Ibrahim Dabo is the founder of Ib's Blog. He is an Artist, Amateur photographer, Blogger, Webmaster, Web/Video Editor, Writer/Journalist/Editor, Motivational Speaker, Team Leader, to name a few. All featured photos below taken by Ibrahim Dabo.

While I try to adapt to my new environment in New York City, NY, after relocating from Baltimore, MD, it’s time for another round of Ib’s Blog photo series.

Aside from writing and journalism, photography is one of my many other passions. This time, I bring you photos alongside excerpts from some of many events and interviews I covered in the last year. If you have questions/comments, fill the form box below this page or email ibdabo@ibdabo.com. Enjoy! Ibrahim Dabo.

U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley

“We have the best public school system of any of the 50 states in the nation, according to Education Week magazine. We have earned that distinction now two years in a row because we make investments in education,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. Interviewed by Ibrahim Dabo. Read full interview, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Maryland Has the Best Public School System in America, Governor Martin O’Malley Tells Ib’s Blog.

ABC - MD President Diane Bell-McKoy

“It’s about closing the wealth gap, and one of the surest pathways for African Americans is actually additional education — both higher education and post secondary education. That’s what we want to lift up and celebrate because we know that’s one of the tools that makes a difference in terms of wealth for our community,” said Diane Bell-McKoy, president of ABC MD. Interviewed by Ibrahim Dabo. See full report, photos and interviews, EXCLUSIVE: Associated Black Charities Hosts 25-Year Anniversary Gala, Honors African American Innovators and Role Models in Higher Education, and Projects a Promising Vision of Change for 2020

President of The Presidents’ RoundTable in Maryland, Stanley W. Tucker

“We are all facing challenges not imagined. This economic climate and emergence of focus on the green economy and energy efficiency is going to change the landscape, which makes this Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference a valuable venue for obtaining critical and current information,” said Stanley W. Tucker, president of The Presidents’ RoundTable. He was speaking at the Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference in Baltimore, Maryland between May 12-13, 2010. See full report and photos; Think Green, Go Green – Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference Highlights the Importance of a Green Economy.

Maryland’s Secretary for the Department of Housing and Community Development, Raymond Skinner

“We are very fortunate here in Maryland that the Federal priorities and the State’s priorities are so closely intertwined… Under the governor’s leadership, our State has embarked on an ambitious initiative to include energy efficiency of our homes and communities in new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and to make smarter choices about how we plan our communities,” said Raymond Skinner, secretary of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. He was speaking at the Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference in Baltimore, Maryland between May 12-13, 2010. See full report and photos; Think Green, Go Green – Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference Highlights the Importance of a Green Economy.

Founder of Radio One, Inc., Catherine Hughes

“If there were ever a time when business women needed a partnership, to bond and look out for each other in deals and in opportunities, that time is now,” said Catherine Hughes, founder of Radio One, Inc. Hughes gave a keynote address at Visionary Marketing Group’s 11^th Minority Business Summit in Baltimore on Feb. 19, 2010. Read full report and watch video of Hughes keynote, Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, Adds Humor To Her Keynote At Business Summit As She Urges Entrepreneurs To Exercise Faith

Chairman and CEO of Under Amour Kevin Plank

“Innovation a is part of who our brand is. We are constantly looking to solve problems for athletes,” said Kevin Plank, Chairman and CEO of Under Amour, adding, “no loser talk” and “walk with a purpose.” Plank gave the keynote address at SmartCEO’s Future 50 Awards Gala in Baltimore, Maryland on Jan. 7, 2010. Read full report, photos, and watch a video of Kevin Plank’s keynote, “Future 50” Executives Honored at SmartCEO’s Star-studded Awards Gala in Baltimore.

U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings

“I am tired of seeing a culture of low expectation… We have got to reach higher heights, and we’ve got to reach for the very best,” said U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. Cummings was speaking at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s “Economic Recovery Forum” on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)  in Maryland on October 31, 2009. See full report and photos, “We Have Got To Reach Higher Heights,” Congressman Cummings Said At The CBCF “Economic Recovery Forum”

Senior Computer Scientist and Information Security Researcher, Dr. Ron Ross

“It’s all about mission. We have to be able to turn the equation around and stop thinking about security as a cost center, and start looking at security as an investment in our mission’s success,” said Dr. Ron Ross, Senior Computer Scientist and Information Security Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Ross was speaking at the 5th Annual IT Security Automation Conference and Expo in Baltimore, Maryland between October 26 – 29, 2009. See full report and photos; Ross: We Need To View Security As An Investment In Our Mission’s Success

Md. Washington Minority Contractors’ Association President Wayne Fraizer, Sr.

