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Reports

2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
2016 Annual Report
2015 Annual Report
2014 Annual Report
2013 Annual Report
2012 Annual Report
2011 Annual Report
2010 Annual Report

Past Events

14th Annual Black Male & Achievement Awards Breakfast Program, 2022

About Us

Board of Directors

George F. Reed

Secretary

George Reed

George has served in a variety of positions, to include Alternative School Principal, Employment Counselor, Classroom Teacher, Construction Worker and Management and Procedures Technician. He has served four years in the United States Air Force. He retired from Norfolk Public Schools in 2002 and has worked with various nonprofits as a board chairman, board member and consultant. He has established nine nonprofit charities in Hampton Roads, and serves as advisors and consultant for some of them. George is a life member of The Virginia Congress of Parent and Teachers (PTA), and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is a current member of the New Chesapeake Men for Progress, Inc.; Secretary, The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc.; former President and current board member, NAC-Save Our Youth Foundation, Inc.; board member, Boys and Girl Club; and Board Chairman emeritus, STOP, Inc. He has been the recipient of the National Employment and Training Association President Award (1981); Virginia Employment and Training Association Educator of the Year Award (1990-1991); Virginia Congress of Parent and Teacher Distinguish Service Award (1986); Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Humanitarian of the Year Award (2013); STOP Organization-Hampton Roads Eagle Award (2012); proclamation from the Honorable William D. Sessoms, Jr., Mayor of Virginia Beach, designating November 21, 2015 as “George F. Reed Day” for dedicated service in the area of community action; commissioned as an Honorary Deputy Sheriff, May 20, 2016, for the City of Chesapeake by the Honorable Jim O’Sullivan, sheriff of Chesapeake; and a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Dr. Alan P. Krasnoff for 21 years of dedicated service to the city of Chesapeake. George has received more than 30 leadership, community service, and appreciation awards for helping people in need, and leadership in creating change initiatives. George is an experience youth mentor, nonprofit consultant, fund raiser, grant writer, and nonprofit leader. He currently serves as Executive Director, Cornland School Foundation, Inc.

Colonel William C. Bennett, Jr.

Director

William Bennett

Undersheriff William “Clayton” Bennett is a native of Hampton Roads. He has been a devoted law enforcement officer in Chesapeake for 39 years. He began his law enforcement career at the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office in 1982 as a Deputy Sheriff and quickly rose up the ranks. Undersheriff Bennett served as the Chief of Corrections for 5 years and the Chief Deputy of Operations for 3 years, before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2014 and the rank of Undersheriff in 2017. He is the first African-American to achieve that rank in Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office history.

Undersheriff Bennett was born in the City of Norfolk and educated at Norfolk Catholic High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio. Undersheriff Bennett is a Certified Jail Manager through the American Jail Association. He graduated with honors from the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Training Academy and from the Portsmouth Police Department’s SWAT and K-9 Patrol Academy. He served as a member of the Chesapeake Police Department’s SWAT team from 1983 to 1988.

Undersheriff Bennett has received a variety of awards and recognitions during his career including The New Chesapeake Men for Progress “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2019, the City of Chesapeake’s “Innovation Award” in 2019, the New Journal and Guide “Impacting Lives Award” in 2017, The Exodus Faith Ministries “Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award” in 2015, the 2007 “Unsung Hero Award” named in Honor of Kenny Fields and the “2014 Hall of Fame Award” both from the Special Olympics Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Portsmouth-Suffolk Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. “Community Service Award”, The New Chesapeake Men for Progress “Member of the Year Award”, and the Norfolk Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. “Save Our Youth Foundation Inc. 2015-2017 Annual Black History Month Community Service Leadership Award.”

Undersheriff Bennett is the President of the “Project Lifesaver International” Board of Directors. He is the Vice-President of the “Children Today Leaders Tomorrow” Board and the “Charities Inc.” Board, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that helps educate Chesapeake children and support residents and community projects. Undersheriff Bennett is on the board of “The New Chesapeake Men for Progress”, a non-profit group dedicated to improving the lives of local high school male students through scholarship opportunities. He is a member of the “Special Olympics Virginia” Board of Directors and has spearheaded several fundraisers including “Chesapeake Cycle Mania”, which raised more than $100,000 for Special Olympics in 2002. He was also a Director for the Chesapeake Law Enforcement Benevolent Association for approximately two years. Bennett is also a member of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 9, and the South Norfolk Ruritan Club.

