Helping families to reach their full potential promoting dignity, peace, social learning, nationalism, citizenry and cultural appreciation among the African/African-American community at-large
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
Legacy Of Excellence Award
1. AGBM
INCORP ORATED
Awards Celebration
Recognizing the contributions of:
Official Souvenir Journal
Aaron Terrell
Our Better Halves Award Recipient
Jabari Simmonds
Our Future Award Recipient
Rashid Brown
Passing the Baton Award Recipient
Otto Gross, 11
Optimal Achiever Award Recipient
Kevin Chase
Our Heroes Award Recipient
Dr. Stanley E. Matthews, Sr.
Keeper of the Flame Award Recipient
A Good Black Man, Inc.
Dedicated to enhancing the life options for
African-American male youth
P.O. Box 692
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
410-637-5451 A Good Black Man, Inc. is a non-profit organization honoring
www.agoodblackman.org outstanding African-American males for their contributions to family
info@agoodblackman.com and the community.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page
2. B & R BROOKS PROFESSIONAL TAX SERVICE
8419 Liberty Road l Baltimore, MD 21244-3133
Phone: 410-922-8808 Fax: 410-922-8819
B & R Brooks Professional Tax Services
include accounting, payroll and financial
planning services.
Benjamin T. Brooks, Sr.— President
DON'T WAIT 6 WEEKS
FOR A REFUND!
GET YOUR
Individual Taxes
Corporate Taxes
Federal & All States
Electronic Filing
FEDERAL REFUNDS
(RAL’S)
MARYLAND REFUNDS
IN 1 OR 2 DAYS IN 5 OR 6 DAYS
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 2
3. Welcome Message
From The President
Dear Friends and Supporters
Welcome to the 8th Annual A Good Black Man, Inc. (AGBM) Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration!
It is always an honor for me to participate in the selection of the honorees and to do my part to help
bring this wonderful event to you.
For me and the AGBM Board of Directors, this is a highly anticipated gathering. It is our way of showing
how much we love and appreciate African American males. And we look forward to every moment. The
Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration is a tribute to the many men of color who continually serve as
fathers, husbands, teachers, mentors, counselors, advisors, leaders, activists, supporters, and positive
contributors within the Black community. We have selected six outstanding individuals (from a multitude
of potential award recipients) and nominated each on the basis of their community involvement and
commitment.
AGBM is resolved to do everything within its power to support and assist African American young men
by providing them with the resources and the information they need to improve both their personal lives
and their economic outcomes. This fundraising event helps us achieve that end. In addition, we have
developed “Legacy of Excellence” Program Modules which are a combination of classroom activities
and computer technologies designed to address issues created by the Digital Divide. Finally, we incor-
porate our web site, www.agoodblackman.com as a vehicle for exploring, honoring, uplifting and cele-
brating African American males.
We invite you to join us by lending your support of this vital initiative. We hope that you will enjoy festivi-
ties and be as inspired as we are by the work of the award recipients. Most importantly, we hope that
when you leave this event it will be with a sense of resolve, purpose and commitment not only to
AGBM, but to the African American community at-large.
Peace and Blessings,
D. Anne Browne
President,
A Good Black Man, Inc.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 3
4. Join The AGBM
Revolution
A
GBM, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose ongoing mission
is to enhance the life options for African American males and
to provide a global forum to dispel the myths that demonize
Black males by creating a safe haven void of the unkind criti-
cism, persecution and degradation sadly too often seen in the media
and society-at-large. Supporting AGBM is as simple as:
• Becoming a sponsor of or mentor at our Legacy of Excellence
(LOE) Summer Enrichment camp.
• Placing an annual ad in our commemorative Legacy of Excellence
Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal
• Making a tax-deductible donation today online at
www.agoodblackman.com
• Buying (and wearing) AGBM, Inc. Pride Wear and other merchan-
dise online now at www.agoodblackman.org.
• Partnering today with AGBM in community outreach initiatives.
• Including AGBM in your professional network.
• JOINING THE AGBM FAMILY TODAY THROUGH YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Membership Benefits
A
s an AGBM member, we will ensure that in our organization, African
American men will be widely portrayed in ways that reflect their human-
ity and that transcend the negative stereotypes offered by mainstream
media. Our programs and community initiatives will uplift, support, and
buttress against negative peer pressure faced by African-American boys and
young men. Your AGBM membership includes:
• Reduced rates on AGBM online advertising
• FREE subscription to our electronic newsletter, VOICES
• FREE listing and link back from our web site.
• Reduced rates on promotional merchandise from AGBM.
• Updates and information about our Networking Mixers
BE A PART OF SOMETHING POWERFUL, POSITIVE AND EMPOWERING!
