ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives’ (NOBLE) National President, Gregory A. Thomas, is set to be a featured panelist at the 2nd Annual Bridge Forum in Phoenix, AZ (TheBridgeForum.com) on Thursday, June 2nd at the Crowne Plaza, Phoenix.

Currently, Thomas serves as Senior Executive for Law Enforcement Operations for the Kings County, Brooklyn District Attorney, and the nation’s third-largest public prosecutor’s office. Thomas advises the district attorney and his executive staff on criminal justice and law enforcement policy and procedures. Thomas is also the principal liaison to the New York City Police Department as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies conducting major investigations and operational matters.

In addition to serving as president to NOBLE’s 3,000 international members, Thomas is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and of the American Society of Industrial Security. Thomas is among the nation’s top emergency management and school-safety experts and author and co-author of several books including “Freedom from Fear: A Guide to Safety, Preparedness and the Threat of Terrorism.”

The daylong invitation only event hosted by The Checkered Flag Run Foundation and the Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce is an exclusive gathering of police chiefs nationwide to review solutions and best practices for community engagement. This year’s topic is Community Engagement & Best Practices.

The forum is moderated by education and criminal justice leader, Arizona State Rep. Reginald Bolding, who has led many law enforcement-related issues in Arizona including calling for body-worn cameras on police officers and community oriented policing strategies.

The 2016 panel includes:

• Chief Joseph G. Yahner, Phoenix
• Gregory A. Thomas, NOBLE President
• Chief David O. Brown, Dallas TX (NOBLE Member)
• Chief Antonio Brooklen, Miami Gardens, FL (NOBLE Member)
• Deputy Chief Vicki Foster, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC (NOBLE Member)
• Assistant Chief Mattie Provost, Houston, TX

Also attending are special guests Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton; Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery; Carlyle Holder, President, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice; Lamont Robinson, Vice President of Supplier Diversity, Nielsen; Byron T. Jones, Chief Financial Officer, University of Phoenix; Cloves C. Campbell Jr., Chairman Emeritus of the NNPA and Director of the Arizona Commission on African-American Affairs; and panelist Gregory A. Thomas, President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

The forum was initiated to serve as a fresh foundation for increased understanding and improved relations among police departments and communities. In the wake of reactions and perceptions of officer-involved shootings, the forum is an enlightened, firsthand exploration of the issues facing law enforcement leaders and the communities they serve. Law enforcement leaders and community representatives will discuss conscious and unconscious biases and the dynamics of community engagement, perception and behavioral shifts to come up with solutions towards resolution and healing for all.

In 2015, James A. “Spider” Marks, Executive Dean CSCJ, University of Phoenix and Major General (US Army Ret.) served as moderator. Panelists featured Chief Robert White, Denver; Assistant Chief Perry Tarrant, Seattle; Chief Joseph Yahner, Phoenix; Chief Calvin D. Williams, Cleveland; Director Lonnie Lawrence, Miami; Deputy Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, Atlanta; Chief Danielle Outlaw, Oakland, Calif.

About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives
Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African-American chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and criminal justice practitioners. For more information, visit www.noblenational.org.

About Checkered Flag Run Foundation (“CFRF”)
Founded by U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran Alan “AP” Powell, CRFR’s mission is to provide diverse educational programs that impact under served students. Access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment of every student getting to cross the “finish line”.

About the Black Chamber of Arizona (“BCA”)
The mission of the Black Chamber of Arizona (BCA) is to improve the economic development of our business entrepreneurs and the communities we serve.

Contact:
Dwayne A. Crawford
703-658-1529 (Office)
404-849-8966 (Mobile)
Email

SOURCE National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

PHOENIX, April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Through a strategic partnership directed by Checkered Flag Run Foundation founder and U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran Alan “AP” Powell, veterans and educators throughout metro Phoenix are coming together to fill vast teacher vacancies in Arizona schools, launching Veterans Reach to Teach, www.VeteransReachToTeach.com, May 4, 10am, at American Legion Post 65, Phoenix.

The program kicks off with special guest, veteran and former principal/substitute teacher Dr. Robert Pipkin, and key supporters Arizona Rep. Reginald Bolding; Executive Director of Teachers On Call Arizona Dan Nienhauser; Founder of Purposely, Aaron Bare; President/CEO of Black Chamber of Arizona Kerwin Brown and Powell. Veterans will be able to meet school district leaders, learn more about the substitute process and even apply for an IVP Fingerprint card.

