Applications Now Open for $10,000 Leadership Award From BMe Community
MIAMI – BMe Community, with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, announced a brief contest running this month that asks all people in Miami to name a Black father, entrepreneur, coach, co-worker, or friend who inspires them because of his genuine commitment to helping others in his city.
“We do this because everyone knows a strong Black man, the guy who people turn to when they need help, a job, teaching, financing, encouragement, you name it.” says BMe Founder Trabian Shorters. “We’re asking the community to tell us ‘Who are the Black men in our community who deserve a ‘thank you’?”
BMe seeks to tell the story of everyday Black men that make meaningful contributions to their city, simply out of love for their community.
One such story was shared on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday this week and according to Oprah it was one of the most impactful conversations in her life.
“Our conversation was one of the best I’ve ever had—not just in my career, but in my life.” Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine
BMe Leader Shaka Senghor revealed on the show how he turned his life around after spending 19 years in prison for second-degree murder and why he is committed to building strong communities. Shaka’sconnection to BMe is special because the network was the first to celebrate his work after being released from prison.
“BMe played an integral role in connecting me to the resources and people that allow me to do the work I do,” said Shaka, Co-Founder of BeyondPrisons.org. “BMe is an invaluable platform for many men who are inspired to build the communities they live in.”
Since being awarded in 2012, Shaka became an MIT Media Lab Director’s Fellow, Kellogg Fellow, given a TEDx Talk that has been viewed millions of times and has written six books, including his memoir Writing My Wrongs.
“Shaka’s story is just one example of the many Black men in our network who create jobs, build community, and love their families,” said Shorters.
Black men who apply for the 2016 BMe Leadership Award will get a shot at $10,000, and become members of an innovative national brotherhood for good that strives to build better cities across America.
BMe asks that the community visit bit.ly/BMeLeader between now and to give names and share why theyappreciate each Black man. BMe Community will reach out to these Black men and invite them to apply for the BMe Leadership Award. Black men can also apply at www.bmecommunity.org/apply applications close March 31, 2016.
Shorters started BMe Community while serving as vice president of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. In July 13, 2013 he spun it off as an independent network with the support of Knight, Campaign for Black Male Achievement and The Heinz Endowments. BMe is now sustained by charitable grants and local donations.