Undersheriff Bennett is very involved in the community. He has volunteered as a coach for recreation football teams in Great Bridge and South Norfolk. When Undersheriff Bennett is not working or volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 38 years, Maria. He and Maria are extremely proud of their daughter Lisette, who is a University of Virginia graduate, and received her Master’s Degree from Longwood University. Her husband Cody, is a new member of the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office.

Alvetta (Al) Alexander

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Al Alexander

Administrator, Chesapeake Public Schools and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The New Chesapeake men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. Board Member for the New Chesapeake Men for Progress, Inc. and the Chesapeake Education Association; Vice President for Ground Zero Youth Development and Mentoring, Inc.; Committee Member for Chesapeake Human Service Advisory Board, National Education Association Education Diversity Collective; Future Teacher Academy Norfolk State University; and 2017 ETS Educational Leadership National Advisory Council. Recipient of the 2019 Chesapeake Rotary Club’s Educator of the Year Award, and the Hampton Roads Gazeti 2018 Exemplar Award. Al is a member of First Baptist Church, Berkley, Norfolk, Virginia.



David K. Hamilton

Director

David Hamilton

David K. Hamilton is Vice-Chairman, New Chesapeake Men For Progress Educational Foundation, Inc. He’s a native of Columbia, SC, but concurrently resides in Chesapeake, VA for 22 years. He’s currently employed as a Contract Specialist for the Department of the Navy.

David is a retired US Naval Officer, Medical Service Corps. He’s a graduate of Benedict College, Columbia, SC, B.A., Public Administration, M.A., Procurement and Acquisition Management & Business, Webster University, St. Louis, MO and M.A., Curriculum and Instructional Development, Averett University, Danville, VA. He’s married to Gail Hamilton of 37 years. They have 2 sons and 1 grandson.



Micah C. Hall

Director

Micah Hall

Micah Hall is the youngest son to Clayton and Jessie Hall and the brother to Clayton D. Hall. He grew up in the beautiful city of Chesapeake and a product of Chesapeake Public Schools attending Camelot Elementary and graduating from Deep Creek High School. Micah received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in the study of Sociology from Virginia State University located in Petersburg, Virginia. Micah is presently the Director of Virginia Medicare Sales for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Real Estate Agent for Reign Realty Group. He is a current Board member for The New Chesapeake Men For Progress Education Foundation Inc.; current Board member for Prime Plus; current member of Lambda Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.; served as a Board member for Eggleston Services; National Secretary and National Youth President for First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc.; and Alumni of The United Way of South Hampton Roads Project Inclusion. Micah enjoys spending his time with his beautiful wife Kandi and his three precious children, Madison, Kaleb and Kaylee and grandmother Mary Whitley.

Edward R. (Ted) Hicks

Director

Edward Hicks

Edward R. (Ted) Hicks, is a native of Norfolk, Virginia and a product of the public schools of that city. Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, attended Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now Norfolk State University, transferred to Virginia Union University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. Did further study at Hofstra University and Old Dominion University. Retired from the Virginia Employment Commission after 35 years of service and held a variety of positions from Employment Counselor to Job Service Manager of the Suffolk Office. Married to the late Alyce L. Hicks, parents of two children, Lisa (Sam) and Quentin and two grandchildren, Carson and Casey. Lifetime member of First Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. Currently married to the former Jane Goss and together they are enjoying their golden years.