“Lord, I love Minority Business,” said Wayne Frazier, Sr., president of Md. Washington Minority Contractors’ Association, adding that “it is great for America, and it is especially great for Maryland.” See full report and photos; Maryland State Officials And Business Leaders Gather To Discuss New Business Strategies

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) President Dr. Carolane Williams

Baltimore City Community College’s Life Science Institute is a “functional bridge—a bridge that connects the city, the State, secondary education, higher education, business and industry in ways that will ultimately enrich the learning experience with students, increase workforce creation, stimulate economic development, and in a much broader sense, improve the quality of lives for ourselves and those who will come after us,” said Dr. Carolane Williams, president of Baltimore City Community College at the opening of the institution’s Life Science Institute. See full story and photos, Balto. City Community College Continues Its Commitment To “Building Communities…” With Its New Life Sciences Institute

Chairman and CEO of BCT Partners Dr. Randal Pinkett

“I have worked hard, I believe I’ve been blessed—and I believe we are all blessed—but I’ve had great people placed in my life at various points in time: a great family, great parents and in my years in college, some really great people,” said Dr. Randal Pinkett, Chairman and CEO of BCT Partners. Interviewed by Ibrahim Dabo. Read full interview and watch video of a keynote by Dr. Pinkett, Exclusive Interview/Profile: How Randal Pinkett Pulled Off Five Degrees To Lead A Multimillion Dollar Company

Youths from Trinity United Methodist Church, Rome, Georgia, speak exclusively to Ib's Blog.

“I’ve found interest in youth-age people. If you try to help people at a young age and get them on the right track, you could maybe help them from making decisions they regret once they become older,” said Anna McDaniel, a gospel youth singer at Trinity United Methodist Church, Rome, Georgia. See full interview, photos and videos by Ibrahim Dabo; EXCLUSIVE: Ibrahim Dabo Inspires Trinity UMC Youths As They Continue To “Shine” On…

Ib's Blog founder Ibrahim Dabo. Keep and eye on Ib's Blog for more exclusive interviews and features.

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· Ib’s Blog Photo Series – Part I
· EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NeuroScience, Inc. President Ann MacGregor Talks about the New Frontiers in Medicine

L-R: Ibrahim Dabo, Ann MacGregor (President of NeuroScience, Inc) & Dawn Franzmeier (Marketing and Laboratory Testing Product Manager at NeuroScience, Inc.).

In the second of exclusive interviews with NeuroScience, Inc. senior executive, Dawn Franzmeier, Marketing and Laboratory Testing Product Manager at NeuroScience, Inc., talks exclusively to Ib’s Blog about some of the operations in her department. 

“After our research and development team brings a test to the marketing department and says, ‘we have developed this new test and we have research and information that verify the applicability of the test’, the marketing department does further research to find clinical applications,” Franzmeier said.

“And for every marketing piece, every marketing sales material we have, we provide real life data from scientific journals; we provide reputable references in all of our marketing materials which is not commonly done in this industry.”

L-R: NeuroScience, Inc. officials - Dawn Franzmeier, Larry Gourdine, and Joe Ailts.

Franzmeier added that the goal is to bring clinical applicability to the research that they have provided and to show the doctors examples and case studies that they can utilize in their practice.

NeuroScience, Inc. testing is performed by Pharmasan Labs, Inc, which is a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and New York State certified laboratory, so we meet all quality control and quality assurance guidelines that those organizations require, Franzmeier said.

NeuroScience, Inc. is a leader in Neuro-Endo-Immune systems and markets strictly to health care providers (HCPs). 

Dr. Gottfried Kellermann and his wife, Mieke, started the company to explore neurotransmitters and their impact on the body and over the last two decades, he has developed state-of-the-art laboratory assessments in the fields of neurology, endocrinology, and immunology.

