BPACF Founder Tanya M. Allmond  "It is important as African Americans, that we assume responsibility for our progress by adapting the philosophies of giving and volunteerism as a way of life. It is critical that we set up instruments that extend beyond a single life span so that desirable goals continue to be supported long after the original perticipants are gone. The Foundation is set up to support present and future African American students who may not have sufficient educational resources available to them. This is not about "affirmative action" or skin color, this is about giving the "best and brightest" an opportunity to become productive assets to their families, professions, and communities".     BPACF Founder Art Baker "For me, there was a dual purpose in starting the Foundation. First, to support the education of young people in the African American community, not exclusively in academics, but also in the area of the arts, they might not otherwise experience. For example, we are exposing many young people through partnerships with organizations such as the Cleveland Opera, the Cleveland Ballet, and Karamu House. Secondly, we wanted to make a statement to the community that a visible and involved organization of Black professionals is committed to recruiting and supporting each other in ways that will allow us to develop talents that may be under-utilized in our daily occupations. I think of the BPA Charitable Foundation as a single body - with hundreds of willing hands. These hands are helping our commnity to blossom and bloom".     BPACF Founder Nancella Wilson - Harris  "Our volunteers and contributors touch the lives of hundreds of young people. We start with an awareness of our responsibility to invest in those who will follow us. We've never underestimated the magnitude of the task but we have moved forward with the confidence that our mission is clear and sound. The mission dictates that we expand and mazimize the social, cultural, and educational opportunities for African Americans. Seeing our young people succeed is the best return on our investment we could possibly ask for now and into the future".