The Bridge Builders give our children what they need instead of what they want. The Bridge Builders will awaken the nine fruits of the spirit that are missing from The Souls of Black Folks. The Bridge Builders will provide the opportunity for these candidates to be both popular and smart. Finally, The Bridge Builders will combat the ghetto mindset that so many of our young males and females have accepted to define manhood and womanhood.
In 1996, we extended The Call to African American high school males in the Portland area, and hundreds of families enthusiastically answered. They heard our call and asked for guidance, and now we must acknowledge their needs and respond. The adults in our village must take the responsibility of developing this Talented Tenth that we affectionately call The Prospective Gents Club and Imminent Ladies of Virtue.
Members of The Bridge Builders set the policy for programs and coordinate all of the rituals and ceremonies. If you would like to join The Bridge Builders call (503) 306-2960. The Bridge Builders meet the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Legacy Emanuel Hospital meeting room, 3025 N. Vancouver St.
Bernie Foster, publisher of The Skanner, often says, “There are two types of people in the world. Those who sign the backs of checks and those who sign the front.” Mr. Foster encourages African American people to create and support their own businesses to create wealth in our own communities. The Bridge Builders will work with its participants to prepare them for a career. Activities will include:
- Develop a work ethic and leadership qualities
- Network with professionals
- Collaborative educational opportunities with University of Portland’s Center for Entrepreneurship
- Learn the basics of how money works through a partnership with Washington Mutual
- Develop a for-profit component of The Bridge Builders