For more infomation, visit NeuroScience, Inc.’s website www.neuroscienceinc.com

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NeuroScience, Inc. President Ann MacGregor Talks about the New Frontiers in Medicine
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· EXCLUSIVE: Associated Black Charities Hosts 25-Year Anniversary Gala, Honors African American Innovators and Role Models in Higher Education, and Projects a Promising Vision of Change for 2020
· EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Maryland Has the Best Public School System in America, Governor Martin O’Malley Tells Ib’s Blog

L-R: Ibrahim Dabo, Ann MacGregor (President of NeuroScience, Inc) & Dawn Franzmeier (Marketing and Laboratory Testing Product Manager at NeuroScience, Inc.).

NeuroScience, Inc. is a leader in Neuro-Endo-Immune systems and markets strictly to health care providers (HCPs).  Ann MacGregor, president of NeuroScience, Inc., spoke exclusively to Ib’s Blog in an interview about how the organization was founded, ongoing research, supplements to aid treatment, seminars and much more.

Dr. Gottfried Kellermann and his wife, Mieke, started NeuroScience, Inc. to explore neurotransmitters and their impact on the body and over the last two decades, he has developed state-of-the-art laboratory assessments in the fields of immunology, endocrinology, and neurology.

“He started out by looking at what would be an optimal sample taken from the human body that would best give feedback from test results. So he wanted something that was much easier than a sample taken from the spinal cord, [Cerebrospinal fluid] CSF,” MacGregor said.

Dr. Kellermann did a number of experiments and came up with the idea of using urine and then saliva and ran numerous tests in order to come up with ranges for these neurotransmitters, MacGregor said.

Over time, Dr. Kellermann observed and received enough feedback from HCPs, that he was able to update the ranges to provide better specificity, given the broader number of patients reviewed.

“The testing volume increased and many HCPs started to see results from the testing” MacGregor said.

She said the doctors came back to Dr. Kellermann and asked if he could develop natural substances that could be used clinically to help patients with deficient levels demonstrated by the testing.

“And so, he developed a whole line of supplements that help inadequate levels of neurotransmitters,” MacGregor said, adding that from there, Dr. Kellermann started to see that there were gaps in the information coming from the testing.

“So Dr. Kellermann decided to look at some of the other systems of the body,” MacGregor said.

“More and more articles were being published about the Neuro-Endo-Immune System (NEI) and Dr. Kellermann started to hone in on that research.  He wanted to see if there were any relationships between the systems of the body and if patterns would show up with testing.”

"NeuroScience, Inc. represents one of the many entrepreneurial companies working on the new frontiers in medicine." - Ann MacGregor.

MacGregor said Dr. Kellermann learned more about immunology and realized it had never been brought to HCPs in the sense of a practical application for use in their practices to help patients.

This contribution could be very helpful in providing more information for HCPs on their patients’ conditions.

Dr. Kellermann currently reviews every single test result that comes into his company providing the HCPs with the best in quality control of test results, said MacGregor, adding that Dr. Kellermann is able to see how the neurotransmitters and the hormones and the immune system all relate to each other.

MacGregor said providing information to physicians will help inform them about these relationships and why there are certain conditions that their patients have, such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue when they are not getting well. 

In terms of bridging the gap between the research and real world application, MacGregor said, “After we do the research, this cutting edge information is sometimes presented in seminars to get the information out to the HCPs who want and need more and better answers for how to help their patients with broad spectrum conditions.”

On May 8, 2010, NeuroScience held its annual seminar in Bethesda, Maryland. The theme was: “Neuro-Endo-Immunology Approach to Clinical Assessments: The New Medical Paradigm”.

“The goal for the seminars is to disseminate the cutting-edge medical theories to encourage clinical input that can further define and/or prove the theory in an effort to speed up the potential health benefit to the patient,” MacGregor said.

“Cutting-edge science is not taught in medical schools yet. It does not have the extensive clinical trials required to be accepted as fact and often needs greater definition for specific aspects.  We try to get the information out to as many HCPs as possible so they may have additional points of reference to use in their quest to solve difficult cases.”

MacGregor added that the goals of the company are to continue to explore the pathways in the body, developing more depth of knowledge over time, and providing more practical clinical applications for HCPs.

“That is the main initiative that we have, and our research centers on this concept.  The company’s goal for supplements is to create natural supplements that will be accepted for clearance by the [Food and Drug Administration] FDA which is a large project.”

