Black Professional Association selects Thompson Hine partner-in-charge as 2018 Black Professional of the Year

Robyn Minter Smyers was announced tonight as 2018 Black Professional of the Year.

The announcement came at the close of the Black Professional Association Charitable Foundation's annual meeting [BPACF] at Karamu House.

Smyers is Partner-in-Charge of the Thompson Hine law firm, as well as former chair of its firm-wide Diversity and Inclusion Initiative. She is a partner in the firm's Real Estate, Construction and Corporate Transactions and Securities practice groups.

Smyers is a 1991 cum laude graduate of Harvard University and earned her law degree from Yale Law School in 1997. She currently serves as a trustee of the Codrington Foundation and the City Club of Cleveland. The former Gund Foundation trustee is also a member of the Cleveland Foundation's African-American Philanthropy Committee. Her father, Steven Minter, former president of the Cleveland Foundation, was honored as BPA's 1985 Black Professional of the Year.

BPACF's mission is to create opportunities for young scholars and other promising youth in the Greater Cleveland area. Its signature event each year is a black tie gala that celebrates the accomplishments of its honoree.

Previous BPOYs have included former US Congress members Lou Stokes and Stephanie Tubbs Jones, pastors Otis Moss Jr. and Marvin C. McMickle, and three presidents of Cuyahoga Community College: Nolen Ellison, Jerry Sue Thornton, and Alex Johnson. A list of past honorees can be found here.

Ronald V. Johnson Jr. of KeyBank is BPACF's current president.

This year's scholarship gala will be held November 3 at Landerhaven. 

Jerry Sue Thornton set to retire June 30

Crain’s is reporting that Jerry Sue Thornton will retire as Cuyahoga Community College president on June 30. She has been president since 1992.

Nonprofit Thursday: Deltas call for Black Diamonds

DELTA Sorority Seeks to Celebrate African American Men as “Black Diamonds”

 Deadline for Nominations is Tomorrow

Unsung African American males who seldom get acknowledged for being heroes and role models are being sought as nominees for recognition at a gala awards breakfast on June 23 at the Manor Centre Complex.  Sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center, “Black Diamonds: A Celebration of African American Men” will honor “every day guys” upon whom their families can depend, neighbors respect and co-workers or classmates admire.

“Our community is full of ordinary men who have been an inspiration to others through their unselfish dedication and respect for truth and justice,”  says Carol Wagner, president of GCDFLDC.  “We believe it is up to us to showcase all that is best in our community,” she continued.

To nominate boys aged 10-17 and men 18 years or older visit www.wix.com/gcdlfc/deltafoundationblackdiamond 

for  eligibility requirements, applications and details concerning the awards breakfast.       

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 9.

“Hard work and good deeds are the core of success in any community.  Expressing our gratitude for these men will demonstrate how much we treasure them as jewels.  Without them our community would be bankrupt.  They are “life size” role models for our youth who represent down-to-earth success stories right where we live,” said Patricia A. Ackerman, chair of the event planning committee. 

“Because we know there are many people who value men who don’t have fancy titles or high profile status but are the glue that cements our community, we hope to be deluged with nominations.  So many fathers, brothers, uncles, nephews, cousins, neighbors and family friends in greater Cleveland are deserving of this honor,” said Ackerman. 

Churches and other community organizations desiring “Black Diamonds” promotional materials for distribution to their membership should send their requests and any additional questions to renee.harrisondst@gmail.com.

The Manor Centre Complex is located at 24111 Rockwell Dr.  in Euclid.

  

For additional information contact: renee.harrisondst@gmail.com

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Brian Hall to speak at S.O.U.P. luncheon

Local businessman Brian Hall will be the guest speaker when The Society of Urban Professionals [S.O.U.P.] honors Tri-C president Jerry Sue Thornton with its 2012 Visionary Award.

The award will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, March 14 from 11:45AM-1:15PM at Embassy Suites Downtown, 1701 East 12 St. [44114].

Hall is CEO of Innogistics LLC and has been active in civic and business leadership circles for more than twenty years. He is the founder of The Presidents Council, comprised mostly of the region’s largest minority business enterprises.

For more info: souplunch@yahoo.com .

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Cleveland Black MBA Association invests in high school students

The Leaders of Tomorrow is an academic enrichment and leadership program serving high school students who demonstrate leadership potential. The students have an opportunity through the program to develop their leadership, academic and personal skills through special curricula that focus on mentoring, cultural exposure, experiential learning and college preparation.

This Saturday, March 12, LOT students will facilitate National Black MBA Association workshops on increasing home and workplace efficiency and learning to lead more effectively.

A second series of workshops — on dealing effectively with change and learning to find and follow your passion — is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 and will be followed by an awards ceremony.

Both Saturday programs begin at 11AM and conclude by 2PM at 4600 Euclid Ave., Suite 320. Free parking.

For more information: catrinapalmer1@gmail.com. 

Seal My Records Fundraiser Canceled

The Executive Comedy & Cocktails fundraiser scheduled for this Saturday, March 10, has been canceled.  Organizers have promised to process all refunds as soon as possible. For more info: sealmyrecord@yahoo.com .

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THIS WEEKEND

The African American Museum is sponsoring a Talent Show fundraiser on March 10 at 5:30PM at the Phoenix Village Academy, 12601 Shaker Blvd [44120].

The program will feature a special appearance by Rockin Robots.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Further info: 216.280.0714 or 216.374.2899 or myafricanmuseum@yahoo.com.