“When a teacher is absent, without a substitute available, classes are frequently combined or other teachers lose their preparation period. This can impact multiple classroom learning environments,” said Rep. Bolding. “Quality substitute teachers can have a direct impact on underserved student populations.”

The Veterans Reach to Teach initiative is a resource for local school districts affected by the large number of teacher vacancies, also serving as a bridge for veterans looking to serve their local communities through education. A recent survey conducted by the Arizona School Administrators found 52 school districts anticipating nearly 1,700 vacancies for the 2016-2017 school year; a drastic increase from the 1,200 vacancies reported by 85 school districts in August 2015.

The program will assist veterans who have a bachelor’s degree in securing their substitute teaching certificate. Teachers On Call Arizona will provide veterans a wide variety of Professional Development courses, including specially developed coursework and will work closely with new veteran Guest Teachers to ensure they are well prepared for success in the classroom.

More than 532,000 veterans reside in Arizona, according to the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Teachers On Call Arizona, a local educational services agency, is partnering with the educational program-driven charity, Checkered Flag Run Foundation, Black Chamber of Arizona, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 65, Purposely.com and Rep. Bolding to connect, engage and prepare veterans for substitute teaching assignments beginning August 2016.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160427/361018

Phoenix, AZ — Maintaining its commitment to the City of Phoenix and area students, the Checkered Flag Run Foundation and the Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will donate 500 tickets for local inner city youth to attend the Phoenix Grand Prix this year. The donation is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the education and enrichment needs of area children, and helping to ensure every child gets to cross the finish line.

The donation follows a presentation of a gift of $5,000 in November to the City of Phoenix’s Park’s & Recreation during the City Council meeting for the Youth 365 initiative. Tickets for inner city youth to attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup were also donated. Nearly 250 guests attended.

“The staff and youth participants had an opportunity to experience a new sporting event which was thoroughly enjoyed,” said Inger Erickson, parks and recreation department director in a thank you letter to Alan “AP” Powell, Aaron D. Bare, Robert E. Branscomb II and Michael E. Johnson of the Checkered Flag Run Foundation. “Several of the youth mentioned that they want to become race car drivers. It is great to see our inner city youth have the opportunity to see a world beyond their neighborhoods through these types of experiences.”

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation’s mission is to provide diverse educational programs that impact under-served students. The organization strives to develop and invest in education specific to school readiness, raise awareness of educational opportunities that have a positive impact on educational attainment and promote diverse learning experiences to support necessary 21st century skills.

The organization’s programs include the Bridge Summit, an invitation-only forum that seeks solutions and best practices for law enforcement professionals, Phoenix Tools 4 School, a school supply drive for students in need and Racing to the Top, a scholarship program that promotes the importance of higher education.

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation is also a supporter and partner of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative which was launched by President Barack Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color, and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.

For more information about the Checkered Flag Run Foundation, including ways to support, visit www.cfrf.org

Source

City of Phoenix Extends Gratitude to Local Nonprofit for Its Commitment to Supporting the Education and Enrichment Needs of Local Children

Maintaining its commitment to the City of Phoenix and area students, the Checkered Flag Run Foundation & Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will donate 500 tickets for local inner city youth to attend the Phoenix Grand Prix this year. The donation is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the education and enrichment needs of area children, and helping to ensure every child gets to cross the finish line.

The donation follows a presentation of a gift of $5000 in November to the City of Phoenix’s Park’s & Recreation during the City Council meeting for the Youth 365 initiative. Tickets for inner city youth to attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup were also donated. Nearly 250 guests attended.

“The staff and youth participants had an opportunity to experience a new sporting event which was thoroughly enjoyed,” said Inger Erickson, parks and recreation department director in a thank you letter to Alan “AP” Powell, Aaron D. Bare, Robert E. Branscomb II and Michael E. Johnson of the Checkered Flag Run Foundation. “Several of the youth mentioned that they want to become race car drivers. It is great to see our inner city youth have the opportunity to see a world beyond their neighborhoods through these types of experiences.”

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation’s mission is to provide diverse educational programs that impact under-served students. The organization strives to develop and invest in education specific to school readiness, raise awareness of educational opportunities that have a positive impact on educational attainment and promote diverse learning experiences to support necessary 21st century skills.

The organization’s programs include the Bridge Summit, an invitation-only forum that seeks solutions and best practices for law enforcement professionals, Phoenix Tools 4 School, a school supply drive for students in need and Racing to the Top, a scholarship program that promotes the importance of higher education.

