This blog is full of interesting information. That’s because, so much GOOD is happening in the world of golf, especially for Black people who are involved in the game. It will be brief, so let me get started!!
- Diversity Roundtable discussion & National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony
- Introducing PEYD
- Pin High Golf Apparel
- 30 years of Jazz, Rich in Spirit
Diversity Roundtable discussion & National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony
I look forward to attending the Diversity Roundtable discussion on golf and experiencing the National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta the weekend of May 20, 21, 2016. My good friend Dr. Michael Cooper knows my love of golf and my commitment to introducing and bringing as many youth and families to experience this wonderful and crazy game called golf. For Dr. Cooper and me, it’s more than playing the game it is the business and social implications that are compelling. The late, great Calvin Pete once told me-over a drink of scotch- that he has benefited from just being around the golf environment, i.e. the people you can meet, plus the deals and connections that are made. I look forward to meeting people and making some connections the weekend of May 20-21, 2016 in Atlanta.
Introducing Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD)
Established in Huntsville, Alabama in 2015, Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD) is a newly formed community service youth development organization.
Several individuals have committed their time and talents to serve and develop this 501(c)(3) non-profit, into a premier youth serving organization.
PEYD’s mission is to positively influence the lives of youth by providing educational programs that supports academics, develop character and encourage fitness.
PEYD is new in years, yet rich with years of service and expertise.
PEYD aims to address low academic achievement; character development; lifestyle decisions and improve family structure.
PEYD’s ultimate goal is to help solve and break the cycle of poverty while transforming lives in some of our youth and their families.
PEYD is assured that through the 3-5-10 Mentoring and Tutoring Initiative to address low academic achievement while using the sport of golf to develop character and influence lifestyle decisions to transform some lives of the youth and families PEYD pledge to serve.
PEYD activities are designed to encourage our participants, volunteers and board members to commit to integrity, mastery, accountability, self-reliance, work ethics, civility and service to others. These are PEYD core values!
The founding members of PEYD includes:
- Taylor Byrd, Jr., Ph.D.
- James O. Bearden, Jr.
- Reggi Clark
- Errol Davis
- LeRoy Gradford Jr., Ed.D.
- Kevin Hathaway
- Howard Bankhead
- Joe Collazo, Ed.D.
Pin High Golf Apparel
It is refreshing doing good business with young, positive and smart entrepreneurs especially when they just happen to be African American. I first met Franco Blackburn when he made a hole-in-one at a John Stallworth Foundation golf tournament in Huntsville, Alabama a few years ago. After that Franco volunteered as a math/golf instructor for my youth development program. I will share more of Franco’s bio and our partnership in another blog.
This section of the blog is to introduce our readers that’s not familiar with Pin High, the latest thing in golf apparel. Besides the world-class quality and pricing of the product, what makes Pin High a compelling choice for purchase is the methods in which Pin High is marketed, distributed and sold throughout the U.S. domestic market and regions beyond, by family owned and operated Agnate Group.
The Agnate Group is husband and wife team Franco and Elisabeth Blackburn, along with Elisabeth’s brother, David T. Wheeler, Jr. You can contact my main man Franco @francosblackburn@agnategroup.com also check out the website: http://www.pinhigh-golf.com/.
30 years of Jazz, Rich in Spirit
In 2001, the Board members of Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Jazz Society (TVJS) voted and to amend the articles of incorporation to expand the mission of the jazz society to include the promotion of heath and sports. The sport selected by the TVJS to promote was golf. The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society became known as the Tennessee Valley Jazz Society-Youth Development Program. We were the only organization in the entire world that offered jazz education & entertainment, health awareness and youth development life and golf skills. More on this unique arts agency and youth serving organization in another blog.
I am proud to announce my 30th year as being part of the TVJS and presenting the annual Jazz-N-June on the Mountain Festival. Since 1986, Jazz on the mountain has grown from a few hours of jazz in the state park, to a branded event called Jazz-N-June Festival, featuring Jazz-N-June on the Mountain.
The 30th annual for the Jazz-N-June (JNJ) Festival, June 12-19, 2016, will consist of eight days and nights of jazz-related activities. Jazz venues include libraries; colleges & universities; community centers; restaurants & bars and concerts halls. Events and activities will include jazz concerts; jazz jam Sessions; jazz education; sports events and quality of live activities. JNJ featured event is Jazz-N-June on the Mountain in Monte Sano State Park Amphitheater. We project over 3,200 festival goers to experience the various Jazz-N-June activities.
For more info you can contact directly @ tennesseevalleyjazz@gmail.com and visit www.tvjs.webs.com
For more information and to support contact Howard Bankhead @ hbankhead1@gmail.com / 256-604-8172
