History
Black Agency Executives today stands upon the shoulders of the men and women who are our Founding Members. They were some of the first ever Black executives of major human services organizations in NYC. Their goals were straight forward - support one another, add a Black voice to the policy issues impacting their organizations and achieve together, what none of them could achieve alone.
They initiated the MLK luncheon as a means to network and introduce Black Executives and Board members. The first luncheons were held at Ashford and Simpson's first NYC restaurant '20/20' (20 West 20th Street) and was attended by less than 50 persons. Today, the MLK Luncheon attracts more than 500 people and our member agencies continue to impact over 205,000 New York City residents each year. While their goals were simple, their impact has been enormous. In fulfilling the mission of BAE, they leave a legacy for the generations of leader to come.
BAE History Timeline
1973 BAE Founded
1976 First Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon Event with 50 attendees
1976 First of Many BAE International Retreats
1989 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon Event expands to 500 attendees
1989 First Annual Founders' Day Awards
1993 Power Breakfast Series Launched
1998 BAE Summer Networking Retreat Launched
2003 Leadership Learning Series Launched
2008 BAE Donates $10,000 to the New Orleans Relief Effort
2008 Emerging Leaders Conference Launched attracting 200 attendees
2009 BAE 20th Annual Founders' Day Award
2016 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Luncheon