees on NUL, NULYP, GBUL, GBLA and community engagement.

Member Benefits We began “members only” emails with a first-hand look at upcoming events & special offers.

Join Week 2015 Monday, January 19, 2015 – 15th Annual Martin Luther In honor of National Join Week, King, Jr Day Parade GBLA invited past, current and Members, volunteers and SYL fellows volunteered interested members to come marched along Martin Luther King Boulevard rallying while celebrate with us. We had chanting the signature phrase “We are empowered!”. various events to participate in. There were laughs, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 - Real Estate Investor volunteering, debate, good food, Workshop good vibes, good music and good The Financial Empowerment committee hosted this times had by all. 16 new workshop that drew a large number of participants members joined GBLA. interested in real estate investing.

Sunday, January 18, 2015 – Sunday Service and Brunch Thursday, January 22, 2015 - “Taking Care of Participants worshiped and had a bite to eat afterwards. Others Thursday” Sunday services were held at Pleasant Hope Baptist Members and volunteers signed to help serve and/or Church located at 430 E. Belvedere Avenue Baltimore, prepare meals at a local shelter. MD 21212 at 10am. Following service, members and potential members enjoyed brunch at Flight American Friday, January 23, 2015- TGIF- Happy Hour at Phaze 10 Fusain Restaurant located at 5723 York Rd, Baltimore, Participants enjoyed a great opportunity to mix and MD 21212. mingle with current and potential members in a more relaxed atmosphere over a few cocktails and food.

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Month” and “Do Black Women’s Lives Matter?” 2015 Masquerade Ball – GBLA offered new and renewing members a special discounted membership rate with ticket purchases. Also, members that referred 10 ticket purchasers received a free ticket to the Masquerade Ball. NULYP/NUL Participation Employment Opportunities –We shared incredible GBLA has supported NUL and NULYP initiatives. Administration, Management, and Senior Level leadership positions in and around Baltimore with our TN General Body Meeting- 1 GBLA member attended members. Northern Virginia YP Black Opal Awards Gala & Reception: GBLA supported with the purchase of a ticket

Legislative Policy Conference 2015 - 6 GBLA members attended.

Whitney M. Young Leadership Jr. Gala - 11 GBLA Members attended

Greater Baltimore Urban League Gala – Our Affiliate’s annual gala, members received discounted tickets to connect with 600 individuals, corporations, community partners, elected officials, corporate leaders. That included keynote speaker Van Jones, and entertainment by Kissi B. Our very own GBLA President, Eric White was the recipient of the Rising Star Award.

Networking Opportunities This year, we looked to complement the multitude of impactful programs and services with social networking opportunities for members building on our Conversations program.

Conversations - After each General Body Meeting, “Conversations” is designed to urge our members to hone their networking, conversational and critical thinking skills on using current and emerging topics. Recent topics included: “Mental Health…is it a Stigma?”, “State of the Union Watch Party”, “Is Marijuana the New Beer?”, “Women’s History

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Communications | www.gblaimpact.org www.facebook.com/gblaimpact GBLAImpact Twitter, Instagram: @GBLAImpact YouTube Channel: GBLAImpact

Over the past year, branding and demographic identification strategies have broadened GBLA’s presence in the community. Keeping with the momentum of last year’s communications overhaul (rebranding & demographic identification), GBLA has focused on two primary objectives: (1) Promotion and (2) Recruitment. Facebook - The compiling LinkedIn - Financial members functionality that Facebook and non-members alike are offers has enabled photo and encouraged to actively video album viewership, Twitter participate, suggest and share 548 689 feed follow-up and real-time Followers Followers discussions via LinkedIn, GBLAImpact (+25%) event correspondence. Through providing a voice for those who Facebook all of GBLA’s are curious about joining or coordinated events, general contemplating partnerships. 828 Likes 1069 Likes body and committee meeting These online discussion topics GBLAImpact (+29%) information are made sometimes cross-over to accessible. To further push for Conversations, a laissez-faire 1,464 1,889 ubiquity, each Facebook event is discussion and fellowship Likes Likes punctuated with GBLA’s initiative that takes place Masquerade Ball (+29%) corresponding social media directly after each monthly platforms, i.e. the “GBLAImpact 83 154 general body meeting. Followers Followers signature”. GBLAImpact (+85%) Instagram - Joining this social Email - Our fundamental means program has allowed interested of communication is our E- blast. but perhaps physically 148 163 Monthly, we are able to share unavailable followers to Members Members information regarding upcoming immerse themselves in the point GBLAImpact (+10%) events, networking/ job of view of members/volunteers opportunities and even sales for during various social and 32 38 our branded charitable events that GBLA has Followers Followers merchandise. Now in its new been involved in. Instagram was GBLAImpact (+18) newsletter format, the E-blast used to compliment the offers easy and quick navigation

Instagram was used to 241 403 to prime details. With at least compliment the NULYP’s “I- Views Views two new potential members Serve” initiative as well as our GBLAImpact (+67%) attending every General Body annual programs The Big Dig and meeting since December 2012, Purses for a Purpose. our recruitment numbers have

1,938 1,930 been on a steady incline with Subscribers Subscribers most affirming initial awareness GBLAImpact (-0.4%) via Facebook and our E-blasts. We are proud of the progress GBLA Reach 5,318 6,335 that we’ve made thus far and (+19%) will continue to push for a major

IMPACT.

RADIO: MAGIC 95.9 FM, WEAA 88.9 FM The Mark Steinter Show TRENDING WEBSITE: TheFabEmpire.com, UrbanExperienceDMV.com PRESS: WJZ13, WBAL-TV, AFRO, MSNBC, CCTV, The Baltimore Sun, The Baltimore Time

Fund Development

GBLA has a diversified fund development strategy with revenue streams from membership dues, donations, grants, and fundraisers to support the programs and initiatives.

Membership Dues Membership remains the key foundation of GBLA’s fund development. A concerted effort was made to broaden our membership base with two support models. Our Strategies resulted in a 13% increase in membership.

Corporate Membership allows businesses to sponsor their staff’s GBLA membership to support their leadership and professional development, as well as social responsibility. We have ongoing discussions with Wal-Mart and Enterprise Rental Car.

Legacy Membership is a fundraising tool to encourage former GBLA members age 40+ with donations. We continue to explore opportunities to build membership.

Fundraisers Our The T- Spring T-Shirt campaign promoted GBLA merchandise. People customized their purchases tailoring products to their creativity. The membership committee organized GBLA comedy night at the Baltimore Comedy Factory, featuring comedian Faizon Love. GBLA members volunteered to assist in the activities at the annual running of the Preakness. And our Masquerade Ball ticket sales raised funds for our community programs.

Masquerade Ball The night was filled with feathers, beads and masks; Great music, delicious food and wine; And dancing the night away and power networking with the who’s who of the professional community. It is also a Tremendous networking opportunity with emerging and seasoned leaders, local celebrities, and politicians. Past attendees include Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Former Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, Ravens Terrell Suggs, and other Baltimore City Delegates and Representatives. This year, the event was held at the Horseshoe Casino on February 7th at 8pm.

Approximately 375 attendees joined the celebration including: NULYP National Treasurer Elijah Williams, NULYP Policy and Procedures Chair Carlos Clanton, NOVA YP President Traci Deshazor as well as YP presidents and members from Thursday Network New York and Long Island chapters.

GBLA Sponsors & hosts include: Coors Light, Grey Goose, Black Professional Men, D’usse`, Events 4 Good People, Will Holmes Consulting, Sonje` Productions, National Society of Black Engineers, Echelonlife, D.J. Tanz, Thursday Network-GWUL Young Professionals, Laura L. Green, Lookahere Countdowngreenwade, Teddy Coates, The Fab Empire.

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National Day of Service (NDoS) | Energy and the Environment

In alignment with the directives from NULYP, our NDoS program focused on educating students on the importance of STEM and the environment. We focused our programs on elementary and middle school students, completing our Sixth Annual “Big Dig”– a tree planting and environmental awareness program in the Baltimore City parks.

The overall goal is to expose and educate students on the benefits of preserving nature and to encourage them to develop ownership and respect for their own communities.

We hosted “The Big Dig” on Earth Day, Monday, April 25nd at Carroll Park. This year’s event coincided with Baltimore Green Week. Over 75 Baltimore youth from 2 Baltimore City middle schools learned about the importance and impact of the environment while planting and maintaining trees to increase the Baltimore tree canopy and creating a biosphere to observe the effects of acid rain. Our partners were: Tree Baltimore, Blue Water Baltimore, BioEYES, Maryland Environmental Trust, The Department of Natural Resources and Maryland State Highway Administration. This year marked the 6th Big Dig event. The overall goal is to expose and educate students on the benefits of preserving nature and to encourage them to develop ownership and respect for their own communities. We believe that is it vital to educate our youth on the importance of maintaining the environment. We have observed that the students become excited and aware at the opportunities to gain ownership in the Greater Baltimore community. This is done through environmental education lessons and environmentally friendly arts and crafts activities.

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Affiliate Service | 2015 5,250 Affiliate hours Supporting the work of the Greater 2014 670 Affiliate hours +683% Baltimore Urban League

GoFundMe - GBLA is currently supporting the GBUL This year, GBLA significantly increased Affiliate by 684% online campaign to rebuild Baltimore and Save Our support through collaborative programming and Children utilizing www.gofundme.com/gbulorg. augmenting of the Affiliate staff. We collaborated deeply with our Affiliate to implement strategy and programs for Community and Political Initiatives the Baltimore Uprising. The Greater Baltimore Urban Baltimore Uprising: The Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Response to the Murder of Freddie Gray. League’s Response to the Murder of Freddie Gray

GBLA collaborated Research and Writing Support closely with our State of Black Baltimore - GBLA contributed to the Affiliate to develop Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Annual State of Black strategy and Baltimore Book by publishing articles, editing papers, implement programs performing reference checks and assisted with the in response to the brainstorming for themes and authors.. death of Freddie Gray.

Technical Support April 12, 2015 – Web Services - GBLA contributes to the affiliate by Freddie Gray caught volunteering their technical expertise to provide quality Web and Internet services for www.gbul.org. and arrested in the Sandtown-Winchester Web Content Management Training - After revamping area of Baltimore. He the website presence, GBLA identified and taught GBUL was placed in the staff to add content to the website. We held training prone position (hog-tied) and placed unrestrained in the sessions with to equip staff with technical ability. Skills police van. When the van reaches the police station he is Taught: Wordpress, PHP, HTML found unresponsive. Fundraising and Promotional Support April 18, 2015 – Freddie Gray dies after receiving a double Social Media Management - GBLA has supported our affiliate with social media marketing providing surgery and going into a coma. promotional pushes for its key fundraising activities and April 23, 2015 – GBLA executive council members work with partnerships. the affiliate to convene a group of concerned Baltimore Email Distribution - GBLA has cultivated a custom e- organizations and leaders to discuss the Freddie Gray blast solution for our affiliate that integrates with their death and to develop talking points and to speak in one website. Our YPs regularly support the affiliate’s voice. It was agreed that the strategy to be pursued initiatives with a wrap-around promotional campaign would be one of peace and justice for the Gray family. that includes developing and sending e-blast content to Presented the Ten Point Urban League's Police Reform GBUL’s distribution. and Accountability GBUL Gala - GBLA supported the 2015 Whitney M. Attending: State Senator Catherine Pugh, State Del. Cory Young Gala through promotion, ticket sales and attendance. McCray, Diane Bell McCoy (CEO Associated Black Charities), Councilman Brandon Scott, Re. Jamal Bryant, Building Fund - GBLA is currently supporting the GBUL Rev. Todd Yeary, Tessa Hill (NAACP president), Glenn online rehab campaign utilizing video message from CEO Middleton, AFSCME, State Del. Barbara Robinson, and picture slideshow of GBUL program. - 13 - Councilwomen Helen Holton, State Del. Antoine Hayes and Adrian Harpool (local businessman) and Executive Vice May 9, 2015 - Heal A Sista Project Mother’s Day is hosted President Charles Jackson (GBUL Young Professional). with partner Shawna Murray-Browne. BUL headquarters April 26, 2015 - GBLA representatives attended Justice is opened for women to assist other women in the Sunday meeting. It was a gathering of #BmoreUnited healing process through holistic reflection, dance and Coalition members to galvanize partners for the work that meditation. needed to convert the protest to policy. May 10, 2015 - Op-ed co-written by YPs for BUL appears in the Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bs-ed- freddie-gray-transformation-20150510-story.html).

May 11, 2015 – GBLA Special Session organizing meeting for members.

May 16, 2015 - GBLA members participated as volunteer commissioners for the West Baltimore Commission on Police Misconduct in coordination with No Boundaries community organizers. Listened and logged community April 28 2015 – GBLA representatives attend Civil members’ reports of physical misconduct or observations Disobedience Training and Town Hall sponsored by the

National NAACP and hosted by Empowerment Temple of police corruption. AME Church. May 20, 2015- GBLA members were trained to begin conducting interviews with citizens alleging police April 28, 2015 – GBLA representatives attend The Justice misconduct and corruption. Interviews will be compiled for Freddie Gray Community & Strategy Meeting. over the summer and result in a report slated for release April 30 2015 – GBLA organized an event, Hearing and this fall. Healing Our Youth, at GBUL. Attendees met with social Ongoing – Organizing meetings at BUL, phone calls, workers and other mental health specialists to provide art strategy sessions with partners (April 21 – 28, ongoing activities to express their feelings, massages and other healing activities due to the Baltimore uprising in the wake effort). of Freddie Gray being murdered. Impacted audience: 200 Ongoing – GBLA is creating a social media campaign highlighting the work of grassroots organizations and Representatives from GBLA attended a meeting hosted by churches in the community. It is designed to counter the NUL partner Rev. Lennox Yearwood at Baltimore City Hall. negative narratives by the promoting positive images of The event was attended by the Mayor’s youth liaisons, the Baltimore protests, the good work being done by local business owners, activists and youth. grassroots organizations and their calls for volunteers. May 5, 2015 – GBLA President presented at the Design Ongoing – GBLA is connecting U.S. Department of Justice Conversation 70: Outliers, Organizations scaling change in staff with community leaders, civic leaders and Baltimore. The presentation highlighted GBUL's efforts for community organizers so they can more adequately long term policy change and questioned the availability of space for all people in Baltimore for recreation centers and understand how to address community concerns. youth. It would position GBUL’s building as a usable space for the community and be better equipped to offer youth a safe place to heal and learn.

- 14 - Programs and Initiatives University takes participants on a campus tour. The day Saturday Leadership Program ends with reflection activities. SLP is underwritten by generous support from: Corporation for National and Community Service, SouthWest, State Farm, & Verizon Foundation

WHO: Citywide reach with 102 fellows from 44 schools and 57 neighborhoods.

HOST COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES 2014-1015

Coppin State University

Loyola University Maryland VISION - A Baltimore free of educational achievement gaps Morgan State University and socio-economic disparities with a civically engaged and Notre Dame of MD University college educated population. MISSION - To foster college and career readiness, positive UMBC cultural-identity, and community leadership through holistic programming, mobilizing partners and volunteers, and a sustainable, evidence-based, data-driver and replicable program model.

WHY SATURDAY LEADERSHIP? - We know that our youth have unlimited potential. They can become leaders in their fields and their communities. So why wait to unleash that potential?

ABOUT SATURDAY LEADERSHIP - Launched in 2013, the Saturday Leadership Program (SLP) convenes monthly at Baltimore Colleges and Universities. Enrolling 100 fellows grades 8-12, SLP brings youth from across the city to network with their peers, interact closely with black role models from the Urban League’s Young Professionals Auxiliary, learn about notable black Baltimoreans, build skills with demonstrated impact on college and career readiness, and become familiar with college the college campus. Both GBUL VISTA members represent GBUL on the Mayor’s Prevent and Deter working group (part of a wider At the beginning of a Saturday Leadership day, students mayoral initiative called the Violent Crime Reduction meet at the host University at 8:00am for breakfast and are Enhancement Initiative (VCREI). The members of Prevent welcomed by fellow student serving as the morning MC. The students are divided into groups for the day’s activities, and Deter included multiple city agencies and non-profit each session they will be in a different group. The Greater leadership. VISTA member Jackie Cast served on the Baltimore Urban League Young Professionals conduct two Community Healing committee the purpose of which is to leadership development sessions. The workshop themes develop a trauma response intervention immediately include college and career readiness activities and after a homicide to prevent retaliation killings. VISTA leadership development with themes reflecting the social Sharnice Burnett served on the Employment committee mission of the Urban League as well as learning about which focused on employment upon re-entry and more Notable African Americans. Following lunch, the host - 15 - broadly difficult to hire adults. Both committees prepare the morning MC. The students are divided into four list of recommendations for the mayor. groups for the day’s activities, each group named after a notable African American who reflects the day’s theme. The Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Saturday Leadership The GBUL Young Professionals conduct two leadership Program is a citywide leadership development program development sessions. Following lunch, the host hosted by local colleges and universities. The leadership university takes participants on a campus tour. On the workshops are facilitated by volunteers from the Greater weekends between sessions, GBUL organizes field trips Baltimore Urban League Young Professionals. and public service activities. Students range from grade 8 The workshop themes include standard leadership to grade 12. development exercises such as teambuilding as well as themes reflecting the social mission of the Urban League. The dual foci, of personal development and community- focused leadership, are integrated into each session’s activities. Students also participate in grade-specific college readiness activities. Each session was held at a different Baltimore college or university. In addition to the universities and their food service providers, current partners or sponsors include seven college access organizations, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools), Maryland Transit Authority, PNC Bank, Verizon Foundation, and State Farm. The college access organizations sponsor their participants to join Saturday Leadership, adding structure and support to promote consistent attendance. Developed throughout the summer of 2013, the pilot began in September of the same year.