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 4
5. What AGBM, Inc. is
All About
A
goodblackman.com (AGBM) is an actual web site online at:
www.agoodblackman.com. This web site was conceived, de-
signed, created, launched and maintained by Baltimore web
developer, author and entrepreneur, D. Anne Browne in re-
sponse to the criticism: “There are no good Black men.” The motivation
behind the construction of this site is to first, silence the critics. Second,
it is to provide a place for Black males to go where they will not be criti-
cized unkindly, persecuted unjustly or judged unfairly. The AGBM family
places a great deal of emphasis on the history of people of African de-
scent. We do this because we recognize how important it is to re-
educate ourselves. We believe that we must reconcile ourselves with the
past in order to understand the present and prepare for the future.
AGBM Founder and President
D. Anne Browne We created www.agoodblackman.org as a companion web site that pro-
vides information and updates about our nonprofit organization, A Good
Black Man, Inc. (AGBM, Inc.) With your support, since 2001 we have promoted the countless numbers of
Black males out there who have devoted their lives to building strong communities, families and relation-
ships. Together, we will continue to salute those Black males with positive messages to convey.
AGBM, Inc. Membership
Please check one: [ ] Renewal [ ] New Membership
AGBM Membership is valid for 1 year
MEMBERSHIP TYPE
[ ] individual ($50.00) [ ] professional ($75.00) [ ] corporate ($250.00) [ ] student ($25.00)
[ ] community-based organizations ($100.00) [ ] other: _______________________________________________
PLEASE PRINT
Name: _________________________________________________________ Application Date: _________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Business Affiliation: _______________________________________________________________________________
Business Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: __________________________________ Work Phone: ______________________________________
Cell Phone: ____________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________ Web Address: ___________________________________
I prefer to have my mail sent: to my: [ ] home [ ] work [ ] email [ ] other: ________________________________
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Make checks payable to: A Good Black Man, Inc.
Date: __________________ Amount: ____________________ P.O. Box 692 Baltimore, MD 21133
Method: ________________________ By: ________________ APPLY ONLINE AT
WWW.AGOODBLACKMAN.ORG
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 5
6. AGBM Board of Directors
& Volunteer Board Members
D. Anne Browne Derrell Owens Darlene Green-Connor
President Vice-President Treasurer
A Good Black Man, Inc. Volunteer Board of Directors
A Good Black
Man, Inc.
Advisory Board
Members
Chenal Alford, II Benjamin Brooks Joe Ford
• A Adar Ayira
• Avon Bellamy
• Carol Brooks
• Vesta Jackson-Crute
• De Lacy Davis
• Chris Hardy
• Stan Heuisler
• Leon Purnell
• Richard Rowe
Carolyn Payton Terra R. Scott Stan Stovall • Vernon Simms
JOIN THE REVOLUTION! APPLY FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP TODAY!
SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@AGOODBLACKMAN.COM
OR CALL US AT 410-637-5451
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 6
7. Previous Legacy of Excellence
Award Recipients
2008 LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE (LOE) AWARD RECIPIENTS
Lamont Carey Ben T. Brooks, Sr. Leon Purnell Kevin M. Carter Marcus Harris David Diongue
Our Future Award Our Better Halves Award Keeper of the Flame Award Passing the Baton Award Our Heroes Award Optimal Achiever Award
2007 LOE AWARD RECIPIENTS 2006 LOE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ray Davis Isaac J. Richardson Ernest M. Kromah Andrew Hall
Our Better Halves Our Future Our Better Halves Our Future
Louis C. Fields Glenard S. Middleton, Sr. Arnold Mitchell Dr. Edward Cornwell, 111
Keeper of the Flame Our Heroes Keeper of the Flame Our Heroes
Manny Locke, Jr. Derek Dangerfield Mario Armstrong Devron Dickens, Sr.
Passing the Baton Optimal Achiever Passing the Baton Optimal Achiever
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 7
8. 2009 LOE Awards Celebration
Event Program
11:30 to 12:15 …........................………………………………......………. Reception
12:30 to 12:40 …………......................................................……. Welcome Address
12:40 to 1:00 ..…..………...................................................…………. Guest Speakers
1:00 to 1:45 …....………….......................................……..... Presentation of Awards
1:45 to 2:00 ......................................……….……………………... Closing Remarks
Thank You For Your Support
This fundraiser will help AGBM, Inc. provide African American males between the ages of 11-14 with
the resources needed to participate in the Legacy of Excellence Program modules. The program includes a
combination of classroom activities and computer technologies designed as vehicle for self-exploration and
to address some of the issues created by the Digital Divide. For more information, contact us at:
A Good Black Man, Inc. (AGBM)
P.O. Box 692
Randallstown, Maryland 21133-0692
410-637-5451
www.agoodblackman.org
info@agoodblackman.com
AGBM, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 8
9. Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Reginald S. Avery
D
r. Reginald S. Avery officially assumed the presidency of 108-
year-old Coppin State University, on January 14, 2008. Dr.
Avery, who was serving as Executive Vice Chancellor for Aca-
demic Affairs at the University of South Carolina Upstate, be-
comes Coppin’s fifth president, succeeding Dr. Stanley Battle who re-
signed last June to become Chancellor of North Carolina A&T State Uni-
versity.
He brings more than 35-years of experience in higher education to Coppin
State and vows a strong allegiance to its mission and a pledge to advance
excellence and effectiveness.