“The goal for the seminars is to disseminate the cutting-edge medical theories to encourage clinical input that can further define and/or prove the theory in an effort to speed up the potential health benefit to the patient,” MacGregor said.

Asked what she would say if she were asked to address a group of physicians, MacGregor said: “I would state that NeuroScience, Inc. represents one of the many entrepreneurial companies working on the new frontiers in medicine, and by exploring these frontiers, the goal is to help as many patients as possible who suffer from conditions that are difficult to alleviate with the medical knowledge that we have today.”

MacGregor said that for today’s current practice, many physicians have not been exposed to this information and by providing this new information based in physical science and biochemistry, they are giving physicians better choices that they can use to better help their patients.

Physicians can take advantage of archived webinars on NeuroScience’s website, www.neuroscienceinc.com.

“There are excellent introduction webinars and advanced topics for those HCPs who have followed the company’s work for many years,” MacGregor said.

“We have a number of venues: the webinars, technical support medical education, and we have an excellent marketing group that has put together excellent brochures with a lot of information.”

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· EXCLUSIVE: Associated Black Charities Hosts 25-Year Anniversary Gala, Honors African American Innovators and Role Models in Higher Education, and Projects a Promising Vision of Change for 2020
· EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Maryland Has the Best Public School System in America, Governor Martin O’Malley Tells Ib’s Blog

Ib's Blog Founder Ibrahim Dabo takes on photo journalism with the first of Ib's Blog Photo Series. All photos by Ibrahim Dabo.

As I enjoy my summer vacation, relax and write less, it’s time to explore one of my other passions – photography. Armed with my Nikon D5000, equipped with 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses, and an SB900 speed light, I’m ready to capture every action, every move.

In this first of Ib’s Blog Photo Series, we feature a pigeon that was all set for a photo shoot at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Enjoy!

"Hello! I'm ready for the photo shoot."

"Oh, hold on. Let me come closer."

"Okay, how about my catwalk?"

"I even won a fashion show last year."

"What next? You've got 15 seconds more for this shoot."

"Seriously, I don't usually do this."

"Thank you for the photo shoot, Ib."

Ib's Blog founder Ibrahim Dabo talks to some of the big names in business, education, government and non-profit. Issue 4 of Ib's Blog newsletter brings you just some of the exclusives you have been looking forward to.

Dear Ib’s Blog Readers, 

In April, I inspired students at Oldfields Boarding School in Maryland on Global Awareness Day. In this newsletter, you will find my report on that highly informational day, along with exclusive interviews with some of the students and the Dean of Academic Affairs.

I also interviewed a lot of influential leaders in business, education, government and non-profit. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez for New Jersey, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu from California, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and Morgan State University President Dr. Earl Richardson all spoke exclusively to Ib’s Blog.

Events I covered include the Md. Washington Minority Contractors’ Association’s Annual Spring Breakfast, Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference, Minority Business Development Agency 2010 Summit, and Associated Black Charities 25th Anniversary Gala.

In the next issue, I will feature exclusive interviews with senior executives from NeuroScience, Inc., the leader in Neuro-Endo-Immune Solutions. Ann MacGregor (President) and Dawn Franzmeier (Laboratory Testing Product Manager) spoke exclusively to Ib’s Blog. 

In the next week, I will relocate to New York City, New York. I will miss dearly the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area and all the good friends I have made over the years. However, keep an eye on my blog www.ibdabo.com/blog for more exclusive interviews with just the people you want to hear from — the decision makers.

Lastly, congratulations go to Sierra Leone (my native country) and the United States on celebrating Independence on April 27 and July 4, respectively.

Stay well, always! Click Here to access Newsletter.

Sincerely,

Ibrahim Dabo  

CLICK HERE FOR NEWSLETTER 

Linda Brown (L), President of Brown Leadership Style Consulting, LLC., talks exclusively to Ibrahim Dabo (R) about education and leadership. Photo Credit: Christian Antalics.

Brown Leadership Consulting, LLC, is an independent black woman owned company that specializes in Leadership Consulting and Human Capital Training and Management. Their operational approach is “streamline approaches for seamless results.” Dr. Linda Brown, president of the company, has spent more than 20 years in the field of education and leadership, and committed to holistically touching more lives. 