Ernes Lowery

Director

Ernes Lowery

Ernest Lowery is a native of Chicago, IL and a Navy veteran. He is a Board member of the New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc., the Chairman of the Historical Committee, member of the Publicity and Public Relations Committee, recipient of the President Award. He is also a member of the Chesapeake Men for Progress Inc., and photographer for both organizations. Ernest retired from the Ford Motor Co. He taught Sexual Harassment plantwide, was Chairman of the Civil Rights Committee, Community Action Program, a staff writer for the local union paper, a member of the Women Committee and served as a union representative. Ernest loves working in the community, he volunteers for the New Journal and Guide as a writer and photographer, and is a member of the Chesapeake Democratic Women Organization. Ernest is the founder of Juneteenth.Love… “we look through the lens of history and bring forward understanding and teach truth about the greatness of our misunderstood culture on June 19th.” He is also the owner of Lowery’s Video and Photography, he has videotaped and photographed many people of interest in politics, music, and organizations throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands and West Africa. He has received many awards and produced several documentaries. As a member of the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association (SEVAA) Ernest was awarded first place three years in a row for best photography and has covered many years of AFR’AM FEST history through photography and video. Ernest is a member and lead trustee for the Way, the Truth and the Life Church in Portsmouth, VA.

Ronnie Griffin

Secretary

Ronnie Griffin

Ronnie Griffin was born and raised here in Chesapeake. He has been a devoted law enforcement officer for over 14 years. Ronnie now serves as a Sergeant in the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office’s Civil Enforcement section. He is the Treasurer for the Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. Ronnie is a former assistant educator from the Chesapeake Public Schools system and also an Educator in the private sector of Norfolk at the Barry Robinson Center.






Herman L. Ward

Director

Herman Ward

Retired from Measurement Specialist Operation Center, General Electric Company, and the U. S. Army. Herman is an active member of the following organizations: The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc., The New Chesapeake Men for Progress, Inc.(Publicity Director); Prince Hall Masons (Officer); Norfolk State University Alumni Association, and Suffolk High School Alumni Association. He is also a Door Keeper at his church, The Mount.






Donald Larrimore

Financial Secretary

Donald Larrimore

Donald Larrimore was born and raised in Gloucester, VA. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Norfolk State University. I have done additional studies at Monmouth College, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University. I was a US Army Master Instructor in the Radar Division. I have held several technical and management positions in the private manufacturing sector to include Production Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and General Manager. I am a self-starter who will give 100% effort to whatever task or position, he is assigned to.






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FAQ

What is The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc.?

The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc., is a voluntary nonprofit charity that provide scholarships, school supplies grants, and support mentoring initiatives to Chesapeake minority youth. As a public charity, we have provided more than $127,000 in scholarships and grants since in 2010-2011. The Foundation was established January 21, 2010 as a 501 (C ) (3 ) charitable corporation by members of The New Chesapeake men for Progress Inc. as a philanthropic instrument to provide funding for scholarship, mentoring, and supplies for needy children.

How do the Foundation funds work?

All funds are used exclusively for charitable purposes to provide scholarships and grants to students and other nonprofits. Funds share a modest administrative cost which is generally less than 3%.

What geographic areas does the Foundation Serve?

The Foundation focuses primarily on youth in the City of Chesapeake.

Who governs the Foundation?

A ten member Board of Directors governs the Foundation and approves all scholarships, grants and donations as well as the overall distribution of funds.

How do I make a gift to the Foundation?

You can make a gift of any size today or into the future to the Foundation by calling 757-650-0174. The Foundation accepts cash (currency, coins, checks, money orders, bank drafts, etc), securities (bonds, stocks, etc), non-cash gifts, real property, inventions, patents and copyrights, life insurance, wills, bequests, and devices. If you donate $20,000 or more you can create a named fund and specify the purpose. Smaller gifts are added to the Foundation's general asset fund for scholarships, grant making, and other charitable donations.

What types of funds can be established?

The Foundation offers a variety of simple options including:

How does the Foundation benefit the community?

We award scholarships to deserving and qualified high school graduates to offset the cost of their education, and support mentoring program that assist students in improving their education, and chances for a successful life. The Foundation sponsors programs that educate the community, provide cultural and recreational activities that youth and adults in the community participate.

What programs do the Foundation provide in the community?

Annually, the Foundation sponsors its Black Male Achievement and Scholarship Breakfast Awards program , Annual Sponsors Recognition Reception, and Black Tie Scholarship Gala. These programs provide fund for the Foundation.

What should I do if I want to make a gift to the Foundation?

You should contact the Secretary of the Foundation at (757) 650-0174.

What is the vision of the Foundation?