Dr. Avery served as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and
Professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC) since 2003.
In 2006-07, he served as the institution’s Acting Chancellor while the
Chancellor was on sabbatical. Previously, he was Provost at Alma College in Michigan, Vice President
for Academic Affairs at Kentucky State University and Founding Dean of the School of Professional Pro-
grams at Benedict College in South Carolina.
He served on the faculty of the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
While holding leading posts at USC Upstate, Dr. Avery served on several boards, including those of the
Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Urban League of the Upstate, and 100 Black Men.
Dr. Avery holds a Ph.D. from the Florence Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis
University, an M.S.W. from the George Williams College of Aurora University, and a B.S. in sociology
from North Carolina A&T State University. He and his wife Esther have three adult children and two
grandchildren.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 9
10. Special Guest Speaker
Shawn Z. Tarrant
S
hawn Z. Tarrant is Delegate Elect for Maryland House of Dele-
gates representing the 40th District of Baltimore City. Tarrant
won a seat, by stressing the need to improve public schools,
neighborhoods and greater availability of affordable health care
for all.
Delegate Tarrant’s first (2007) session in the Maryland House of Dele-
gates was a winning one—as he was lead sponsor of three bills that be-
came law; and he co-sponsor of numerous pieces of legislation that be-
came new laws. Delegate Tarrant is also a valued member of the
Health and Government Operations Committee, and the Legislative
State Black Caucus of Maryland; and he is as a member of the Work
Group on Cultural Competency and Workforce Development for Mental
Health Professionals.
He is a 1989 graduate of Norfolk State University (NSU) with a B.S in
Finance/Marketing. Tarrant is a proud Life Member of The Norfolk State Alumni Association—since
1989. He is member of the NSU Prince Georges Alumni Association and served as emcee for the last
two Maggie F. Watts Scholarship Banquets. In 1985, Tarrant was initiated into the Epsilon Zeta Chapter
(NSU) of Kappa Alpha Psi. He is a member of the Baltimore Alumni Kappa Chapter; and he has been a
life member since 1992.
Tarrant has been employed for the past 14 years by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company as a Region Direc-
tor of State Government Operations. In this role, he ensures that the insurance plans of Medicaid recipi-
ents insurance have access to the entire portfolio of life medications sold by Bristol-Myers Squibb. In
previous positions, he has helped municipalities and cities conduct HIV/AIDS testing and awareness
programs.
Shawn was president of the Neighbor Organization Ashburton Area Association from 1999-2006,. Prior
to his tenure as president, he served as the organization’s vice president from 1994. He created several
long-standing programs and is most proud of success achieved in rezoning Ashburton to an R-1 zone
status (i.e., allowing single family only dwellings). He is a frequent speaker on improving housing and
zoning codes. Alumnus Tarrant is very committed to public school education serving 5 terms a PTO
(Parent Teacher Organization) board member and vice president of the PTO at his children’s public ele-
mentary school. He is the founder of “Tiger Pa’s,” a fathers’ group at his son’s school that encourages
male parental involvement by having fathers coordinate and host special activities at the school.
Tarrant is a dedicated member of Union Baptist Church in Baltimore, Rev. Alvin Hathaway, pastor.
There, he has served on the Deacon Board for over 10 years.
Tarrant is a native of Long Island, New York and has been married to Brenda McDaniels Tarrant, a
chemistry teacher at City College High School in Baltimore. They are proud parents of two children:
Kayla, and Shawn, Jr.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 10
11. 2009 OUR BETTER HALVES AWARD
Aaron B. Terrell
A
aron Terrell is not only a good Black man, but he is also a
GREAT husband and father. This young, easy-going man has
already mastered so much of what makes a great husband
and a great father: a supportive nature; willingness to compro-
mise; endless patience; and most of all, commitment - to his wife, to his
son, and to his responsibilities as the head of their home.
Each day, Aaron blesses his wife Tanya and his son Justin with the
essential understanding that hearth, home and the family within are at
the heart of being a successful man.
Aaron Benjamin Terrell was born and raised in Catonsville, Maryland,
the second of three sons born to Gwendolyn and Barry Terrell.
After finishing Catonsville High School in 1989, Aaron went to school
to pursue a degree in political science at Hampton University. Ulti-
mately he finished his college career at Coppin State University by earning a bachelor of science de-
gree.
His professional experiences include work in the insurance industry. From there, he transitioned into
human resources. Currently, Aaron is a Human Resource Specialist with the U.S. Government and
was recently appointed to an international assignment in Europe where he will move this fall with his
family.
Aaron Terrell is a dedicated professional, but he lives for his family. Aaron has been married to his wife
Tanya for five years and welcomed son Justin 2 years ago. His interests are broad and varied. When
he is not working, he loves to read and learn history, spend time with family and friends and play with
his son Justin.
