'BDPA Monthly Newsletter' published in February 2002.

1. The BDPA Monthly Newsletter
BDPA MISSION
BDPA is a global member focused organization that
positions its members at the forefront of the IT industry.
BDPA is committed to delivering IT excellence to our
members, strategic partners, and community.
The official newsletter of the BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders
President’s Message
Corporate Citizenship
BDPA has sustained mutually beneficial relationships with BDPA
great corporate citizens for many years. This is one of the
main reasons BDPA is the Premier Organization for African WELCOMES
Americans in Information Technology. These relationships
help BDPA to position its members at the forefront of the
information technology industry, which is very important in Its newest
Milt Haynes
this current economic climate. These great corporate citizens
support BDPA with dollars, people, equipment and facilities.
Chapter
BDPA It is through their generous support that BDPA continues to
National President broaden the Information Technology knowledge of the
OKLAHOMA
African American community as a whole. CITY
Great corporate citizens help BDPA achieve its mission by participating in
Corporate Sponsorship programs designed to offer standard ways to invest in BDPA.
These programs are predicated on the notion that corporations invest in BDPA as a
means to meet their own corporate objectives. Some of the reasons that corporations
invest in BDPA are: “Good corporate
• Technical Development and Skill Enhancement citizens help
• Opportunities for Employee Development African American
• Recruiting Mechanism people help
• Community Recognition and Public Relations themselves by
• Networking Opportunities and Technology Exchanges supporting African
• Assist in Closing the Digital Divide
American
What does it take to be a good corporate citizen? Good corporate citizens help businesses”
African American people help themselves by supporting African American
businesses, associations and community outreach programs. Good corporate citizens
associations and
understand that giving back to the community is the right thing to do. Good community
corporate citizens target their IT budget to African American businesses and African outreach
American businesses in turn support community outreach programs. Corporations programs”
benefit in so many ways by being actively involved in BDPA, it is only fitting that
they reciprocate.
Allstate Insurance is a perfect example. Allstate has been a consistent and stalwart Contents:
BDPA supporter over time. Allstate engages Computer Resource Solutions (CRS), Letter from the President 1
an African American owned business that supports BDPA. By providing high Black Family Awareness
quality and consistent service over time, CRS has the distinction of being one of five Week 3
IT vendors on Allstate’s prestigious preferred vendors list. Allstate donates Corporate Ad 4
equipment and computers and human resources to support community outreach Professional Development 5
programs. For example, when BPDA Chicago built the BDPA Technology Center Blackwell Speaks 6
and accompanying office space, Allstate donated a fine conference table and chairs ITSMF 6
(Continued on page 2)
Volume 1 Number 2 February 2002

2. There are several other corporate supporters of note.
(Continued from page 1 - President’s Special thanks to Bob Blackwell, newly appointed Outside
Message) Director for the National BDPA Board of Directors for
sponsoring this issue of the National BDPA Monthly
from excess inventory. Allstate has donated equipment to Newsletter and for sharing his perspectives in an
build 2 community technology centers. accompanying article. And thanks to Michael
Not only has Allstate donated equipment in support of McCrimmon, National BDPA CIO and Director of Travel
BDPA community outreach programs, Allstate has also and Transportation at IBM Global Services for providing
provided technical staff to conduct train-the-trainer conference call support for the National BDPA Executive
programs to make the technology centers self-sufficient. Committee and 2002 Internal Conference Team.
Allstate provided an Executive on Loan, to work full time Would you like more information on how to become a
to develop a community technology center program at great corporate citizen? To find a local chapter to support,
Bontemps Elementary School in Chicago. This center is visit http://www.bdpa.org/chapters.cfm. To find out more
being used to pilot an online tutoring program and about corporate participation opportunities for the
technical resource center called Homework911 that is upcoming BDPA 2002 24th Annual National Conference,
being shared with BDPA Chapters around the country. please visit http://www.bdpa.org/clead2002.cfm and if you
This phenomenal program will help thousands of students would like information on the new Corporate Partners
improve their grade point averages and standardized test program, please send email to me at president@bdpa.org.
scores. Working together we can do great things!
Allstate employees roll up their sleeves and get involved. Milt Haynes
An Allstate employee served as the Chair of BDPA National BDPA President
Education and Technology Foundation. Three Executive February 2002
Committee members of the BDPA Chicago Chapter are
Allstate employees. The BDPA Chicago Corporate
Advisory Council Chair is an Allstate employee. An Welcome to the
Allstate employee serves on the National BDPA Executive BDPA
Committee. Allstate employees run the BDPA Chicago
and National BDPA Student Internship programs. Monthly Newsletter
Allstate’s CIO served as an Honorary Chair for the 2001 Our new monthly newsletter
National BDPA Conference and enthusiastically
volunteered to serve again as Honorary Chair for the 2002 As a service to our members, the BDPA Monthly
Conference. Newsletter is distributed to provide pertinent
information on National BDPA activities.
For several years, Allstate has consistently donated
printing services to BDPA in support of the National The BDPA Monthly Newsletter will entail such
Conference that has resulted in an annual savings of over things as: Career and Professional Development
$50,000. Allstate has consistently donated $25,000 each guidelines, “hot” technical skills, job
year to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation opportunities, member profiles, upcoming
in support of BDPA National and local chapter programs. Professional and Social events, vision and
Allstate’s investment in BDPA not only helps Allstate thought leadership articles from the National
employees to develop technical, leadership and Executive Committee as well as other BDPA
interpersonal skills, Allstate knows that by reaching back members.
into the community to support elementary school, high Hopefully, you will find this publication to be
school and college programs, an endless supply of future informative and insightful. We welcome your
employment candidates will be available. input on the newsletter.
Allstate Insurance is a great corporate citizen and there are Comments, suggestions, and opinions can be sent
many others too. Abbott Laboratories, ABN AMRO, Bank to: editor@BDPA.org.
of America, Boeing, Cap Gemini Ernst and Young, ENJOY!
Compuware, Computer Resource Solutions, DePaul
University, ES Technology, First Union, Hewitt Respectfully,
Associates, Hill's Pet Nutrition, IBM, KeySpan Energy, Reginald J. Gardner
Kraft Foods, Mayo Clinic, Lucent Technologies, National BDPA Vice President, Member Services
Microsoft, Merck and Company, Prudential Financial, R.
R. Donnelley & Sons, SAP, Sears Roebuck and Company, Publications Committee
Toyota Motor Manufacturing of North America, Walt
Christopher A. Williams (DeVry Institute)
Disney World have all sponsored BDPA programs in a
Letitia Andrews (Nokia)
major way.
Reggie Gardner (Sears)
Volume 1 Number 2
Volume 1 Number 1
2 February 2002
January 2002 2

