AN EAGER, INQUISITIVE, CAPACITY, CROWD CONVERGE AT BMX 2014 DC BASH
Proudly hosted at their new, state-of-the-art community space in Northeast DC, in partnership with celebrated D.C. staple Al Sura, Inc., the esteemed, innovative and long-standing Black Men’s Xchange (BMX) convened its’ first event of the year. The occasion was one of particular significance because it marked the beginning of new leadership development, the unveiling of a beautiful new location, new beginnings for former members who returned, and an introduction to brand new people eager to learn more about and join the BMX team.
The energetic crowd was also eager to meet and hear from Mr. Cleo Manago, Founder and CEO of The Black Men’s Xchange (BMX) and its national headquarters. According to Mr. Manago, “This event is an open house of sorts, to reassure the community that BMX is not just firmly planted in DC, but is fresh, improved and excited about hearing the communities’ voice, their concerns and ideas.” Mr. Manago went on to say, “The large crowd here today indicates the importance of BMX to this community. We are 25 years old. Yet, we still welcome transformation. It creates opportunity for introspection, problem-solving and new blood, new people to affirm and learn from.”
Facilitated by Mr. Darryl L C Moch, an Al Sura Inc. board member, and local activist, a vigorous dialogue took place between curious community members and the many present veterans of BMX. The interchange was respectful and illuminating. A clear highlight of the afternoon was the Grand Opening of the luxurious, new area where BMX’s popular Black men’s gatherings will take place. Enthused sight-seers openly commented on the beauty and tranquility of the new space. This, in sharp contrast to the badly lit library basement they met in for over a year. Almost simultaneously, BMX veterans exclaimed, “Our Brothers deserve this!”
Also introduced was the stunning new website recently launched by the DC Chapter (http://bmxdc.org/) and the brand new FaceBook page that in 3 days went from 3 likes, now to close to 800! https://www.facebook.com/BMXchangeDC. Clearly the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX) is on the move.
For more BMX information, email at BMXNational@gmail.com (recommended) or call at 888-472-2837.
During their re-organizational period, or until the community request more frequency, BMX Black Men’s gatherings will take place on a bi-monthly (every two weeks) basis. Address: 1160 1ST ST NE, STE #235, WASHINGTON, DC 20002-4696 (Look for “B. Xchange” in the entrance directory). At First and M Street, a 2 minute walk from the NoMa-Gallaudet U/New York Ave. red-line, Metro stop, one stop from Union Station.
The Black Men’s Xchange (BMX), a national 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to promoting healthy self-concept, constructive decision-making, functional relationships between same gender loving (SGL) Black men, critical thinking and cultural affirmation (CTCA) and leadership development among diverse African descendant-males and allies. The mission of BMX is to affirm, heal, educate, unify, and advocate social-justice for diverse Black males while providing tools for self-determination, community responsibility, self-actualization, well-being and the prevention of health threats.