This is the history of BDPA New York chapter from 1982-1997. We're hopeful it can be updated for the past 14 years...

1. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
1 | P a g e
You do not know where you are going unless you know where you have been. This axiom holds
true not only for individuals, but for organizations too. The importance of documenting the
chapter's history was impressed upon me earlier this year by HUMANWARE editor Leslie St.
Bernard. I thought it was a great idea to commit to paper some of events that have taken place
over the last nine years. So, into my files I went pulling out meeting minutes, appointment books,
back issues of HUMANWARE, meeting notes, reports, announcements and memos; everything I
had pertaining to BDPA. The following article is the product thereof. – Stanley Seymore (chapter
historian)
September 1982
Stan White of the (Northern) New Jersey Chapter contacted several of his co-workers at Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Greater New York inquiring if we wanted to get together to talk about an
organization named Black Data Processing Associates. Meeting after work in the Blue Cross
cafeteria a number of us decided to pursue the idea.
October 1982
All the parties interested in forming the NY Chapter of BDPA met at the LOOK UP DAY CARE
CENTER. The move to start the chapter had been initiated by Ernest Molina (a professional
recruiter) and this was the group's first opportunity to meet with him. Officers were elected and
committee chairpersons selected:
• President - Ernest Molina
• Vice-President - Debra Johnson
• Treasurer - Willie Cummings
• Recording Secretary - Barbara Gordon
• Corresponding Secretary - Stan Seymore
• Membership Committee Chairperson - George Baker
• Fund Raising Committee Chairperson - Ernest Molina
• Program Committee Chairperson – Stan Seymore
• Public Relations Committee Chairperson - Stan White
• Legal/Finance Committee Chairperson - Debra Johnson.
November 1982
Our group applies for membership to the National Chapter of BDPA.
January 1983
NY Chapter becomes BDPA's ninth chapter. Officers:
• President - Debra Johnson
• Vice-President - Willie Cummings
• Treasurer – George Baker
• Recording Secretary - Barbara Gordon
• Corresponding Secretary - Stan Seymore
February 1983
First Annual Membership Drive held at Norman Thomas High School.
Keynote address delivered by National Executive Director, Earl A.
Pace, Jr.

2. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
2 | P a g e
April 1983
First monthly program meeting held at the ABERDEEN HOTEL. Guest speaker Gerard
Anderson, National Chairperson, Education Committee addresses the audience on "The
Japanese Influence On Computers".
October 1983
Carl Coulter volunteers to chair the program committee.
January 1984
Officers:
• President - Willie Cummings
• Vice-President - Stan Seymore
• Treasurer - George Baker
• Recording Secretary - Barbara Gordon
• Corresponding Secretary - Judith Jones
• Membership Committee Chairperson - George Baker
• Program Committee Chairperson – Carl Coulter
• Fund Raising Committee Chairperson - Mary Palmer.
February 1984
Second Annual Membership Drive held at Norman Thomas High School. Keynote address
delivered by National Executive Director, Earl A. Pace, Jr.
June 1984
Editor Stan Seymore publishes first issue of HUMANWARE, the NY Chapter's official newsletter.
November 1984
Chapter Program Committee Chairperson Carl Coulter inaugurates chapter's community
outreach program by sponsoring a panel discussion for the organization PLAYING TO WIN, at
EAST HARLEM COMPUTER.
January 1985
NY Chapter establishes an alliance with the organization WOMEN IN DATA PROCESSING.
Their offices are put at our disposal for all of our chapters meetings.
March 1985
NY Chapter files with New York State for incorporation as a not-for-profit corporation.
June 1985
Third Annual Membership Drive held at WOMEN IN DATA PROCESSING. Keynote address
delivered by BDPA National Vice-President Gerard Anderson.
January 1986
Officers:
• President - Anita Wilson
• Vice-President - George Baker
• Treasurer - Roger Dunn
• Recording Secretary - Esther Curenton
• Corresponding Secretary - Stan Seymore
• Program Committee Chairperson - Roger Dunn
• Membership Committee Chairperson - George Baker
• Fund Raising Committee Chairperson - Barbara Gordon
• Public Relations/Newsletter - Stan Seymore.

3. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
3 | P a g e
February 1986
NY Chapter establishes a relationship with Paramount Pictures parent company Coca Cola.
Program meetings and Executive Committee meetings are held in the board room at the Coca
Cola building on Fifth Avenue in New York City. This impressive location helps to boost
membership in the NY Chapter to new heights.
June 1986
Debbie English appointed Chairperson of the Fund Raising Committee.
NY Chapter holds its first annual Spring Networking Affair (JuneNet);
keynote speaker Gerard Anderson, BDPA National Vice-President.
November 1986
An on-going relationship established with the United Negro College Fund to use their New York
Headquarters for Chapter program meetings.
December 1986
Holiday Christmas Party. Keynote speaker: Earl A. Pace, Jr., Co-Founder BDPA.
January 1987
Officers:
• President - George Baker
• Vice-President - Seitu Oronde
• Treasurer - Roger Dunn
• Recording Secreatry - Inell Altman
• Corresponding Secretary - Stan Seymore.
June 1987
Second Annual Spring Networking Affair (JuneNet) - Keynote speaker, George Baker, President,
NY Chapter.
October 1987
Charity basketball game: BDPA vs. KISS-FM radio station. Team members include: Kirk
Charles, Curtis Grimsley, Luis Hall, Bernard Jones, James Leggett, Stan White and Steve
Witherspoon. Coaches were Bill Steele and Michael Robinson. Proceeds donated to the United
Negro College Fund. Carol Jennings appointed Chairperson of the Education Committee with the
chief responsibility to organize the chapter's first high school computer competition team.
November 1987
NY Chapter joins the Coalition of Black Professional Organizations. This association leads to
greater visibility of our organization and to wider financial support.
December 1987
Annual Christmas Celebration and Chapter Awards Dinner is held. Recognized for service to
chapter are: Stan Seymore, Roger Dunn, Debbie English, Roxanne Clinton and Michael
Robinson. A special Life Achievement Award bestowed upon Ted Seymour for his recently
completed circumnavigation of the earth.
NY Chapter makes $1000 donation on the UNCF telethon.

4. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
4 | P a g e
January 1988
Officers:
• President - Michael Robinson
• Vice-President - Jams Gould
• Treasurer - Lus Hall
• Recording Secretary - Inell Altman
• Corresponding Secretary - Evette Pettaway
• Bylaws Committee Chairperson - Kenneth Jenkins
• Public Relations Committee Chairperson - Lynn Williams
• Career Development Chairperson - Lammot Cottman.
NY Chapter brings together the Negro Ensemble Company and the Albert Merrill School to form
a Data Entry Internship Program. The program provides practical Data Processing experience to
Albert Merrill students. Urban League/BDPA Bulletin Board set up by chapter member and Urban
League Programmer/Analyst Marcos Edghill.
March 1988
NY Chapter President Michael Robinson appointed to BDPA National Public Relations
Committee.
April 1988
Annual Spring Affair held at Adam's Apple.
Wayne Johnson appointed chairperson of Chapter Finance Committee.
June 1988
Chapter's High School Computer Competition Awards Dinner sponsored by Equitable Life.
Third Annual Spring Networking Affair (JuneNet).
July 1988
President Michael Robinson and Vice-President James Gould meet with staff from the "Inroads"
program. Chapter to aid in the setting up of data processing facilities.
August 1988
A Theatre Party to the Negro Ensemble Company Production of "From The Mississippi Delta"
was sponsored by NY Chapter and Black Women in Publishing.
September 1988
NY Chapter wins Chapter of the Year and Community Service Awards at the BDPA National
Conference in Chicago. National High School Computer Competition won by the NY sponsored
team. NY Chapter member Roger Dunn appointed Chairperson of the National Bylaws
Committee. NY Chapter chosen to host 1991 National Conference.
December 1988
Third Annual Awards Dinner held at Harlem State Office Building. Carol Jennings receives
Chapter Member of the Year Award; Roger Dunn, Stan Seymore and Roxanne Burrus receive
Outstanding Member Awards; the Education Committee receives Outstanding Committee Award;
Accurate Information Systems receives Corporation of the Year Award; Gil Noble, television
producer/personality, given Lifetime Achievement Award.

5. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
5 | P a g e
January 1989
Officers:
• President - Michael Robinson
• Vice-President - Roxanne Burrus
• Treasurer - Luis Hall
• Recording Secretary - Inell Altman
• Corresponding Secretary - Evette Pettaway
• Membership Committee Chairperson - Janice Todman
• Public Relations Committee Chairperson - Antonio Brown
• Fund Raising Committee Chairperson - Debra English
• Education Committee Chairperson - Carol Jennings
• Program Committee Chairperson - Roger Dunn
• Career Development Chairperson - Lammot Cottman
• Newsletter Committee Chairperson - Stan Seymore
• Finance Committee Chairperson - Wayne Johnson
• 1991 Conference Chairperson - Thelma Gattis.
Telephone answering service contracted for Chapter: (212-502-3986). NY Chapter Bulletin
Board System (718-592-7156) set up by SYSOP Ron Caldwell.
February 1989
NY Chapter sponsors African Heritage Weekend. Day one features the presentation "African
Origins of Math and Science". Day two features "An African Heritage Celebration" including an
African dance troupe, a report from the African National Congress and vendors of Afrocentric
books and articles.
March 1989
NY chapter President Michael Robinson receives Harlem YMCA Black Achievers Award.
April 1989
NY chapter sponsors Theatre Party for the National Black Theatre's opening night production of
Songs of Sheba. Charity basketball game for the benefit of the United Negro College Fund held
between BDPA and KISS-FM radio station.
June 1989
Fourth Annual Spring Networking Affair (JuneNet) held.
July 1989
Ron Caldwell appointed Chairperson of the Finance Committee. He begins the process of
updating chapter financial policies and procedures.
September 1989
High School Computer Competition Awards Dinner sponsored by Equitable Life. NY Chapter
member Stan Seymore assumes editorial responsibility for BDPA's National Journal. NY Chapter
sponsored team wins National High School Computer Competition at the BDPA Annual
Conference.
November 1989
NY Chapter sponsors Theatre Party for the National Black Theatre's opening night production of
Heaven Sent. The television show "The McCreary Report" includes a segment on the NY Chapter
High School Computer Competition Program.

6. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
6 | P a g e
December 1989
Fourth Annual Awards Dinner held at Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza exemplifying
chapter's efforts to re-circulate our dollars in the minority community.
January 1990
Officers:
• President - Roxanne Burrus
• Vice-President - James Leggett
• Treasurer - Sandra Gallier-Philpots
• Recording Secretary – Evette Pettaway
• Corresponding Secretary - Angillia Byer
• 1991 Conference Chairperson - Thelma Gattis
• Program Committee Chairperson - Eleanor Clarke
• Public Relations Chairperson - Antonio Brown
• Finance Committee Chairperson - Ron Caldwell
• Newsletter - Ken Jenkins.
March 1990
Ebony Magazine named NY Chapter member Shirley Naaman one of the "Best and Brightest
Black Women in Corporate America".
August 1990
Annual Networking Affair (AugNet) fund raiser held at Adam's Apple. An evening of networking,
executive recruitment, live entertainment, food and dancing.
October 1990
Augusta Van Duzen appointed Membership Committee Chairperson.
December 1990
NY Chapter Recording Secretary Evette Pettaway hosts annual end of year celebration.
January 1991
Officers:
• President - Tony Codrington
• Vice-President - Jeffrey Kimble
• Treasurer - Angillia Byer
• Corresponding Secretary - Deborah English
• Recording Secretary - Lorraine Glasgow
• Communications Committee Chairperson - Leslie St. Bernard
• Education Committee Chairperson - Kelvin Diamond
• Finance Committee Chairperson - Ron Caldwell
• Fund Raising Committee Chairperson - Lloyd Sterling
• Membership Committee Chairperson - Augusta Van Duzen
• Public Relations Committee Chairperson - Greg Simms
• 1991 National Conference Committee Chairperson - Thelma Gattis
NY Chapter member Ken Jenkins elected president of the Yonkers, NY Chapter of the NAACP.
February 1991
NY chapter hosts “Getting to the Core of African-American Heritage” program meeting at
Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. 270 Park Avenue. Panelists were Professor James Small,
Director of Black Studies and Finly Student Center, City College New York, Nathaniel C. Harris,
Jr., President NatWest Community Development Corp., Gloria Turner, Vice President - Morgan
Bank, spokesperson The New Yorker Club.

7. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
7 | P a g e
June 1991
NY chapter hosts JuneNet, its social and networking affair at the New Yorker Club. Shirley Elaine
Naaman, NY chapter member since 1987 and Metropolitan Life, Vice President -Personal
Insurance Financial Management passes.
July 1991
NY chapter hosts Roundtable of Career Choices at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. Owen
McKenzie – Recruitment Specialist, The City of New York Department of Personnel Managerial
and Professional Recruitment Program, presenter.
August 1991
NY hosts the 13
th
Annual National BDPA Technology Conference “Getting to the Core of
Technology” at the New York Hilton. Metropolitan Life hosts the prayer breakfast and closing
session in remembrance of Shirley Naaman.
January 1992
NY chapter hosts Career Development and Advancement In A Changed Corporate Environment
program meeting at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. Dr. John W. Work, Work Associates is the
featured speaker.
May 1992
NY chapter assists NYNEX Minority Management Associated in efforts to improve conditions and
quality of education at Thomas Jefferson High School.
June 1992
NY chapter hosts Effective Presentations program meeting at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co.
V. Paul Mitchell – Recruitment Specialist, Alexander Thompson and Company is featured
speaker.
July 1992
The N.Y.C. chapter establishes a relationship with the Urban Network and co-hosts the first joint
fund-raiser of African American Professional Organizations at the Palladium 126 East 14
th
street.
NY chapter hosts Roundtable of Career Choices program meeting at Manufacturers Hanover
Trust Co. Owen McKenzie – Recruitment Specialist, The City of New York Department of
Personnel Managerial and Professional Recruitment Program.
August 1992
NY chapter member Roxanne Burrus is elected National BDPA Treasurer. NY chapter member
Thelma Gattis is appointed as director of National BDPA Strategic Development Department.
September 1992
NY chapter hosts Roundtable on Entrepreneurship at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co.
Panelists included Michael Paschal, President, Universal Computer Works, Inc., Gloria Nixon-
Harris, President, Glorious New Homes Realty, Chester Curenton, Image Consultant, Classic
Statement, Samuel L. Dunston, President and CEO, National Allotment Insurance Agency, LTD
and Hensley Massop, President, Mass Travel International.
October 1992
NY chapter hosts Roundtable on Systems Development at Chemical Bank Corporation.
Moderator, David Lomax, CDI. Panelists, Roger Dunn, Star Systems, William Brown, Jr., MONY
and Tony Codrington, Chemical Bank.
December 1992
NY chapter hosts Christmas/Kwanzaa party in conjunction with the Urban Network at the Roxy’s
515 West 18
th
Street.

8. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
8 | P a g e
January 1993
Officers:
• President – Roger Dunn
• Vice-President – Renee McClure
• Treasurer - Angillia Byer
• Corresponding Secretary – David Miller
• Recording Secretary – Anita Vega
May 1993
NY chapter participates in Long Island Volunteer Enterprise (LIVE). LIVE pulls together major
corporations and non-profits to assist those in need. NY chapter secures an exhibitor booth at
upcoming Black Expo.
June 1993
NY chapter secures an exhibitor booth at PC Expo held in Jacob Javits Convention Center.
August 1993
NY chapter High School Computer Competition team wins 2
nd
place at the national HSCC
championships held in Kansas City KS.
September 1993
NY chapter president Roger Dunn passed away. Renee McClure becomes chapter president.
January 1994
Officers:
• President – Renee McClure
• Vice-President – Valerie Hammond
• Treasurer - Angillia Byer
• Corresponding Secretary – David Miller
• Recording Secretary – Anita Vega
May 1994
NY chapter creates strategic alliance with National Cristina Foundation and National Council of
Negro Women (Bronx Chapter). Financial books reviewed by CPA.
June 1994
NY chapter hosted BDPA Northeast Regional Conference with participation by Northern New
Jersey and Philadelphia chapters. NY chapter participated in PC Expo and LIVE.
July 1994
NY chapter participated in Summer Sizzler with Urban Network Organizations.
August 1994
NY chapter wins 2
nd
place in the National High School Computer Competition championships
held in Cleveland, OH. NY chapter member Roxanne Burrus re-elected as National BDPA
Treasurer. NY chapter member Thelma Gattis elected as National BDPA Recording Secretary.
January 1995
Officers:
• President – Renee McClure
• Vice-President – Valerie Hammond
• Treasurer - Angillia Byer
• Corresponding Secretary – David Miller
• Recording Secretary – Anita Vega

9. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
9 | P a g e
July 1995
NY chapter established the Network Journal Magazine. NY chapter secures general liability
insurance. NY chapter secures exhibitor’s booth at Career Expo.
August 1995
NY chapter wins Chapter Management Award from National BDPA. NY chapter is named 2
nd
runner-up for National Chapter of the Year award. August program meeting hosted at Novell
facilities. NY chapter creates Track-On Training Organization.
October 1995
NY chapter opens up Education and Training Center in Brooklyn.
December 1995
NY chapter hosts annual Christmas/Kwanzaa fundraising event with Urban Network.
January 1996
Officers:
• President – Renee McClure
• Vice-President – Valerie Hammond
• Treasurer - Angillia Byer
• Corresponding Secretary – David Miller
• Recording Secretary – Anita Vega
February 1996
NY chapter creates strategic alliance with Northeast Regional office of Microsoft. Program
meeting held at Microsoft facility. MetLife underwrites annual Corporate Reception.
April 1996
Con Edison begins to host NY chapter monthly program meetings.
May 1996
Microsoft underwrites NY High School Computer Competition budget and training center software
requirements. Novax underwrites entire 8-week Virtual Basic training for eight (8) high school
students. Filed 990 with IRS and books reviewed by CPA.
June 1996
New York hosted First Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet. Participated in LIVE and
LILCO/Wayside Career Day.
July 1996
NY Chapter secured travel and accident insurance for all chapter members. NY participated in
annual Summer Sizzler fundraising event.
August 1996
NY chapter wins second place in National High School Computer Competition. NY chapter wins
1
st
runner-up for Chapter of the Year. Renee McClure is named National Member of the Year.
Valerie Hammond is elected as National BDPA Vice President.
November 1996
NY chapter creates the Emerging Technology committee.
December 1996
NY chapter hosts annual Christmas/Kwanzaa fundraiser. Novax agrees to train high school
computer competition students in CY-1997.

10. BDPA New York Chapter History (1982-1997)
10 | P a g e
January 1997
Officers:
• President – Renee McClure
• Vice-President – Carl Coulter
• Treasurer – Anita Vega
• Corresponding Secretary – vacant
• Recording Secretary – Doreen Patterson
February 1997
NY chapter hosts program meeting on Black History Month with the JAVA Group at NY
University. NY chapter moves its banking account to Carver Savings and establishes a separate
scholarship account.
April 1997
NY chapter hosts Funtherapy event at Birdland. NY chapter secures 501(c)6 tax-exempt status.
May 1997
NY chapter hosts Spring Fling with Urban Network group. The chapter creates new webpage on
the Internet.
June 1997
NY chapter hosts Entrepreneur Power Breakfast with the Harlem Venture Group – Tony Brown is
the keynote speaker. NY chapter also participates in PC Expo and LILCO/Wayside Career Day.
August 1997
NY chapter High School Computer Competition team wins 3
rd
place at the 1997 national
championships held in Houston TX.
September 1997
NY chapter secures exhibitor’s booth at IT Forum Expo held at the Jacob Javits convention
center.
October 1997
NY chapter hosts program meeting at Microsoft. 2nd Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet
held this month.