The Black Retail Action Group’s
36th Annual Scholarship &Awards Dinner Gala
At 55 Wall St,Cipriani’s ,NY NY
Oct 27th 2006

The Black Retail Action Group Inc’s (BRAG) had their 36th Annual Scholarship Awards and Dinner Dance, at Cipriani’s one of the most beautiful place to have an event in New York.
The Program started with a welcome by Gail Monroe Perry.President The Black Retail Action Group Inc, who introduced the BRAG’s board of directors and presidents advisory board, as well as the sponsors who made the event possible.

Invocation was done by Rev,Dr.Calvin O.Butts,Pastor Abyssinian Baptist Church, after that the Star Spangled banner and the United Negro Anthem was done by AJ.After Dinner the scholarship awards were presented to the BRAG Scholars.

Mr JJ.Thomas former president of BRAG was introduced, and he made the following presentations alongside Gail Monroe Perry.President The Black Retail Action Group Inc,
The Brag JJ Thomas Business Innovators Award was presented to Cyndi Bickerstaff,President /CEO, Bickerstaff Sports and Entertainment .Presentation of The Brag Business Achievement awards were presented to the following Honoree’s: Carl Banks,President Sports Licensing,GIII Apparel Group, Stephanie Murphy,VP of retail sales NBA Store, BRAG Corporate award was presented to Nick Grayston, President/CEO, Footlocker,Foot Action,Kids Foot Locker, BRAG special recognition Award was presented to Nelly,CEO Applebottoms LLC and Co-Owner Charlotte BobCats NBA.

AJ Calloway was the Master of Ceromonies, the music was provided by AJ (AHHSH) and public relations and event planning was done by Gillard Jones Agency.

The Black Retail Action Group, Inc. also known as BRAG was founded in 1970. The group's first general membership meeting was held in July of that year as an outgrowth of a similar organization, the National Negro Retail Advisory Group (NNRAG).

The industry response that followed reinforced the belief that an organization of this kind 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 comprised of historically underrepresented groups in retail and wholesale industries, dedicated to the inclusion of people of color into the mainstream of the American economy. BRAG has consistently maintained a stellar record of accomplishments in attracting young people to retail and related industries.

BRAG in conjunction with the Consumer Distribution Committee sponsors a Summer Internship Program where college juniors intern with major retail and wholesale establishments.

BRAG's "Golden Pencil Award" was the first of its kind to recognize the contributions made by African American buyers in the industry.

BRAG sponsors business development seminars, retail math classes, one-on-one mentoring, social activities for its' membership and hosts executive roundtable discussions for seasoned professionals in retail and related industries.

BRAG's annual awards dinner dance recognizes outstanding achievements made by individuals in retail and other areas of business. It also serves as the major fundraiser for scholarships awarded to deserving students.

We at liberty News Online Magazine like to thank Gail Monroe Perry.President The Black Retail Action Group Inc, for her kind invite for more information feel free to view their website at http://www.bragusa.org











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