Aaron lives his life in a way that provides the example and reinforces for the rest of us what the "Our
Better Halves" award really means.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 11
12. 2009 OUR FUTURE AWARD
Jabari Simmonds
J abari Simmonds is known to many who love him as “a young man
with an ‘old soul’.” Jabari was born to Mr. Peter Simmonds and
Ms. Thais Darway on July 18, 1990 in Durham, North Carolina and
came to Baltimore to live with his mother at the age of 2.
While attending St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, a catholic middle school
located in Baltimore city for students of academic talent and humble
means, he developed an interest for music. This interest would encom-
pass such diverse genres as hip hop, jazz, rock, flamenco, bossa nova,
reggae, and many more, and would inspire him to learn to play both the
guitar and piano.
During his high school years – at an age when many young African
American men are negotiating the dangers of the mean streets and their
own youthful passions -- he stayed focused while playing in the music
ensemble and winning an award for musical achievement.
A turning point in Jabari’s life came when a “master musician”, Tazz – an acclaimed acoustic guitarist -
recognized his talent and became his mentor, not only in music but in all aspects of life. Together they
formed a group called “Grand Ages” with a highly charismatic singer and talented lyricist named Amos
Drummond. This group was occasionally joined by Adar Ayira, a very profound poet who is unafraid to
speak her mind and allow powerful words to emanate from her spirit. Although the group played together
for less than a year, the music that created was from four people who have known each other for a life-
time. They would always agree that “God was in the room” each and every time they played.
“Grand Ages” continues to nurture Jabari’s talents and to be supportive of his growth as a musician and
as a good Black man. A second year college student at Essex Community College living in Northeast
Baltimore, MD, Jabari continues to grow his talents as a musician as he perfects the soulful and haunting
compositions for which he is known. He continues to explore and “grow” his style across musical genres
and is currently considering studying music in England.
Jabari is proud to be the recipient of the “Our Future” Award; is thankful to all of those who continue to
wrap arms around him as he makes his way in the world, especially his mother and father; and dedicates
this award to the memory of his mentor and friend, Tazz.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 12
13. 2009 PASSING THE BATON AWARD
Rashid Brown
W
ith more than 20 years of service as a management pro-
fessional, Rashid Brown is recognized as a Education
Professional with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors
of the National Association of the State Board of Accoun-
tancy. He is a registered and certified Management Professional in the
National Restaurant Association Foundation and a certified trainer. He
has lead diversified Hospitality portfolios for Forbes and Fortune 500
companies.
Rashid has held several leadership positions such as Operations Direc-
tor, District Manager, Regional and District Training/ Development Man-
ager, Corporate Trainer, Training Manager and General Manager in
World Class Organizations and Multinational Corporations such as
YUM! Brands, the world largest food retailer, RTM Restaurant Group,
the world largest franchise group and the world largest franchiser of the
Arby's brand, and Concessions International, the world largest airport
foodservice provider. He presently holds a leadership position in Brinker International, the world’s leader
in casual dining.
Rashid is also is an active member of Delta Iota Epsilon Academy Honors Society, The National Schol-
ars Honors Society, The American Management Association, and The National Career Development As-
sociation and Junior Achievement as well as recipient of The Congressional Merit of Honor and Madison
Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals. Further, he is a professional member of the STEM
Education Caucus, STEM Coalition, American Society of Training and Development, Future Business
Leaders of America, Business Professional of America, and the Association for Career and Technical
Education, and the Georgia Writers Association.
Rashid Brown also is an Author/Lecturer, Presenter, and Clinician, and Success Speaker on the 21st
Century Economy, Education, and Employment, Mixed-Used, Urban Policy & Administration, the New
Directions of Higher Education, CTE and STEM Education, Professional Leadership Development, and
Child & Family Policy. Presently, he is the Founding President and Chief Learning Officer of Kingdom
Fortunes Development Group (KFDG): The Center for Community Capacity Building located in Atlanta,
Georgia. KFDG is a minority, privately-held Community Development & Training Corporation, which pro-
vides Human Development, Mentoring, and Self-Sufficiency Programs and Services in Educational Lead-
ership, Instructional Design Systems, Human Performance Improvement, Student Development, Youth
Leadership, Youth Entrepreneurship, Workforce Readiness, Work-Based Learning, Professional Devel-
opment, Career Development, Talent Management, Lifelong Learning, Low-Income Mixed-Used Devel-
opment, and Urban Learning Policy to urban youths, families, schools/ educational institutions, organiza-
tions, industry, and labor.