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation is also a supporter and partner of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative which was launched by President Barack Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color, and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.

For more information about the Checkered Flag Run Foundation, including ways to support, visit http://www.cfrf.org

Phoenix Area My Brother Keeper: Sports Box Dialogue to Feature Local Area Sports Legends and Executives to Encourage & Inspire Over 500 Students

(Newswire.net — August 19, 2015) Phoenix, AZ — My Brother’s Keeper: Sports Box Dialogue has lined up an all-star panel of former Phoenix area professional athletes to share their personal stories of sports, education and perseverance while encouraging middle school and high school students to pursue opportunities beyond the field, race track and court.

This is a free event to be held on September 12, 2015 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix is presented by the Checkered Flag Run Foundation (CFRF). This event will be co-presented by: The Black Chamber of Arizona, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Informant newspaper. This My Brother’s Keeper: Sports Box Dialogue event is one of several Phoenix area initiatives aligned with President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge that was accepted by City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and District 8 Councilwoman Kate Gallego.

The event will feature an esteemed panel moderated by the Honorable Art Hamilton and will include:

· Simeon Rice, former Arizona Cardinal, Three-Time Pro-Bowl Selection, Four-Time All Pro Selection and 2003 Super Bowl Champion

· Augie Ojeda, former Arizona Diamondback

· Cedric Ceballos, former Phoenix Sun, 1992 NBA Slam Dunk Champion, NBA 1995 All-Star Selection

· Adrian Williams, former Phoenix Mercury, 2003 WNBA All-Star Selection

Former NASCAR Truck Series Driver, T.J. Millington, will also attend the event, along with several local executives, including Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, Bryan R. Sperber, president of Phoenix International Raceway and De Jon Watson, senior vice president of operations for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and enrichment resources for students designed to help prepare and motivate them to seek education beyond a high school diploma. The CFRF’s mission is “investing in education to ensure every student gets across the finish line”.

“As the school year commences, we want to begin planting seeds in the minds of our youth that will sprout ideas, goals and dreams that will position them for success in the near and distant future,” said Alan (AP) Powell, founder of the Checkered Flag Run Foundation. “Our panel’s unique experiences will provide great insight for local youth and help them to begin putting their future in perspective. We want our youth to see the big picture and the opportunities that education can afford them.”

“Even though the likelihood of a young athlete pursuing a career in professional sports is quite low, the graduation rate of college athletes is over 80 percent,” Powell continued.”

The first 500 youth in attendance with an accompanied adult at the MBK: Sports Box Dialogue event will receive complimentary tickets, shirts and round trip transportation from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, to Chase Field for the Arizona Diamondbacks game against the Los Angeles Dodgers that evening.

MBK: Sports Dialogue Sponsors include: Arizona Diamondbacks, University of Phoenix, Pocket Teller Inc., Superstition Springs Jeep Chrysler Dodge, MESA Air, Phoenix Police Department, Rose+Moser+Allyn PR and Think Zilla PR. In addition, vendors will be onsite offering information on internships as well as job and volunteer opportunities for those in attendance.

For more information and to register for MBK: Sports Box Dialogue, visit http://cfrf.org The event will be held at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix AZ 85034) from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Doors will open at noon. For additional information on this event, call: 602.258.0831.

About Checkered Flag Run Foundation
The Checkered Flag Run Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization that makes available school readiness tools for elementary and middle school students, career educational resources such as career inventory assessment/workshops for high school students to close the gap, and serves to increase educational attainment beyond a high school diploma.

Checkered Flag Run Foundation
4455 East Camelback Road, Suite D-280
Phoenix, AZ 85018
United States
CFRFinfo@gmail.com

In the spirit of connecting sports with a purpose and impacting young lives, The Checkered Flag Run Foundation presents the all-star MBK Brother Up Forum with Boris Kodjoe, Daymond John, Dez Bryant, Freeway Rick Ross and more.

Phoenix, AZ, January 29, 2015 (Newswire.com) – A multitude of Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes from all sports will invade the Valley of the Sun attending the Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, Waste Management Open and a host of parties and festive events. In the spirit of connecting sports with a purpose and impacting young lives, The Checkered Flag Run Foundation (CFRF) presents the My Brother’s Keeper Brother Up Forum – Connecting Solutions to Action on Saturday, January 31st at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.