BDPA State of the Chapter (Philadelphia, January 2014)

BDPA Philadelphia hosted its annual 'State of the Chapter' meeting in last month. Featured speakers included BDPA Philadelphia chapter president Eileen Gadsden, National BDPA president Dr. Craig Brown and National BDPA founder Earl Pace. Enjoy this video clip from that meeting:

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Why the "Black" in Black Data Processing Associates?

BDPA founder Earl Pace shared this message with National BDPA Board of Directors back in November 1992. His message resonates today in 2013 as much as it did 21 years ago.

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"You have asked me to submit a written statement as to why BDPA has 'Black' has part of its name. Does the United Jewish Appeal have to explain 'Jewish'? Do the Polish American Clubs explain 'Polish'? Does the National Association of Women Business Owners explain 'Women'? The name explains who we were organized to serve and where our objectives are directed.

Perhaps the response to those who question our use of the word 'Black' should simply be, 'That's our name. That is how you will know it is us. Do *YOU* have a problem with the word 'Black'? What does it mean to *YOU*?'

The stated objectives of BDPA are to:

1. strengthen the expertise of people of color in the computer field
2. offer this expertise to people of color considering computer-related careers
3. broaden the knowledge of technological advances in our community
4. participate in community activities directly related to the computer field

It should be noted that membership in BDPA is open to all persons regardless of race, creed, sex or national origin.

However, since it's inception BDPA's orientation and programs have been directed towards African Americans. Why? Because as was the case in 1975, African Americans still experience a disproportionate share of unemployment job discrimination and career blockage.

If our objectives and programs are sound and fair, that is what you are supporting. Not a name. I hope this concludes this exercise and discussion that has taken up much, too much of our time and energy. Either we are 'Black' or we are not!"

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I appreciate Earl for taking time to share his perspective on the 'name' issue. I've heard many argue about our organization's name for much of the past 35 years. My personal solution has been simple -- I refer to our organization almost exclusively by it's acronym, BDPA. I figure that BDPA can consider changing its name once AT&T decides to remove 'telegraph' or NAACP decides to remove 'colored people'. BDPA is a wonderful organization of Black professionals in the information technology industry who are doing good works all over the nation. Let BDPA be known by its deeds!

2013 BDPA Chapter Management Award: New York

BDPA New York was awarded the Chapter Management Award for the third year in a row at the 2013 National BDPA Technology Conference at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington DC.

BDPA co-founder Earl Pace presented the Chapter Management Award during the opening ceremony. The BDPA Chapter Management Award was bestowed upon the BDPA New York and its members for their outstanding achievements in the operational and organizational management of their chapter.

The award was presented to the BDPA New York chapter president Renetta English.

BDPA is a global member focused organization that positions its members at the forefront of the IT industry. BDPA is committed to delivering IT excellence to their members, strategic partners, and community. The National BDPA Awards Program provides a means to recognize individual chapters and members for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the mission and objectives of the National organization.

BDPA Leaders Tout Upcoming Career Fair on 'NewsTalk' in Washington DC

 

National BDPA founder Earl Pace and media mogul Sharrarne Morton share insights about the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference on a recent episode of 'NewsTalk'.

Take a moment to enjoy the interview on the ABC affiliate network in Washington DC.

Earl, Sharrarne and other BDPA leaders are working hard to encourage heavy foot traffic at the BDPA Career Fair on August 16-17, 2013 at the Washington Hilton. Attend in person ... bring your resume and a friend! If you can't attend in person then you can still register on the BDPA Job Board.

Introducing the 1st Annual BDPA Hall of Fame

Earl Pace

In 2013, BDPA will inaugurate its first members into the BDPA Hall Of Fame. Similar to other national and professional organizations, BDPA will celebrate and acknowledge members of the organization who have made very significant contributions to the existence, advancement and success of the organization.

From August 14-17, 2013, BDPA will conduct its 35th annual Technology Conference and Career Fair at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. In addition to distribution of several organization awards, conducting numerous development workshops, networking sessions and panel discussions, this year’s Conference will also include the first Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It is expected that over seven hundred members, corporate leaders and technology professionals will attend the event.

Diane Davis

This year’s Hall Of Fame group was selected by a panel of the BDPA National Executive Council. In 2014 and beyond, nominations will be accepted from the BDPA Community and enshrines announced during the annual BPDA National Technology Conference.

The following individuals represent the inaugural BDPA Hall of Fame group.

Dr. Jesse Bemley

- Innovator, Dr. Jesse Bemley
- Contributor, Diane Davis
- Co-Founder, Earl A Pace Jr
- Co-Founder, the late David Wimberly

Please visit www.BDPA.org for more information regarding BDPA, our 35th Anniversary Technology Conference and Career Fair or this year’s 2013 Hall of Fame group.

Happy Birthday: Earl Pace (BDPA Founder)

I join BETF-Blog readers in wishing a glorious birthday to our visionary leader and founder -- Earl A. Pace, Jr. All current BDPA members and leaders should take a moment today to reflect on our organizational legacy ... the shoulders on which we stand today ...

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I don't know the year of birth for Mr. Pace. I do know that National BDPA only had one president in the 1970s...

Earl Pace served as our national leader from 1976 thru 1980. Earl has been in the Information Technology (IT) industry since 1965. He began as a computer programmer trainee at the Pennsylvania Railroad. He left the PRR in 1967. Over the next ten years, he rose through the ranks of programmer, programmer analyst, programming manager to Vice President of a financial telecommunications company in Philadelphia, PA.

Earl Pace became a business owner in 1976 when he incorporated Pace Data Systems for which he is still president. Pace Data Systems is a full service information technology firm providing services through its Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC offices primarily to banks.

In 1975, he co-founded BDPA in Philadelphia and operated as its president for two years. In 1978, he coordinated the formation of BDPA into a national organization and functioned as its first National President until 1980. BDPA has grown into the largest national professional organization representing people of African descent in the IT industry.

In 1997, he received the National Technical Association’s National Technical Achiever Award as Computer Scientist of the Year.

In 2001 and 2002, Black Money Magazine named him as one of the 50 Most Influential African Americans in Information Technology.

Within BDPA and on a broader national scale, Earl Pace has been a vocal advocate for business ownership. His primary message since starting BDPA has been that African Americans should strive to rise above "just a job" to membership on the Board of Directors and beyond that to owning and operating their own business. Earl continues to be very active in the business and education community in Philadelphia, Washington DC and Baltimore, MD.

He is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and pursued graduate studies at Temple University in Philadelphia. He is married and has one daughter, one son and one granddaughter.

BETF-Blog readers, care to share your favorite memory about Bro. Pace?