The Foundation's vision is to improve the social, educational, and economic prospect of youth and adults in Hampton Roads.

How is the work of the Foundation carried out?

The work of the foundation is performed through it various committees which include:

How can I become a member of the Foundation?

You can become a member of the foundation by downloading the Membership Application, complete it, and enclose a check for $60.00 and mail it to The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Educational Foundation, Inc. and mail it to: P.O. Box 1262, Chesapeake, Virginia 23327.

Why should I support The New Chesapeake men for Progress Education, Inc foundation?

It is important that our youth succeed because they are the foundation of a strong neighborhood and community. Many minority students need assistance with the high cost of education and your supports makes it possible to assist many of them as well as provide a tax saving benefit to you. In our view, corporation that benefit economically from citizens as consumers have a social responsibility to contribute to improving the community from which they benefit.

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History

The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. was established January 21, 2010 as the philanthropy arm of The New Chesapeake Men for Progress. The historic Chesapeake Men for Progress was established in 1963, and reorganized in 2005 as The New Chesapeake Men for Progress. In 2008 members of The New Chesapeake Men for Progress began discussing ways to expand its mission beyond political and social activism to include providing assistance to young African Americans, especially African American males in our schools and communities. Through these discussions it was decided that providing scholarship, mentoring programs and assisting needy students with school supplies at the beginning of the school year would become the focus.

It was clear to the members that to continue the legacy of W. P. Clarke, Jr., Dr. Hugo A. Owens and others associated with their accomplishment in the political arena, the establishment of a nonprofit foundation was necessary. A foundation could become a vehicle for expanding as well as gaining broader support from citizens, corporations, schools, community organizations, and other foundations. A foundation would become the vehicle in our efforts to improve the educational prospect for youth in the City of Chesapeake, especially African American youth.

In December 2009, a meeting was held in which William E. Ward, Ph.D., George F. Reed, and Roxson (Rock) Blount began the process of incorporating a non-stock corporation with the State Corporation Commission. The application was approved and papers were filed with the Internal Revenue Service to obtain a ruling to designate the non-stock corporation a 501 ( c) ( 3) public charity. A successful ruling was obtained on January 21, 2010.

The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. initial Board of Directors consisted of William E. Ward, Ph.D., George F. Reed and Roxson Blount. William E. Ward, Ph.D. became the President and Registered Agent, George Reed was elected Secretary and Roxson Blount was elected Treasurer. At the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the newly formed Foundation, additional board members were elected to include: James R. Jackson Ed. D, Vice President, Tyrone Davis, Ph.D., Larry Battle, Reverend H. Allen Hall, Phillip D. Adams, James H. Robinson, Jr., Ed. D. and Willie Cooper. Willie Cooper would be elected to serve as the Foundation's Financial Secretary at a subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors.

In 2010, the first full year of operation of the Foundation, The Board of Directors created operational policies, and refined its vision. Also, the Foundation sponsored its first Black Male Achievement and Scholarship Breakfast Award Program. With donations from members, corporate sponsors, and ticket sales, the Foundation awarded seven $1,000.00 scholarships to seven African American male graduates from each of Chesapeake's seven high schools, and presented achievement awards to fourteen other students.

The Foundation committed to supporting and assisting in the operation of the established Lunch Buddy Program at Carver Intermediate. Additionally, the Foundation assists needy students at Carver and Truitt Intermediate Schools and Hugo A. Owens Middle School with backpacks and school supplies at the beginning of each school year. The Foundation initiatives cover five broad areas of operation as follow: scholarships, mentoring, education seminars, public forums, and recognizing the achievement on individuals who improve the quality of life for the City of Chesapeake.

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Core Values and Concepts

The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. is committed to the highest standard of integrity, and ethics. The value statements listed below were developed through a consultative process involving the Board of Directors and members. The principles reflected in this document constitute a value compass for the Board of Directors, members, and other individual working on behalf of the organization.

These values serve to heighten transparency and to demonstrate to the community its pledge to operate in a manner worthy of the public trust. In this spirit, we offer:

In carrying out our mission, operating our programs and services, and interacting with its members, donors, and supporters, The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. embraces the following values:

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Goals

The Foundation goals are:

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