Vision & Purpose
Black Professional Men Inc was founded in 1991 by three men from the Baltimore community that were “outraged” to action regarding the plight of our community; the pervasive sense of hopelessness among those less fortunate, particularly among persons of color within our inner city. These men recognized several key truths:
- While government programs are helpful, the greatest force of change would have to come from the community itself, therefore they recognized that “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me!”.
- Although many of the ills are concentrated in certain communities, they affect our nation as a whole. Local problems are in fact national problems.
- Begin by working with the young because they are our country’s future. And…
- To the degree that we can remove the limits from these young men’s lives, they will grow up to become successful contributors to our American way of life, just like any other young man growing up in any typical American family.
Black Professional Men, Inc. (BPM) is a completely volunteer, nonprofit organization based in Baltimore, Maryland, which was established in 1991 to raise awareness and address the social, economic and political awareness needs of the African-American community, especially those of our young males.
Why do we exist?
- Statistics and media attention reflect negatively on our community, whereas positive images (to a great extent) go unnoticed.
- According to published reports, African-Americans have $800 billion in purchasing power, however, much of that economic strength quickly leaves the African-American community to the benefit of other communities.
- There are many laws and legislation enacted which directly affect the African-American community, however, many African Americans are not involved in the political process.
Black Professional Men Inc. exists to stimulate an awareness of social, economic, and political issues to help empower the African-American community.