About Us
History
Established on September 19, 1967, the Baltimore Marketing Association (BMA) served as the precursor to the Baltimore Marketing Association Scholarship Foundation (BMASF). The BMA's core objectives were to foster professionalism within its membership, champion Black-owned businesses, and provide financial assistance to students enrolled in Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The financial support came in the form of scholarships for students majoring in marketing, sales, finance, and related courses of study. In 1967, with most BMA members being graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), they felt compelled to support students at Maryland’s HBCUs. Over its 41-year history, BMA awarded over $140,000.00 in scholarship support to support this effort.
In addition to providing scholarship support, BMA felt it essential to introduce these scholarship recipients to prominent business leaders in the Baltimore area. This was accomplished by connecting them with notable business leaders recognized and honored by BMA at its Annual Awards Business Dinner. Some of these notable business leaders were Henry G. Parks, Chairman of the Board of H.G. Parks, Inc. (Parks Sausage); Kenneth O. Wilson, Advertising Manager, Afro American Newspapers; Cathy Hughes, owner and CEO of Radio One Company; Joseph Haskins, Jr., Chair, President & CEO, The Harbor Bank of Maryland; Rudolph C. Gustus, founder, and President, G& M Oil Company; Joy C. Bramble, publisher of the Baltimore Times Newspaper.
In addition to providing scholarship support, BMA felt it important to introduce these scholarship recipients to prominent business leaders in the Baltimore area. This was accomplished by connecting them with notable business leaders that were recognized and honored by BMA at its Annual Awards Business Dinner. Some of these notable business leaders were Henry G. Parks, Chairman of the Board of H.G. Parks, Inc. (Parks Sausage); Kenneth O. Wilson, Advertising Manager, Afro American Newspapers; Cathy Hughes, owner and CEO of Radio One Company; Joseph Haskins, Jr., Chair, President & CEO, The Harbor Bank of Maryland; Rudolph C. Gustus, founder and President, G&M Oil Company; Joy C. Bramble, publisher of the Baltimore Times Newspaper. As some BMA members relocated to other cities and others transitioned into retirement, this resulted in the organization phasing out its operations in 2008. However, some of these former members stayed in touch and met informally.
During these informal meetings and learning more about the increased cost of attending college, they realized a need to look at ways they could once again assist students attending Maryland’s HBCUs. This resulted in the establishment of the Baltimore Marketing Association Scholarship Foundation (BMASF) in September 2022, a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. The BMASF has a Board of Directors responsible for setting policy, receiving contributions from donors, and seeking additional contributions. All Board members provide financial support for the BMASF.
Baltimore Marketing Association Scholarship Foundation
Paving the way to brighter future
The Baltimore Marketing Association Scholarship Foundation (BMASF) believes that solutions to problems come from those most impacted. Our team is dedicated to assisting students by helping them unlock their full potential.
In every direction, Black entrepreneurs, and professionals in the tumultuous 1960s through the 1980s were confronted by struggles, discrimination, biases, and economic and educational challenges.
From Lunch Counter Protests to Corporate America, by Harold Young, highlights their individual and collective achievements, self-determination, and economic empowerment.
Young shares the insights of the Black professionals who were the first to forge paths in Baltimore after achieving entry into major corporations in the areas of marketing, sales, and finance. These men and women pioneers founded the Baltimore Marketing Association, Inc. (BMA) in 1967. As the organization grew, BMA expanded its mission by documenting the significant accomplishments of Black leaders in business, education, government, industry, technology, and community empowerment initiatives.
From Lunch Counter Protests to Corporate America demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary strategic planning and how its multiplier effect empowers businesses and local communities. “We are more than a marketing group” became the motto of BMA. BMA accepted all people that supported its mission and established alliances with other organizations.
BMA awarded scholarships to students with financial needs seeking sales, finance, and marketing degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Maryland. BMA closed in 2008; during its 41-year history, the group awarded more than $140,000 in scholarships to Maryland HBCU students.
Acknowledging the group’s history and recognizing the financial hardships of today’s students, past BMA members and Young have resurrected the BMA’s scholarship initiative. Purchasers of the book and patrons who donate to The Baltimore Marketing Association Scholarship Foundation, Inc., may claim a tax deduction for their contributions under the Internal Revenue Code 501 (c)(3). It’s recommended that contributors seek advice from their tax adviser or the IRS to obtain specific details regarding tax-exempt contributions.
Mission & Vision
We strive to give these individuals the resources and knowledge they need to succeed. Everyone has the potential to make a difference, and our organization is here to support them every step of the way. Together, we can create a brighter future.
Our mission is to provide need-based scholarships to Junior or senior students attending Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities who have demonstrated academic success in marketing, sales, accounting, finance, business or related majors.