In addition to these accomplishments, Rashid is a Program Advisory Mentor Coach for Big Brothers Big
Sister, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, American Inter-Continental University, ITT Technical Institute, South
Cobb High School, Redan High School, Stephenson High School, North Cobb High School, Miller Grove
High School where he provides Student Leadership Coaching, Youth Development, Life Skills Coaching,
Job Coaching, Education Coaching, CTAE and GREEN Coaching. To this end, Mr. Brown has dedi-
cated his life to preparing urban youths, families, and communities for success in today’s 21st century
global economy.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 13
14. 2009 OPTIMAL ACHIEVER AWARD
Otto L. Gross, 11
O
tto La Monte Gross, II is a twenty one-year-old honor roll gradu-
ate from Calvert Hall College High School and has been recog-
nized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission as a Dis-
tinguished Scholar. He now attends the Berklee College of Mu-
sic in Boston, MA where he is a Dean's List Student and his private in-
structor, Francisco Mela, teaches Otto the art of drumming. Otto plays
the vibraphone, percussion, drums, organ, keyboard, marimba, piano
and bass. He is the recipient of 1 bronze, 2 silver and 3 gold medals for
the NAACP ACT-SO competition for Piano, Drums and Poetry. At
Prayer Mission COGIC, Otto serves as a, director of music, Sunday
school teacher and Christian peer mentor. He has been honored for
demonstrating Christian leadership at school, church and the commu-
nity.
His academic experiences and community service include serving as a
student ambassador, peer educator, tutor, Virginia Habitat for Humanity
carpenter volunteer, horticultural assistant at the Cylburn Aboreturim,
and percussion instructor at the Friends School Music Summer Camp. At the age of twelve, Otto won 3rd
place at the national Kids Showtime at the Apollo Talent competition for drums. Otto plays keyboards, per-
cussion, upright bass and piano with Calvert Hall’s concert, jazz, marching and competitive bands. He has
performed at the East Coast Jazz festival, The International Association of Jazz Education (IAJE) festival,
the American Music festival in PA and at the last 4 Mid-Atlantic Coast Championships, school musicals,
citywide parades and local and national colleges.
Otto debuted as a solo percussionist at the 2002-2005 Turkey Bowls at the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium for
15,000 attendees. Otto has also provided musical accompaniment at the New Jersey Performing Arts
Center, the Manhattan Dunlevy Children’s Society, Maryland All State Jazz band, the Church of God in
Christ, Inc., the Baltimore Museum of Art and the talent showcase winner at Westgate Resorts in Palm
Desert, California while attending the 2005 COGIC AIMS, the Berklee Performance Center and Washing-
ton D.C.’s infamous “Twins” jazz club.
In May 2006, he performed with the Berklee College of Music All-star students. Otto has played with art-
ists such as Lincoln Center trombonist Vincent Gardner, Duke Ellington orchestra saxophonist Mark
Gross, world renown jazz trombonist (and Berklee alum) Delpheayo Marsalis, Dave Holland Big Band
Saxophonist Antonio Hart, Francisco Mela, Bassist Esperanza Spalding, Saxophonist George Garzone,
Organist and Professor of Music Dennis Montgomery III, Bassist Justin Raines (Berklee alum), Presiden-
tial Scholars Victor Gould (pianist), Alex Han (saxophonist), Ayeisha Mathis (drummer) and Casimir Liber-
ski (pianist) just to name a small few. During the summers of 2007 and 2008 , Otto served as pianist and
drummer for the “Soda Pops” at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA and is now an underscorer at the famous
“Improv Asylum” in Boston Mass where he creates musical extemporizations in comedic atmospheres in-
cluding improvisation and sketch comedy. Otto has also earned and was awarded the 2006 Calvert Hall
College for the Highest Achievement in Jazz musicality and performance, the 2006 Louie Armstrong
Award and 2005 Woody Herman Award. While home, Otto continues to send praises at the New Prayer
Mission Church of God in Christ, where his father, Elder Otto LaMonte Gross Sr. is the very fine pastor.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 14
15. 2009 OUR HEROES AWARD
Kevin Chase
K
evin Chase has always been involved in his community in
Oxen Hills, MD., and as a student at University of Maryland
Eastern Shore (UMES). Having graduated from the Univer-
sity of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Historically Black College
and University (HBCU), Kevin admired the determination of many stu-
dents who faced many financial challenges to complete their educa-
tion. Working for eight years at Howard University’s accounting de-
partment, Kevin envisioned a way to celebrate the death of his child-
hood friend and high school teammate, Andre Gist, and honor his
friend’s legacy while helping other students pursue their educational
goals at HBCUs.
In 2003, Kevin founded the Andre Gist Memorial Foundation. This
not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization provides financial assistance for
tuition and school materials and mentoring to eligible students. Often
times the students that are selected for the scholarship come from sin-
gle family homes and are first time college students within their family’s history. It is safe to say that
without Kevin Chase and The Foundation, many recipients might not have attended college.
The recipients of this scholarship are given $8,000 ($1,000 per semester for four years). In return, they
must meet the Foundation’s criteria of at least a 3.0 GPA. In addition they must make a strong com-
mitment to helping others in the same manner that the Andre Gist Memorial Foundation has assisted
them.
The Foundation’s goal is not only to provide financial assistance to these students, but to also help
mentor them and after their graduation, they can provide mentoring to current recipients. As
“ambassadors” of the Foundation, we would like to foster the ideal of giving back to the community
through giving of ourselves. The Foundation receives its funding primarily from two annual fundraisers:
a black tie dinner/dance/silent auction and a golf tournament (Andre Gist Memorial Golf Tournament).