"Until you get new leadership in place and change the behavior of the existing leaders to think and be in compliance with new policies and initiatives of the Department of Education, we will not see results,” - Dr. Linda Brown

Dr. Brown has served through the ranks as secondary public school instructor to holding leadership positions at a community college and university in the U.S. She is not only an educator, but also a public speaker, trainer and a mentor.

Dr. Brown spoke exclusively to Ib’s Blog about her experiences, Brown Leadership Consulting, LLC, and her abilities to transform the leadership culture of institutions, corporations and organizations.

“We conduct staff development and executive coaching identifying leadership styles and skills,” said Dr. Brown.

She said her company also provides human capital training, which encompasses leadership, team building, diversity and conflict resolution and customer service.

“So if it has to do with people and how they function within an organization or a business, that’s what we do,” Dr. Brown said.

Brown Leadership Consulting, LLC trains teachers on how to be successful leaders in the classroom because, according to Dr. Brown, “When a teacher has good classroom management skills practicing leadership in the classroom, they  can accomplish academic goals; and the clients, which are their students, also become very satisfied and successful with the structure for which you set forth.”

“I taught junior high school successfully for 15 years, so I’m very clear about what it takes to be a successful teacher,” said Dr. Brown, who is also an educational trainer.

After Dr. Brown left the classroom, she attended the University of Texas to earn her PhD in Leadership, and since then she has taken on many other leadership positions in education.

“I was Associate Vice President of Continuing Education at Miami-Dade Community College, which is a multi-campus environment; and was Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Development at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth, North Carolina,” Dr. Brown said.

The Obama Administration is putting the money where their mouth is for supporting education in a way that has never been done since the history of the Department of Education's existence, said Dr. Brown.

She said looking at her background being a classroom instructor, and her role in post-secondary institutions—serving in administrative leadership positions across multi-cultural settings—and in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) system, she wanted to do a lot of focus on training in education.

In 2009, she established Brown Leadership Consulting in Washington, D.C., in order to seek opportunities that will enable her to touch more lives she is seeking to transform.

“So that was one of the leading causes for me establishing the company and coming to [Washington] D.C. because all governing agencies that are relevant to my experience, such as the Department of Education [here in Washington] D.C., are the hub where polices are designed to change the nation and the world,” Dr. Brown said.

“The Obama Administration [is] putting the money where their mouth is for supporting education in a way that has never been done since the history of the department’s existence, and [I am] excited about the opportunities to be a part of getting in the door to assist them with some of the initiatives they are trying to do.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Brown said it will be great to have an opportunity to go into neighboring school districts, conduct training for students, teachers, principals and board members.

“You have to train your board because the board makes policies,” Dr, Brown said.

“They make decisions on who are the leaders of individual campuses and these leaders decide the assignment of teachers to each class of students.

“Educators shape the attitudes of students and how they see their role in this forever changing world.”

Dr. Brown said until you get new leadership in place and change the behavior of the existing leaders to think and be in compliance with new policies and initiatives of the Department of Education, we will not see results. 

“You have to train your board because the board makes policies.” - Dr. Linda Brown

“With time and strong willingness to change for the better, you will see students’ behavior change, you will have an increase retention, less dropout, and more students qualifying to go into post-secondary educational institutions and the world will be a better place,” Dr. Brown said.

“Time is out for saying: ‘Well, you know this is first generation to go into post-secondary education’. This is 2010 and we as a nation have been around for a while. 

“So the reality is we have to change the mindset of the leadership of the people who have the authority to make the change in our society and that include our kids.”

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· EXCLUSIVE: Associated Black Charities Hosts 25-Year Anniversary Gala, Honors African American Innovators and Role Models in Higher Education, and Projects a Promising Vision of Change for 2020
· Annual Minority Business Development Agency Summit Opens Doors of Opportunities and Addresses Vital Issues
·  College Degree is the Magic Pill, Bernard Wynder, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Frostburg State University, Tells Ib’s Blog
· EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Maryland Has the Best Public School System in America, Governor Martin O’Malley Tells Ib’s Blog

BALTIMORE ― Baltimore City Community College will hold an outdoor community flea market on its Liberty campus, 2901 Liberty Heights Ave., this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

The event promises a family friendly environment replete with food, entertainment, vendors and games. Come buy, sell, swap, and find the hidden treasures of Baltimore!

For more information, contact event coordinator Valerie McQueen-Bey at 410-462-8442 or VLeverette-Bey@bccc.edu.

