Development of African American Professionals
Serving Youth Fund

Established by SOAAP Founders

Founders

Development of African American Professionals Serving Youth Fund was formed by 12 experienced, committed professionals in Saint Louis, MO to create national and regional forums for networking and mentoring while promoting career development and recognition.

With the passing of the torch to the current SOAAP organization leadership within Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), a group of founding members have committed to the establishment of the Development of African American Professionals Serving Youth Fund.

Why the Development of African American Professionals Serving Youth Fund?

Today more than ever, America's youth who most need the support, guidance, mentoring, exposure and access to the many opportunities available to them to become self-sufficient, responsible and contributing members of society, depend on the dedicated professionals in our work who daily broker and facilitate these supports becoming a reality! Collectively we need to invest in the ongoing development and capacity of this workforce to effectively reach and help more youth, especially given the growing complexity and challenging world young people have to negotiate today.

Fund objectives:

Annual Lou Dantzler and Judith Pickens personal financial awards made in recognition of outstanding contributions to African American youth development professionals.
Establish Jim Cox and Richard Jordan Scholarship in recognition of inspiring and exceptional youth participants with a focus on urban youth.
Create a virtual museum to record and retain archives documenting African American contributions in the field.
Facilitate a regular opportunity to connect African American retirees and former BGCA and other youth development professionals.
Recognize contributions of African American professionals and/or supports from other youth development organizations, i.e., board members, volunteers, celebrities, communities and leaders.

Fund Contribution Levels

William T. (Thaddeus) Coleman Circle - $1,500

Lou Danztler and Judith J. Pickens Legacy Club - $1,000

Jim Cox and Richard Jordan Youth Development Champion - $500

Aspiring Youth - $250

Everyday Hero - $150

The income from the Fund's principal will be used to make monetary awards to any 501(c)(3) public charity (including Boys & Girls Clubs) that supports the development of African American Professionals serving youth.

You can make a simple and easy online donation to support the Development of African American Professionals Serving Youth Fund here: https://give.unitedwaygkc.org/p/Development-African-American-Professionals-Serving-Youth-Donate.

Please note we are working with United Way of Greater Kansas City to receive credit card contributions online. Your credit card statement will indicate United Way as the payment processor.

If you prefer to make your contribution by check. Please make checks payable to and mail to:

Development of African American Professionals Serving Youth Fund

PO Box 22045

Hollywood, FL 33022.

Thank you for your support of this fund for the professional development assistance to our staff and others who are dedicated to helping the millions of youth our industry serves each year!

African American Boys & Girls Club Icons Awards

William Thaddeus Coleman
Field Secretary, Colored Work
Deceased, 1906 - 1956
On March 4, 1926, the national board of directors approved the hiring of William T. Coleman as part-time “Field Secretary, Colored Works” the first African American hired by the national organization. Prior to this position, Coleman had received numerous national awards while Superintendent of Wissahickon Boys Club of Philadelphia, the first African American Club and one of the original clubs that formed into the national federation, Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA).

Judith Jessica Jamison Pickens
Senior Vice President, Program & Youth Development Services, BGCA
Deceased, 1950 - 2022
Judith J. Pickens, 1950-2022, served as Senior Vice President, Program & Youth Development Services for BGCA. A dynamic, non-profit executive and servant-leader, Judith was passionate about the welfare of children, young people, families and communities nationwide served. She raised the bar with high expectations and uncompromising values. She humbly led by example and was not hesitant to demonstrate the courage of her convictions. She was the first African American to ascend to the Executive Leadership in BGCA. She served the National organization faithfully for 32 years. She was an original founder of the Society of African American Professionals (SOAAP). Judith’s contributions were highlighted throughout the entire Movement included her pro- active leadership on behalf of African Americans in the field. Her dedication to this work is honored by the Judith J. Pickens annual award from SOAAP in recognition of her contributions. Among her numerous awards and recognition includes Professional Association Masters and Mentors and National Service to Youth Award.

Lou Dantzler
President & Chief Executive Officer
Challengers Boys & Girls Club
Deceased: 1937-2006
Lou Dantzler was the founder and executive director of the Challenger Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles from 1968 – 2006. He authored the book “A Place to Go, A Place to Grow: Simple Things That Make a Difference for At Risk Kids”. Mr. Dantzler's commitment to youth most in need was formed through lessons learned growing up on a farm in South Carolina, without a father and a future that held few prospects.

Lou shared that a older cousin name Willie “taught us how to be men” For 40 years Lou played the same role in the lives of boys-and later girls. The club started with 12 boys in 1968 and grew significantly. Lou was deeply loved and respected not only in Los Angeles but within the entire Boys & Girls Clubs of America Movement for his undying commitment and leadership. The Challenger Club under his realm was a nationally acclaimed organization that at its peak served more than 34,000 kids.

Numerous professionals and noteworthy people who were luminaries in various fields were members of the club including filmmaker John Singleton and baseball player Eric Davis. Lou led the way and was an original founder of the Society of African American Professionals (SOAAP). Lou sowed into the entire Movement as a pro-active leader and professional on behalf of African Americans in the field.

Advisory Board Members

Chair Dave Smith | Vice Chair April Janney

Members Rob Clay Lincoln Ellis Carl Lavender

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