It is no surprise that Kevin spends an inordinate amount of his free time visiting the recipients on cam-
pus, chatting with them on the phone or via e-mail. They look at him as someone they can rely on for
support, encouragement and advice – a role model. It’s no wonder Kevin has followed this path. His
parents have supported their sons throughout their childhood. His father coaching Little League foot-
ball, basketball and baseball; his mother supporting the PTA, bake sales and retired nurse. Kevin’s
modesty and humility prevent many people from knowing his generosity. Through the Foundation, do-
nors are touched by its purpose as well as by the man who is behind it.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 15
16. 2009 KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD
Dr. Stanley E. Matthews, Sr., DDS
S
tanley Edward Matthews has always strived to be the best.
Though experiencing a variety of challenges through-out his life
Stanley has always persevered and maintained faith in God,
himself and his abilities to accomplish his goals. As a scholar
throughout the years Stanley has received a variety of academic schol-
arships and has been recognized with community service awards. He
lives for uplifting and improving his personal community and the African
American Community.
At the age of nine, he and his mother were involved in a car accident
caused by a drunk driver. The impact of the drunk driver's car hit his
mother's car hurling her body three houses down the street and left him
pinned under the wheels of the car. The collision severed the lower half
of his leg. His mother sustained numerous injuries and went through a
long and difficult recovery process. The orthopedic and neurosurgeons
at Johns Hopkins Hospital were successful at saving his life and his leg.
The accident sparked his curiosity with pursuing a career in the sciences.
During his undergraduate years Stanley volunteered as a Student Ambassador/Admissions Recruiter, pa-
thology lab summer volunteer and chemistry and physics tutor; worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer,
Resident Assistant and Physical Therapy Assistant. As an employee of Johns Hopkins University, he ex-
plored the impact of various diseases on numerous organ systems by working in the surgical pathological
department as the Tissue Bank Coordinator. In this position, he was able to see how poor oral health care
can lead to cancer and other health ailments if ignored. Working at Hopkins and other dental clinics
helped him understand the reason why prevention and education are the only cure for many health disor-
ders.
Stanley earned a DDS from Howard University College of Dentistry, an MS in Medical Science from
Hampton University, a BS in biology from Coppin State University, and a BS in rehabilitation from Univer-
sity of Maryland Eastern Shore. He is a member of the National Dental Association, National Dental Asso-
ciation, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Oral Cancer Society and Kappa Al-
pha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
Currently, Stanley is in a 1 year oral maxillofacial surgery fellowship program at Woodhull Medical Center
in Brooklyn, New York. His responsibilities include managing and facilitating patient care at the oral sur-
gery clinic while the senior residents are in surgery. He may treat as many as 20 patients a day. His last
year of dental school was one of many challenges and tribulations.
Many of Stanley’s colleagues referred patients to the Dental Clinic for treatment by him. His desire to help
the community and it's underserved population has deepened throughout his dental school career. As a
result, he has received the Outstanding Community Service awards from Howard University College Of
Dentistry. Ultimately, his goal is to design and maintain several clinics to serve underprivileged communi-
ties. Stanley believes it is his calling and duty to give back to the community by promoting oral health
through oral maxillofacial surgery.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 16
17. AGBM Optimal Achiever Award
In Memory of Dr. John T. Chissell
D
uring his years of medical practice, Dr. John was a leader in the
medical profession and an activist for access to quality health
care for all, regardless of race or socio-economic status. He was
a charter fellow and life member of the American Academy of
Family Physicians, a life member of the National Medical Association, a
member of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland. In 1971 he
became the first African–American to serve as President of the Maryland
Academy of Family Physicians. He served on the Medical Assistance Ad-
visory Committee for Maryland’s Medical Assistance Program and was
Chairman of its Physician’s Service Sub-Committee from 1965 to 1971. He
served as Chief of the Department of Family Practice and Clinical Director
of Ambulatory Care Services at Provident Hospital in Baltimore from 1973-
1976. Sought after for his wisdom, leadership, and integrity, Dr. John
served on countless advisory committees (including AGBM), task forces
and other health care governing bodies up until the time of his death.
After 32 years of practicing what he called “sick care,” Dr. John retired from clinical practice to pursue full
time his major purpose in life: “To study, model, motivate, and teach the principles and practices of opti-
mal health.” He was the founder and Chief Consultant of the Positive Perceptions Group, an Optimal
Health Education Network, and enjoyed working as a Consultant, Lecturer, Program Producer and Mod-
erator, Writer, and life long student of Optimal Health, Natural and Universal Laws. He was the proud au-
thor of Pyramids of Power: An Ancient African-Centered Approach to Optimal Health, inspired by his jour-
ney through Egypt in late 1986. Based upon ancient African history and philosophy, the book is a compre-
hensive, reader-friendly guide to attaining mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and socio-economic well-
being.
The John T. Chissell Optimal Achiever Award was created to to honor, celebrate and preserve the ex-
traordinary life and legacy of one of this nation’s most venerable health advocate and a true Black hero.
