Greeting, My SCOOP USA Family. Today, I am honored to share with you the amazing developments of a powerful growing, Brother to Brother (With tremendous Sisters’ influences and support), Family to Family, Elders and Youth Community Based Organization. This unified and collected body of “Powerful Black Men” (With many phenomenal sisters connected) is moving forward, stepping up to the plate, creating an exceptional force to bring about the positive and much-needed change in our communities, neighborhoods, our blocks.
Yes, I’m speaking once again about the Black Male Community Council of Philadelphia, Inc. When I last wrote about them, they were starting up and putting things together, but now three (3) years later, they have surprisingly become an absolute force pushing for constructive change on all fronts of our communities. These brothers, with the sisterly assistance, are truly going to make a tremendous difference impacting the violence and killings which are devastating and poisoning our communities.
In three years, they have established Boots on the Ground Workforce Development Projects; The Families of Unsolved Murder’s Project; BMCCP Food Distribution Program; The Victims Impact Program; The Mediations Team; The Community Clean-Up Team; and The Social Media Network Studio. All activities are supported by the Black Female Support Team.
As mentioned in the title of the article Black Man Standing, the BMCCP hosted its first standing room only “Black Man Standing Awards Banquet!” The awards banquet was to highlight Black Men in the community who have demonstrated through their good works; a steadfast commitment in the uplifting and servicing of the Black community, which many times are not recognized, specifically by other Black Men. The organizers said, “While there were many Black Men/many great Nominees who could have been chosen for our “First Every Awards Recognition,” we nonetheless, humbly chose a great Man of Statue, prestigious in his own right, humble and diligent in all his doings, a brother who stood tall when he could have easily gone low, our friend, our soldier, our good brother, the Legendary Zakariyya Abdur Rahman!
Zakariyya Abdur Rahman is the Owner of Z&Z Distribution Company. His accomplishments are many. He has served the community for over 25 years, partly as President/CEO of the Nicetown Community Development Corporation. He is a Member of the Board of Masjidullah and has worked unyieldingly in the creation and formulation of BMCCP. His achievements are recognized locally, nationally, and internationally. He is our community warrior, champion of the people, and a proud Black Man Standing! We thank Brother Rahman for not walking away from the community after the loss of his two sons but firmly and humbly stood up to make a difference in striving to help others not lose their loved ones! The evening was filled with many moments of great promises. The shared thoughts from Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and State Senator Sharif Street were pleasantly pleasing and added fuel to the work that must be done. The presence of our Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and her entourage shows that they are supportive of the work of BMCCP, and I am quite sure there were other elected officials I may have missed. Mr. Sam Staten made a generous donation towards the work of BMCCP, as did many of the participants in attendance.
I spoke with Brother Michael Kennedy, Vice President of Community Affairs of the Guardian Civic League and Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight Founder of Mothers in Charge, a Violence Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy Organization and her colleague, Ms. Mattie Scott from Mother’s in Charge in San Francisco about the awesomeness of the event. There were many other groups and agencies in attendance including the staff of Josh Shapiro Attorney General’s Office, indicating that for BMCCP’s First Awards Banquet to be so well attended, they must be doing the work and people see what they are doing. Brother Kofi Asante, Chief Operating Officer of BMCCP stated, “His prayer is that the Black Man Standing Awards Banquet will grow to rival the Essence Awards and the NAACP Awards which would put a shining light on Black Men Globally! The evening surpassed every expectation I could have imagined. Brother Kofi, the Banquet had all the flair and ambiance of a first-class production.
When they brought Brother Rahman to the stage, he walked in from the back flanked by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, which was worthy of a King! Matter of fact, he was king of the night, and in an African Tribunal of eloquence and praise, we witnessed the “Beauty” of how Baba Robert and Queen Wanda Dickerson bring to life our Homeland Heritage right at our feet! They were preciously phenomenal, as was the whole night, extraordinary. Brother Stanley Crawford, Founder, President/CEO said, “BMCCP is the trusted servants of the Black Community with no strings attached. Tonight, demonstrated that when the stand-up brothers and sisters within the Black Community are organized, and everyone comes together for the benefit of the community, great things prevail. We graciously appreciate all those who attended, supported, and lifted up this magnificent evening! We are very thankful for all those who continue to work with us as we move forward gratefully and boldly into the Future!”
My Brothers and Sisters, Ladies and Gentlemen what a night to behold. Congratulations, my brother on receiving the Awards and BMCCP the night was absolutely sensational!
Our success is on us! When you can, be a part of it! You are always needed! Here’s to saving and giving space for you, Brother Tyrone L. Reed
