IL HR0989

Commends Pamela Blackman for her community service work as president and CEO of Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts since 2020

Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts (formerly Better Boys Foundation) is a nonprofit providing community engagement, education, employment services, family services, health equity, and youth services to underprivileged youth and families

Under Blackman's leadership, the organization has established a scholarship program, reestablished its dance program, added music and STEM classes, and formed partnerships with organizations including Champs, Polished Pebbles, and Ladies of Virtue

Blackman has founded two additional nonprofits (Random Acts of Kindness and the Blackman-Reese-Rose Foundation) that provide college scholarships and has served as president and CEO of Joy Entertainment & Event Management since 1998

Blackman holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in childhood education, human behavior, social work, and psychology, and received a Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award in 2023