BMe Community Genius Awards
#BeLikeMe: The BMe Community Genius Awards were held on Friday night at the Heinz History Center in the Strip District, honoring black men in the Pittsburgh community who are shining lights for those around them. “We are at a pivotal moment in our story of America,” said BMe cofounder Benjamin Evans III. “As millennials are coming into their own, we have a chance to shift the ways in which people look at race in our communities. We thought it was imperative that we start that shift with black men.” Why? “Black men are the most demonized in the media. A study from the Heinz Endowments found that 97 percent of media coverage of black people was negative. We want to remove that face so that we can start rebuilding our communities.”
#AssetFraming: Asset framing looks at the positive attributes of a person and builds on those, instead of looking at detriments or problems and trying to fix them. Mr. Evans believes this is the way to combat problems more effectively, by seeing what people are doing right and encouraging them through financial and social support. “BMe is an amazing organization that gives us a platform to shift the narrative and showcase what we contribute to the world,” said honoree Christian Hughes, owner of Drafting Dreams and the related nonprofit Drafting Dreams Inc., which educates kids about architecture and urban design. “I want to inspire and increase the number of women and minorities who participate in a field that I love,” he added.
Quote of the Day: “BMe taught me that I’m not alone, that there are so many of us rising above our struggles and contributing to the greater good,” said Dwan Walker, mayor of Aliquippa.
#YBMK: It’s always inspiring to see the next generation of leaders emerge, such as the group Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens, founded by 16-yearold Kahlil Darden. He began the organization after his uncle was killed in 2012. “I wanted to do something positive, to help young people rise and see their true potential.” With more than 25 members in the organization that helps families in need through different events, it looks like Kahlil is well on his way to become an agent of positive change.
#SEEN: Julius Boatwright, LaTrenda Sherrill, Knowledge Build Hudson, Sharif Rasheed, Godfrey McCray, Lee Davis, Harry Johnson, Marcus Jeter, Paradise Gray, Josiah Gilliam, Jackie Dixon, Allyce Pinchback, Lance Woods, Emmai Alaquiva, Steve Irwin, Daniel Lavelle, Rob Wilson and Ricardo Williams.