Each year, during the AGBM Legacy of Excellence Award Celebration, this award will be presented to an
outstanding African American high school senior, or college student who has demonstrated an apprecia-
tion for and understanding of the best possible emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual and socioeco-
nomic aliveness, which was promoted and practiced by Dr. Chissell. This award will highlight his brilliant
and committed life and the recipient will be asked to advance his legacy through academic excellence,
community service and the promotion of the principles of “Optimal Health.” The John T. Chissell Optimal
Achiever Award embodies the mission of AGBM and represents the highest levels of individual accom-
plishment, personal courage and the empowerment of African American male youth and the communities
in which they live. Criteria for recipients of the award are African American male:
• High school seniors residing in and attending school in metropolitan Baltimore or college students
attending an accredited four year college.
• Students majoring in one of the following areas: physical/mental health, human services, law, busi-
ness, economics, or religious studies with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Students exhibiting high standards of behavior and character
• Students advancing the legacy of Dr. Chissell through academic excellence, community service and
individual accomplishment.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 17
18. FEATURED ARTIST
James E. Murphy, Jr.
J ames E. Murphy, Jr., a native of Baltimore, developed a special
interest in art while in his fourth year of grade school. It was then
that he decided to be an artist. James was blessed with having
the opportunity to nurture his talent through participation in vari-
ous community art programs and workshops during his preteen years
which prepared him for an academic art education at the Baltimore
School For The Arts High School. After which he went on to receive a
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in visual communication from the Mary-
land Institute College of art.
After college, James began a career in freelance commercial art. He
has completed illustrations for various publications including Physical
Therapy Today Magazine and Umoja Children Inc. Greeting Cards. His
work has also been showcased in various art exhibitions throughout
Maryland.
Today in addition to freelance illustration, a major portion of James's time is devoted to the fine art mar-
ket through which he makes available to clientele his original artwork and reproductions of his original
artwork. James also offers such commercial services as website development and logo design.
James believes that his art is a gift from God and thus a vehicle through which he can creatively ex-
press his three convictions: cultural awareness, family values and his faith in God . It is these convic-
tions that have led James to establish his own art company, Something For Your Soul (SFYS).
Through SFYS it is James's goal to provide art that is more than merely cute wall decoration. He
wishes to set a standard of art that penetrates the surface of one's admiration and ministers to the soul.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 18
20. Maryland Health Care Resources, Inc.
Community-Based Service
Help us support our
advocacy by saving lives.
Purchase a
Guardian Alert
Maryland Medical Healthcare Resources, Inc. 2901 Druid Park Drive, Suite A102
Phone: 410- 523-7400 Fax: 410- 523-4034 Email: fburton@mdhcr.org
Baltimore, Maryland 21215 Contact: Falesha Burton www.mdhcr.org
The Men of Character World Wide
bids you congratulations on your
2009 Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration.
Keep empowering our young boy's to become men of character.
May God Bless you
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 20
21. SHOW YOUR PRIDE
in your good Black man
Exclusively From AGBM
FRONT
BACK
THANK YOR FOR YOUR AGBM, INC. PRIDE WEAR ORDER — PLEASE PRINT
ITEM # SIZE QTY ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE EACH TOTAL
TOTAL
Please make checks & M.O.
SHIPPING
payable to:
*$15.00
AGBM, Inc. TOTAL
P.O. Box 692 * FOR SMALL, MED, LRG AND
Randallstown, MD 21133 XLRG. $18 FOR XX LARGE
info@agoodblackman.com AND XXX LARGE SIZE TEE
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _________________
Phone: _____________________________________________ Cell: ______________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________________________
TEE SHIRT (FRONT) MESSAGE SHIPPING AND HANDLING
MESSAGE ITEM NUMBER ORDER SIZE CHARGES
Mother of a good Black man 200601-MT
$0.00 $25.00 $5.99
Married to a good Black man 200602-WT
$25.01 $50.00 $7.99
Brother of a good Black man 200603-BT
$50.01 $75.00 $8.99
Sister of a good Black man 200604-GT
Son of a good Black man 200605-BT $75.01 $100.00 $9.99
Daughter of a good Black man 200606-DT $100.01 $150.00 $10.99
Father of a good Black man 200607-FT $150.01 AND OVER CALL
Friend of a good Black man 200808-FR CREDIT CARD ORDERS ALSO ACCEPTED.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 21
22. Congratulations AGBM IS LOOKING FOR
to
POSITIVITY PARTNERS
A Good Black Man, Inc. The stage is set. Now, all
and its 2009 Legacy of Excellence we need is you. We are
honored to provide the
Award Recipients! forum for rediscovering
the legacy of excellence
that is the Black man's
The region's only African heritage. We want you to
American philanthropic or- become a part of this vital initiative by sharing your
ganization, ABC is dedi- time, talents, resources.
cated to creating strong,
healthy, economically viable WE ARE CURRENTLY IN NEED OF
communities. MORE IN
THE MIDDLE, is a wealth Corporate & Private Sponsors
building initiative of ABC to Volunteer Mentors & Educators
retain, grow and attract a greater African American Camp Volunteers
middle class in the Baltimore region. Partner with us
today to create healthier and wealthier communities, Energetic, caring and committed people like you!
families and individuals!