Also see:
· Balto. City Community College Continues Its Commitment To “Building Communities…” With Its New Life Sciences Institute

L-R: Ibrahim Dabo and Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland. Gov. O'Malley spoke exclusively to Ib's Blog about education in Maryland.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, in an exclusive interview with Ib’s Blog, said that Maryland has the best Public School System in the United States.

“We have the best public school system of any of the 50 states in the nation," Gov. O'Malley.

O’Malley talked about how Maryland is progressing with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program.

The former Mayor of Baltimore City said the state has invested significantly in education and more students are expressing interest in the STEM program.

“We have the best public school system of any of the 50 states in the nation, according to Education Week magazine,” O’Malley told Ib’s Blog.

“We have earned that distinction now two years in a row because we make investments in education.”

O’Malley spoke of a transformation now taking place in how students excel, relating particularly to their interest in the sciences.

Ibrahim Dabo (R) congratulates Gov. O'Malley (L) on his recognition as BIO Governor of the Year. O'Malley received the award at the 2010 BIO International Convention in Chicago, IL.

“We are seeing a narrowing of the achievement gap between poor children and wealthier children and we are also seeing more and more of our kids taking [Advanced Placement] AP exams in those critical science and technology, engineering and math areas of endeavors,” said O’Malley, who in May 2010, received the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Governor of the Year Award for his work in promoting this industry as an emerging force in Maryland.

O’Malley said while Maryland has the best public schools in the nation, the goal is to make them the best public schools in the world.

“The ultimate goal is that no child is ever failed by a public school anywhere in our state,” O’Malley said.

“There should always be places of empowerment and places that enable our children to reach their full potential in God’s house.”

On June 12, 2010, O’Malley attended the Associated Black Charities (ABC) 25^th Anniversary Gala and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Morgan State University President Dr. Earl Richardson.

L-R: Gov. Martin O'Malley and Ibrahim Dabo at ABC's 25th Anniversary Gala.

“Associated Black Charities is a very, very important philanthropy because it connects so much of what we hope to do through our government and through our businesses,” O’Malley said.

“Our businesses require a connection of philanthropy that is focused not on just the next year, but on the next generation and that is what Associated Black Charities is all about – focusing on financial literacy, protecting home ownership, strengthening and growing our middle class, improving education and access to higher education.”

O’Malley added: “These are all of the things that can break generations of poverty, help people make their own way into the middle class and thereby make our state and our country a stronger place.”   

ABC honored eight African American innovators and role models in higher education at its anniversary gala. O’Malley commended ABC for putting together a “great event” and he also recognized the good work of the honorees.

Gov. O'Malley (R) presenting ABC's Lifetime Achievement award to Dr. Earl Richardson (L).

“There were so many giants that were honored who have done so much for our state and city,” O’Malley said.

“It was my great pleasure to be able to present the [Lifetime Achievement] Award to Dr. Earl Richardson, who has done a phenomenal job transforming Morgan [State University] for the challenges that confront us as a people and as a country.

“Morgan [State University] is such a terrific university now with its focus on science and technology, and engineering. It produces more black engineers than any other university, I think, in the country.”

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· EXCLUSIVE: Associated Black Charities Hosts 25-Year Anniversary Gala, Honors African American Innovators and Role Models in Higher Education, and Projects a Promising Vision of Change for 2020
· Annual Minority Business Development Agency Summit Opens Doors of Opportunities and Addresses Vital Issues
·  College Degree is the Magic Pill, Bernard Wynder, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Frostburg State University, Tells Ib’s Blog
· MBE Inclusion Is Critically Important for Economic Growth, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Tells IB’s Blog
· Exclusive Interview: Congresswoman Judy Chu Comments on Challenges Businesses Face for Access to Capital

Bernard Wynder (L), assistant vice president for Student Affairs at Frostburg State University, and Ibrahim Dabo (R). Photo Credit: J. Kitanga.

Bernard Wynder, assistant vice president for Student Affairs at Frostburg State University, spoke exclusively to Ib’s Blog in an interview about education.

"If you want the magic pill, it is the college degree,” Bernard Wynder.

Wynder spoke on the need for young people to strive to get higher education and a college degree, regardless of the situation(s) in which they find themselves.

“There are some messages that we need to get out to all of our young people that if you want the magic pill, it is a college degree,” Wynder said.