(See the Saturday Leadership Infographic Data on Next Page)

At the beginning of an SLP day, students from Baltimore City Public Schools meet at a host university at 8:00am for breakfast and are welcomed by a fellow student serving as

- 16 - Greater Baltimore Urban League Saturday Leadership Metrics Source: http://moveed.org/assets/files/file_widget/2014/08/10/7002_InfoGraphic.pdf

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Outstanding Member of the Year | Jerome Alexander

GBLA Youth Development Director, Jerome Alexander, has been a lifelong resident of Baltimore City, MD and is currently working as a technician within the Social Security Administration. In 2007, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the Earl G. Graves School of Business at Morgan State University but it wouldn’t be until two years later that he would find the medium for his passion for helping others.

In the summer of 2009 after attending his first GBLA general body meeting, he was so impressed with the inviting and engaging atmosphere he immediately joined the Public Health Committee and the planning committee for the 2009 Masquerade Ball Fundraiser. In December of

the same year, Jerome submitted ideas for 2010’s Earth Day Initiatives and Women’s By the numbers… History month.

These two ideas later became known as The Total Hours of Service: Chapter Big Dig, a program designed to encourage 350 hours and Board green-behavior amongst inner city students & Purses for a Purpose, a program that changes meeting gently-used purses into new beginnings for Affiliate Service: Chapter Service: attendance women escaping domestic violence and 146 204 hours over 80% rejoining the workforce. Both programs have hours since evolved into annual events and The Big Dig went on to win over $6,000 in grant funding during the Anheuser-Busch Be a Better Bud community program competition and other local Maryland environmental grants. Jerome has assisted with video production, and social media and other marketing components for GBLA. He has organized quarterly dinners with the young scholars of Baltimore’s Boy’s Hope Girl’s Hope group home program and has also served as the coordinator for GBUL/GBLA’s participation in Baltimore’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration Parade, promoted and participated in The 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, served as the primary volunteer recruiter for GBLA’s participation with Comcast Cares Day, maintained his status as the unofficial “GBLA Paparazzo” and, what he credits as his proudest decision regarding GBLA, he took on the role of becoming the Youth Development director.

- 14 - With only two months into his new directorship he became the On-site Director for GBUL’s Saturday Leadership Program during its inaugural year. His “Saturday Leadership Program… a citywide initiative to help duties included planning conference calls, cold- students from underrepresented groups in Baltimore learn essential skills necessary to thrive in higher education – literacy calling students and parents, lesson plan development and execution, facilitator recruitment, training, academic support, and self-esteem cultivation”. staff support and right down to morale captain. “High-achieving, low-income students will have During this past April’s GBUL 90th Anniversary Gala, 78 percent of their need met through this program, and low- he extended this role and acted as the official income students with more modest credentials will have 60 chaperone for a small group of Saturday Leadership percent of their need met.” ~ Commitments to Action on Program student participants. College Opportunity Report, The Executive Office of the President, The White house

Jerome credits his happy child-hood, his mother’s resourcefulness, his family’s overwhelming encouragement and his

GBLA family’s constant and nearly tangible support for his drive to continue to improve the lives of others.

“I can decide what I give but it’s not up to me what I get given “

~Bjork~

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Chapter Performance…

Membership # 132

Affiliate Volunteer Hours 5,250

Chapter Volunteer Hours 12,050

Social Media Presence

Facebook Reach 1,743

Twitter Reach 689

LinkedIn 148

Instagram 154

Foursquare 38

Email List size 1,930

Affiliate Volunteer Hours Increased by 683%

Chapter Volunteer Hours Increased by 1043%

Total Reach Increased by 19%

Membership Increased by 13%

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