BRAG History
The Black Retail Action Group, Inc. also known as BRAG was founded in 1970 as an outgrowth of a similar organization, the National Negro Retail Advisory Group (NNRAG). Although the latter organization folded, some of its members felt that the Group’s basic concepts were nonetheless valid and should, therefore, be perpetuated. Thus, with a nucleus of NNRAG members, the Black Retail Action Group was born.
The first General Membership meeting of the group was held in 1970, and interest exhibited reinforced the belief that an organization of this type was needed and could serve as a positive force in securing the participation of minorities in retail and related industries.
BRAG, a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization, is dedicated to the inclusion of African Americans and all people of color in retail and related industries.
Structure
The Board of Directors is the policy-making body of the organization and convenes monthly. Members of the Board are appointed by the President annually, with the exception of four members, who can be elected annually by the General Membership. The General Membership meets quarterly.
National Officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve for a period of two years. The President, V.P. of Finance, V.P. of Planning and Regional V.P.'s (if any) hold office for two years during even numbered years. The V.P. of Operations, Secretary and Parliamentarian hold office for two years during odd numbered years.
The committees of BRAG constitute the action program of the organization. Our Core Committees are:
Membership Development - The Membership Development Committee goals and objectives are to align itself with the BRAG strategic plan to recruit new members (re-enlist former members), retain existing members, plan general membership meetings and continue to expand the organization regionally and with college clubs.
Executive Development - The Executive Development Committee goals and objectives are to provide educational and relevant information to our professional and student membership and corporate supporters at the beginning and throughout their careers through the Accelerated Development Program, The Internship Program, The Job Bank and the Executive Development Series.
Community Development - The Community Development Committee goals and objectives are to focus on programs such as our Holiday bring-a-toy event, Black History Month celebration, Scholarship Program and Dinner Gala that enhance the communities where BRAG works and does business so that the organization contributes to the overall quality of life in the area(s).
Our Support Committees are:
Marketing/Communications - The Marketing Committee goals and objectives are to enhance the BRAG brand by coordinating the communications of the organization in conjunction with the BRAG core committees, the BRAG Board of Directors and the Officers of the organization. The committee will be composed of BRAG board members as well as BRAG members and will achieve its objectives by:
- Working with core committees to conceive and execute all oganization material, collateral, programs and events.
- Working with core committees to develop and execute the messaging strategy for all BRAG initiatives.
Finance/Fundraising - The Fundraising /Finance Committee goals and objectives are to work with core committees to build a financial plan which would determine how much revenue each committee might potentially generate for the organization. This plan will allow the organization to better drive its business and position the organization to capture new opportunities in the marketplace.
Each committee is headed by a chairperson(s) who is responsible for monthly reports to the President and Board of Directors.
Talking Points
In the years since its inception, BRAG has consistently maintained a record of accomplishments in attracting young people to the retail industry. Its "Big Brother and Sister" role is demonstrated each year when, in addition to participating on various scholarly panels, its members serve as hosts to students participating in the BRAG Summer Internship Program. The internship program is a comprehensive work and professional development module that is designed to expose students to the industry in a no-nonsense realistic setting. During the eleven-week program, BRAG sponsors various activities for the interns, such as; seminars, workshops, retail math classes, a business case study and group outings which afford the students the opportunity of meeting and exchanging views with professionals involved in various phases of retail and related industries.
During the Spring of 2001 BRAG formed its first College Club Chapter at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The purpose of the chapter was to offer guidance and direction to the students at FIT and to provide a means of expanding the organizations membership. BRAG accomplishes this by providing students with meaningful one-on-one mentoring, the chance to network, employment opportunities and also with scholarships awarded annually to students who have achieved academic success and who exhibit financial need.
The success of the FIT chapter has prompted the organization to expand this program to other colleges and universities who support the BRAG mission and vision. In the Fall of 2007 College Club Chapters were opened at Howard University and The Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM). During the Spring of 2009 Ohio State University and Centenary College were added chapters to their roster of student clubs as well.
BRAG’s fundraising activities are the primary source of income that supports the organization’s various projects and scholarships program. In addition, the group sponsors other activities which act as catalysts in bringing together African Americans and other people of color in the industry, thereby fostering better communication among its members with the industry.
BRAG’s Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Gala recognizes outstanding achievements made by persons in retail and related industries as well as other business and industry sectors, the arts and education.
BRAG’s "Golden Pencil Award" was the first of its kind to recognize the contributions made by black buyers in the industry.
The Executive Development Series is a unique interactive series of workshops designed to help individuals at all stages of their career identify and devise action plans to achieve a breakthrough to success.
BRAG supports other community activities such as a Black History Celebration which raises awareness about the contributions of African-Americans. BRAG contribute toys each Holiday Season to local agencies for distribution to needy children.
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