Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What is the Black Man’s Think Tank, Inc.?

A. The BMTT is a tax-exempt, non-partisan, non-sectarian membership organization, whose mission is to develop and support industry between Black organizations and professionals. Its priority areas are education, economic development, health and wellness, and criminal justice.

Q. When was it founded?

A. It was founded February 11, 2008 by Marlon Aldridge. Its name was taken from the annual Black Man’s Think Tank Conference, which has been held at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH since 2000. Although the conference was ran by committee, it was inspired and organized by Omar Powell (RIP), who was coordinator of the African American Male Initiative and a counselor at Sinclair.

Q. Why was it started?

A. Marlon Aldridge, its founder, felt that its existence was mandated by attendees of the annual conferences, who wanted to see the organizers be more active in the community on an on-going basis. Many recommendations and solutions came out of the conferences but there were few organizations ready to implement them especially as they pertained to Black males.

Q. What is its mission?

A. Its mission is to develop and support industry between Black organizations and professionals. Our mission priorities are working with organizations and professionals in the areas of education, economic development, health and wellness, and crime criminal justice. Why the focus on industry? See my article entitled, The Connection between Industry and Assimilation

Q. What is the vision of the organization?

A. We will develop and strengthen Black organizations and institutions because we believe that they have the greatest potential to allay negative environmental factors that disproportionately affect Black people. We believe that they have the greatest potential to ensure prosperity for them via greater employment, greater access to health care, and greater access to educational opportunities. Ultimately, we work with them so that together they become more organized, more productive, more resourceful, more interdependent, and more responsive to the needs of Black people at home and abroad.

We aim to affect our mission and vision by the systematic use of research, strategic alliances, solid business practices, and the pragmatic use of technology.

Q. Is the BMTT a national organization?

A. The BMTT was conceptualized as a national organization, but it has no offices outside of Dayton. However, once all of its programs have been worked out and it has greater operational capacity, it will expand into select cities throughout the country and eventually into other countries where Blacks have a significant presence.

Q. Who comprises its leadership?

A.  For officers and directors, see the Officers and Directors Page.

Q. Does the BMTT exclude women?

A. Although the name may suggest so, no. Its current board chair is a woman, its only appointed fellow is a woman, and its newsletter editor is a woman. In fact, most of the volunteer work that gets done is by women. Lastly, women are welcome in ALL our activities and programs.

Q. Does the BMTT exclude non-Blacks?

A. No. However, our mission, vision, and goals will not change for the foreseeable future.

Q. Is the BMTT an equal opportunity employer?

Q. What are its current programs?

A. Its current programs are the Alliance of Creative Professionals, the Federation of Black Nonprofits, and Penal Reform Now. Pending programs are the Urban Education Alliance and the Nubian Builders Association. Each program requires membership at the individual or organizational level. 

Programs

Mission

Alliance of Creative Professionals (ACP)

To stimulate the development of the entertainment, fine arts, and performing arts industries among Blacks in the U.S. and abroad and to develop leaders in those industries.

Federation of Black Nonprofits (FBN)

To develop and support our member nonprofits, which primarily target Black communities at home and abroad.

Penal Reform Now (PRN)

To restore the basic human rights of ex-felons and to abolish the remnants of legalized slavery in the United States.

Nubian Builders Association (NBA)

To develop and support Black skilled trades people and organizations in the construction industry.

Urban Education Alliance (UEA)

To develop and support the learning and development of minority students and their families, teachers, and staff in urban school systems through comprehensive community-based programs.

Q. What services or benefits does the BMTT currently offer?

A. The BMTT primarily provides support services to its business members.

Free business member services:

• Assist with organizational papers such as articles of incorporation (for profit and nonprofit), operating agreements, and by-laws.

• Assist with board development.

Business directory listing and forum listings on our Web site.

• Members-only business forum. (Coming soon)

• Vendor table at our annual conference and festival.

• Assist with recruitment of volunteers and employees.

Fee-based services:

• Development of business and marketing plans, policies and procedures manuals, and grant proposals.

• Web site development, domain name registration, and web site hosting.

• Marketing of your products and services (referral commission program).

• Internet marketing via Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

Note: 1. To see non-business member benefits, visit the Members Page.

Q. When is the annual Black Man’s Think Tank conference held?

A. Our annual conference is the second Friday and Saturday of each April at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH. For more information on the conference, visit the Conference Page.

Q. What career and business opportunities exist with the BMTT?

A. Although we anticipate hiring paid staff in the near future, our positions to date are mainly commissioned sales, volunteer, or business partnerships of some sort. To see current opportunities, visit Business and Career Opportunities.

Q. How do I become a member?

A. To get information about member fees and benefits, visit the Members Page. You may sign up online or download an application.

Q. Does the BMTT have a newsletter?

A. Yes. The BMTT Gazette is our official online newsletter. Visit the Newsletter Page to see current and archived editions.

Q. May I advertise my products or services with the BMTT?

A. Yes. For more information, visit the Advertising Page or call (937) 732-5316.

Q. Does the BMTT offer scholarships?

A. Yes. The BMTT offers the Omar Powell Scholarship fund. For more information, visit the Education Page.

Q. Does the BMTT have a speaker’s bureau?

A. Yes. For more information, visit the Speakers Bureau Page.

Q. How do I donate to the BMTT?

A. You may donate to the BMTT by going online to the Donor Page or by mailing a check payable to: Black Man’s Think Tank, 405 W. 1st St., Suite B, Dayton, OH 45402.

Q. How do I become a volunteer for the BMTT?

A. You may become a volunteer for the BMTT by going online to the Volunteer Page or by calling (937) 732-5316.

Q. Where is your physical location and what is your mailing address?

A.The BMTT is physically located at 405 W. 1st St., Suite B, Dayton, OH 45402. Our mailing address is the same.

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Black Man's Think Tank, Inc.

405 W. 1st St., Suite B
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937.732.5316 (EST)
Fax: 937.835.6057
Website: