I appreciate the opportunity of being considered for the Board of Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles. I wanted to provide you all with some information about myself.
I am a Los Angeles native who graduated from University HS in West Los Angeles in 1984. I furthered my education at Texas Southern University and was a Houston resident for 10 years. While attending TSU, I discovered that I had a knack and passion for writing and became an editor for the schools yearbook and newspaper. I later moved on to be an editor for Houston’s largest Black newspaper at that time.
I also discovered a passion for community organization as it related to the improvement of African American communities. Along with studying Black history and attending lectures, I got involved with several initiatives over those years. I organized a program on campus bringing in local elected officials/candidates and community activist to bring awareness to issues impacting the community. I became a health care professional where I was promoted to management over my 6-year tenure.
I eventually moved back to Los Angeles where I finished my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Cal State Los Angeles. I was recruited to work on an IT project where I became a subject expert in the Statewide system for child welfare which began my 34-year IT career. I mentored many young men in my community and eventually starting a grass roots mentorship program named “Boys-2-Men”. This led to my involvement with being a charter member of Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles. I also was a past president over a parent fundraising committee at my children’s school which was highlighted by organizing a full field golf tournament for two years.
I am a family man who has been married for 21 years and have two children. I’ve coached numerous times over the years that included AYSO Region 7 soccer, Westchester Park Basketball, and Ladera Park baseball. I am an avid golfer and martial artist for many years (adjust skill level for age…lol).
I enjoyed participating in the mentor sessions CBMLA held at Robertson Recreation Center and believe I can contribute to further development of CBMLA programming and fund raising.
Thank you for your consideration,
Richard Crawford
Email : [email protected]