For more information on To learn more about how you can help, visit us online
at www.agoodblackman.org. Send your emails to us
MORE IN THE MIDDLE, today at info@agoodblackman.com or
contact A. Adar Ayira, Project Manager at
410.327.5025 or www.abc-md.org
CALL: 410-637-5451
Linwood Jordon
SCHOLARSHIP
COMMITTEE
Carver Vocational Technical Senior High School Baltimore, Maryland
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 22
23. 3 D ACCOUNTING
& TAX SERVICES
Specializing in:
• Individual & small business income taxes
A Good Black Man. Inc. wants to hear about • Retirement Planning & College Savings
and from the countless numbers of Black males • Life & Long Term Care Insurance
out there who have devoted their lives to building • Mortgages (1st and 2nd)
strong communities, families and relationships.
We want to help those Black males who have
positive messages to convey. Darlene Green-Connor, C.P.A
President
So, if you have a funny, touching, thought
provoking, positive story to tell about your
brother, husband, son, friend
or self, we want to hear it. We
want to celebrate it. Email us Call today at
today at:
410-655-4139
info@agoodblackman.com or visit us on the web at
www.3daccountingandtaxservices.com
Congratulations to
A Good Black Man, Inc. and the
Speakers Corner Plus
"Public relations with a personal touch"
2009 LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
AWARD RECIPIENTS
LeVesta Jackson-Crute
Public Relations Consultant
The Men’s Center
2222 Jefferson Street Baltimore, MD 21205
410-614-5353 info@menandfamilies.com
P.O. Box 11723 410-325-5004
“Helping you help yourself.” Baltimore, Md 21206-0323 speakerscornerplus@verizon.net
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 23
24. OUR SINCERE THANKS & GRATITUDE
For The Support Of:
3D Accounting & Tax Services
Andrè Gist Scholarship Foundation
B & R Brooks Professional Tax Services
Coppin State University
Core Concepts
Culinary Innovations
Delegate Shawn Z. Tarrant
Express 1 Services
Joseph Ford
Maryland Healthcare Resources
Minister Sean Fields and Men of Character
New Initiatives
Something For Your Soul
Speakers Corner Plus
Stan Stovall
Terra Scott
The Camera Ready Cafe
The Men’s Center
Zionward Productions
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 24
25. New book explores the "magic" in personal relationships between Black men and women.
That Old Black Magic celebrates Black men rather than bash them!
Heralded as a “refreshing change.” S Proclaimed as a book that’s “long over due in the game of male-female relationships.”
That Old Black Magic acclaimed by
Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Author
The Assassination of the Black Male Image
Ossie Davis
Highly respected actor and activist
Kurt L. Schmoke
Former Mayor of Baltimore City
Jeannette Davis-Adeshote, Author
Black Survival in White America
Nate Howard, Producer
Maryland Public Television
That Old Black Magic includes editorials from:
S Avon J. Bellamy S David C. Miller
S Ray Davis S Derrell G. Owens
S Frederick B. Hudson S Richard A. Rowe
OVER 200 PAGES OF IDEAS & IMAGES WHICH CELEBRATE THE BLACK MAN AND THE BLACK EXPERIENCE..
Invitation Only Sponsor’s Reception with D. Anne Browne
To host a “Meet The Author” event
of your own, contact,
JACQUI KESS-GARDNER
Incredible Journey Productions
443-392-7379
MAKE YOUR RESERVATION AT jwriterg@aol.com OR PLACE YOUR BOOK
ORDERS ONLINE AT WWW.DANNEBROWNE.COM
Books can be purchased online at www.dannebrowne.com for 19.95 (plus $3.50 shipping and handling for each copy). Discounts
available when purchasing 5 or more copies. Sorry, no C.O.D. orders. Make checks payable to D. A. Brown, 1498 Reisterstown Road
Suite 248 Baltimore, MD 21208. Purchase bundle package ($22.95 plus $4.50 S./H) of That Old Black Magic and You Can Get
There From Here: Life Lessons on Growth and Self Discovery For The Black Woman. Add 6% MD sales tax to each order.
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 25
26. 2009 LOE AWARDS CELEBRATION
What if Life?
Life is a challenge. Meet it.
Life is a gift. Accept it.
Life is an adventure. Dare it.
Life is a sorrow. Overcome it.
Life is a tragedy. Face it.
Life is a duty. Perform it.
Life is a game. Play it.
Life is a mystery. Unfold it.
Life is a song. Sing it.
Life is an opportunity. Take it.
Life is a journey. Complete it.
Life is a promise. Fulfill it.
Life is a beauty. Praise it.
Life is a struggle. Fight it.
Life is a goal. Achieve it
Life is a puzzle. Solve it.
2009 LOE Souvenir Journal design courtesy of D. Anne Browne and The Camera Ready Café
2009 AGBM Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration Souvenir Journal Page 26