Black Advisory Council (BAC)

The Black Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of a variety of community stakeholders including Bigs, Littles, staff, board members, members of partner organizations or individuals supporting the programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) by increasing the involvement and engagement within the African American community of Greater San Antonio area.

Some of BAC’s activities:

• January:  Attend the MLK March and help recruit volunteers and families. Participate in National Mentoring Month Activities
• February:  Host the BBBS Black History Month Mixer and James Blair Award
• May:  Host a table or bring a friend to a  Little Moments, Big Magic Luncheon
• June:  Support the BBBS Summer Reading Challenge. Attend the Juneteenth event and help recruit volunteers and families.
• Summer: Participate in Car Wash for Kids Sake
• September:  Support the BBBS Back to School Campaign
• December: Support the From Me To You holiday store
• All year:
  • Promote awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission, services and outcomes to the African American community;
  • Provide advice, guidance and perspective to the Board and staff
  • Identify recruitment opportunities; staff recruitment booths/ fairs
  • Participate/host in agency match activities
  • Speak on behalf of the agency
  • Call, write or visit with elected officials
  • Contribute to our BIG VOICES: A Black Lives Matters Series

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James Blair Award

Purpose of Award:  The James Blair Award is presented annually by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas Black Advisory Council (BAC) to a member of the San Antonio African American community for their work to ensure youth have the adult support and guidance they need to be successful.  

History of the James Blair Award: The James Blair Award was established in 2012 to honor a past member and founder of the Black Advisory Council who passed away unexpectedly.

Previous James Blair Award Winners:  

• Stewart Blanton (2023)
• Michael Torres (2021)
• Shermeka Hudson – Spurs, Sports and Entertainment (2020)
• Ivy Taylor – former San Antonio Mayor and City Council Woman, Big Sister and Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Member (2016)
• Charlie William Boyd, Jr – Big Brother, former BAC member and chair and former BBBS Board member (2015) 
• Keith Singelton – Big Brother and former BAC member (2014)
• Aissatou Sidme Blanton – Big Sister, former BAC member and chair (2013) 
• San Antonio Cares – an organization dedicated to recruiting mentors for youth (2012) 

Eligibility Requirements:  Nominees must be San Antonio Area Mentors or members of the San Antonio Area community associated with local African American Mentoring initiatives.

Criteria for Selection:  Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria: 

1. Served as a mentor of record for a African American youth during the previous 12 months. 
2. Demonstrated excellence in mentoring support African American youth.
3. Demonstrated commitment to personal improvement as a mentor (e.g., participation in San Antonio Area Community Mentor training; making a concerted effort to improve mentoring knowledge and skills).
4. Is an organization that promotes mentoring. 

Nomination Deadline: Nominations must be submitted via the online nomination Form to be considered.

Supporting information:  Nominators and nominees may be contacted to obtain the following supporting documentation:  

1. Nomination letter(s) from mentee(s) and/or letter from community members. 
2. Self-statement of mentoring philosophy/approach.

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BAC Mixer 2023

Council Members

mentoring programs for San Antonio volunteers