Many young people struggle to embrace the opportunities at their doorstep to get higher education and a college degree, and some of the underlying factors could be low self-esteem, peer pressure, and the communities in which they find themselves.

Wynder spoke on some of the realities behind this situation and commented on some potential solutions to the problem.

“Well first let’s talk about how we can remedy that because that is a problem for many of us,” Wynder said.

Wynder, in recognition of his contribution to education, received the Living Legends award at ABC's 25th Gala Anniversary.

“It was a problem for me: I grew up low income, first generation.

“But it was someone who took the moment or a time or a second out of their lives to again encourage me to let me know that no matter where I am now, I should be looking at where I want to be tomorrow.

“It doesn’t matter how many miles or how high the hill is to climb.

“You have a lot of people out there who can assist you and get you to the top as long as you are willing to walk-the-walk, and that may be changing some attitudes and old beliefs.

“But if you are willing to walk-the-walk, they will get you there.

“We’ve got to learn to work interdependently and the world will be a much better place.”

Wynder received the Living Legends award at Associated Black Charities 25th Anniversary Gala on June 12 for his contribution to education.

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· EXCLUSIVE: Associated Black Charities Hosts 25-Year Anniversary Gala, Honors African American Innovators and Role Models in Higher Education, and Projects a Promising Vision of Change for 2020
· Annual Minority Business Development Agency Summit Opens Doors of Opportunities and Addresses Vital Issues
· MBE Inclusion Is Critically Important for Economic Growth, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Tells IB’s Blog
· Exclusive Interview: Congresswoman Judy Chu Comments on Challenges Businesses Face for Access to Capital

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (R) presents ABC's 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Earl Richardson (L), president of Morgan State University. Photo Credit: Ibrahim Dabo. Report and interviews by Ibrahim Dabo.

ABC celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary.

It was meant to be a memorable night, and indeed, it was.

From government to private sector and non-profit, professionals gathered to celebrate 25 years of success for Maryland’s Associated Black Charities (ABC), and to also honor those African Americans who are making a big impact in the field of education.

The black tie event was held on June 12 at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore.

ABC is dedicated to creating strong, healthy, and economically viable communities in order to create a better life, especially for African American children and families. The event also served as a premise to reflect on how this worthy initiative started more than two decades ago.

Above: Dr. Walter G. Amprey, chairman of the ABC Board of Directors, welcomed guests.

“The most important thing that happened in 1985 was when a group of visionaries and courageous pioneers saw a growing need. They saw a shrinking middle class and growing poverty, and a movement was born,” said Dr. Walter G. Amprey, Chairman of the ABC Board of Directors.

Amprey said the gala night was not only to recognize African American innovators and role models in higher education, “but it is also an opportunity for us to thank the courageous group of visionaries who are the reason for our birth.”

Amprey said thanks to resilience and perseverance, ABC continues to improve and grow through strategic planning. He attributed the success of his organization to people—staff, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters—as well as the leadership of Diane Bell-McKoy, president/CEO of ABC.

Above: Gov. Martin O'Malley commended ABC President Diane Bell-McKoy for her leadership, and Dr. Earl Richardson for his tireless efforts to improve higher education.

During his remarks, Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland, commended Bell-McKoy, saying, “She is the most capable and effective person I have ever worked with in government, private sector, and non-profit.”

O’Malley spoke about workforce development, career training and advancement, higher education, college residence and access to college.

“We have greatly increased our investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities here in Maryland,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley presented ABC’s 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award to Morgan State University President Dr. Earl Richardson.

“He has worked tirelessly for decades to improve higher education and to strengthen our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley said Dr. Richardson is truly a giant in his field and through his determination, perseverance and actions, he has transformed Morgan State University from a small and struggling Liberal Arts College with too many outdated facilities to a 7,000-student doctoral research university with a shining and beautiful campus.

O’Malley told Ib’s Blog in an exclusive interview that, “It’s a great event and there were so many giants that were honored tonight who have done so much for our state and city. It was my great pleasure to be able to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Earl Richardson.”

L-R: Dr. Earl Richardson and Ibrahim Dabo. Dr. Richardson said his recognition is hopefully a realization of the goals for which they serve at Morgan State University

In an exclusive interview with Ib’s Blog, Dr. Richardson said for an organization like ABC that is completely community-oriented to recognize the 25 to 26 years that he has spent at Morgan State University is hopefully a realization of the goals for which they serve at Morgan.

“It’s really not about me so much as it is about the causes for which we have tried to champion over the last 26 years,” Dr. Richardson said.

Diane Bell-McKoy, while reflecting on the success of her organization in the last 25 years, projected what a promising 2020 vision would look like — then ABC will be celebrating a monumental 35-year anniversary.

“It is a different celebration,” Bell-McKoy said, adding that, “it is one where you and I together have been successful in assuring that every black and brown child has both an aspiration and the skills to go and earn a higher education.”

ABC President/CEO Diane Bell-McKoy said in 2020, we will have a wealthier and healthier state, and an economic and viable city.

Bell-McKoy said by 2020, collectively, individuals, organizations, and institutions will come together to ensure that those young men and women graduate from college.

She said in 2020, we will have a wealthier and healthier state, an economic and viable city for all its citizens because we all would have made a difference.

“Today, I can tell you what 2020 would look like,” Bell-McKoy said.

“But it just means that we have to invest in that future we want to see. And so I ask you to go on and invest in change so we’ll have a different state, city and region, healthier and wealthier in 2020.”

“It’s about closing the wealth gap, and one of the surest pathways for African Americans is actually additional education — both higher education and post secondary education,” Bell-McKoy told Ib’s Blog in an interview.

“That’s what we want to lift up and celebrate because we know that’s one of the tools that makes a difference in terms of wealth for our community.”

She said the gala night was about celebrating people who are in the field of education and making that difference.

“And so we want to encourage more people to help other young people to move through their pathways,” Bell-McKoy said.

Bernard Wynder, Assistant VP, Student Affairs at Frostburg State University (L) & Ibrahim Dabo (R).

Bernard Wynder, assistant vice president for student affairs at Frostburg State University received the Living Legends award.

“To be recognized by the Associated Black Charities is probably one of the greatest thrills in my life,” Wynder said told Ib’s Blog in an interview.

“To know what they are trying to do and to uplift the African American community, and for them to recognize me for the small part that I have played in being of assistance to students and working in the community for good 30 years in my life just energizes you to want to continue to do that work, and to continue to touch those lives,” Wynder said.

“I want to thank Associated Black Charities and I wish that we can garner more support for their development of the middle class. I think it is important but I also think they hit on the right note when they testified tonight that education is the way to get there.”

L-R: Ibrahim Dabo & Anita Thomas, VP, Office of Government & Community Relations at University of Baltimore.

“I am truly honored to be associated with such great individuals in higher education,” said Anita Thomas, vice president, Office of Government & Community Relations at the University of Baltimore, who received the Emerging Leaders award.

“I think that’s one of the really significant things about tonight for me – to be recognized by the Associated Black Charities and to be associated with so many great people in higher education.”

Taylor Walls, senior director of administration at East Baltimore Development, Inc., told Ib’s Blog that she attended the gala “to support what I think is a valuable cause.”

L-R: Faenita Dilworth, community advocate, Taylor Walls, senior director of administration, East Baltimore Development, Inc., & Ibrahim Dabo.

“ABC has been an organization around for 25 years and they stand on the foundation of propelling our youth forward in education, wealth and health,” Walls added.

“I am very interested in the mission and goals of this organization and the philanthropic work that they do throughout the community,” Faenita Dilworth, a community advocate, told Ib’s Blog.

The founding members of ABC gathered around the organization’s anniversary cake – a light confection with raspberry amaretto filling – in celebration.

A networking session sealed the memorable night with Baltimore’s own Panama Band on hand to provide the awesome sounds that left guests rocking on the dance floor in a very jubilant atmosphere.

ABC founding members pose next to the 25th Anniversary Cake.

The Panama Band wowed guests with awesome sounds.

No holding back as guests take to the dance floor.

Click on Album Below to See All Photos

Associated Black Charities 25th Anniversary Gala

Also See:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
· Football United: From civil war in Sierra Leone to USA success, football lends a hand (Goal.com interviews its former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo)
· Annual Minority Business Development Agency Summit Opens Doors of Opportunities and Addresses Vital Issues
· MBE Inclusion Is Critically Important for Economic Growth, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Tells IB’s Blog
· Exclusive Interview: Congresswoman Judy Chu Comments on Challenges Businesses Face for Access to Capital