3. dren to grandparents", said Bill Benyard, BFTAW Project
BDPA Focuses on Technology Coordinator.
During Black History Month! He noted, "We want to highlight positive role models and
celebrate leaders in the field of technology. Urban com-
4th Annual Black Family munities across the nation will be encouraged to create or
Technology Awareness Week expand local programs that train and motivate Black
youngsters and adults currently in the workforce to be-
Bill Benyard, BFTAW Project Coordinator for Black Data come the technological workforce of tomorrow."
Processing Associates (BDPA) Information Technology
Thought Leaders (http://www.bdpa.org) announced that Other BDPA Chapters involved in the 2002 BFTAW ini-
seven local BDPA chapters received national funding to tiative include: Atlanta, Boston, Chattanooga, Charlotte,
bring the 4th Annual Black Family Technology Aware- Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Greater San Fernando Valley,
ness Week (BFTAW) to their urban communities on Houston, New York, Olympia, Philadelphia, Seattle and
February 10-16, 2002. Southern Minnesota.
BDPA was awarded funding ranging from $500 to $1000 It is worth noting that BDPA is the premier organization
for chapter delivery of BFTAW programs in Cincinnati for African-American professionals in the Information
OH, Greater Columbia SC, Los Angeles CA, Newark NJ, Technology industry. Milt Haynes, National BDPA Presi-
Orlando FL, Richmond VA, and St. Louis MO. There has dent stated, "For over 25 years, BPDA has fulfilled its
been great progress within the last few years to bridge the mission and worked to "bridge the digital divide" by pro-
so-called Digital Divide. However, there still remains a viding career growth opportunities for its members. We
significant gap between the access & usage of technology have increased technology awareness in our communities
for people of color in our community. BDPA wishes to by providing educational and professional development
use the start of Black History Month to focus on getting opportunities through various programs in our chapters
the Black family to use technology as a tool for educa- across the country. Our decision to promote BFTAW is
tional and economic equality. We live in an information another example of our commitment to our community &
age. Those that have the best information will do the best membership."
in the workplace, in school and at home. Utilization of
technology leads to knowledge and knowledge is power. Learn about the BFTAW programs in your community
BDPA wants to use Black Family Technology Awareness from the national BFTAW website at http://www.
Week (http://www.blackfamilynet.net) as a catalyst to em- blackfamilynet.net and show your support!
power the community for the new millennium.
The Black Data Processing Associates national headquar-
BFTAW is a national event that was first brought to the ters is located in Largo, Maryland. Earl Pace and the late
public by Career Communications Group [publisher of US David Wimberly founded the organization in 1975.
Black Engineer Magazine & Hispanic Engineer Maga- BDPA has over 40 chapters in the US. Contact 800-727-
zine] in 1999. IBM provides generous support. Organiza- BDPA or http://www.bdpa.org for additional information.
tions throughout the country will participate in wide range
of educational and fun activities related to technology dur-
ing the week of February 10-16, 2002.
Each day of the week has a suggested theme and recom-
mended activities: High Tech Sunday (Sunday); Technol-
ogy in the Home and Community (Monday); Family Tech
Night (Tuesday); Software Applications for the Home and
Small Business (Wednesday); Internet Day (Thursday);
Corporate Open House Day (Friday); and BFTAW Clos-
ing Festival (Saturday). BDPA has requested that
churches and corporations in over a dozen urban commu-
nities support BFTAW. Also, BDPA is requesting that
organizations sponsor a day at their facilities or identify
individuals (old and young) that can benefit from this in-
formation.
"BDPA plans to demonstrate how technologies, such as
the Internet, reach all parts of the future workforce and
household affecting all generations from preschool chil-
3

4. BLACKWELL
AD
Page
4
Volume 1 Number 1
2 February 2002
January 2002

5. Professional Development Security Policies, Guidelines, and JOBS! If IT security is a career
option for you, are you prepared?
IT Security According to Computerworld, Business Careers, IT Security
This month’s article, “IT Security”, is not so much on the
various forms of security breaches that can occur (Nimba worm,
“I love you” virus, firewall intrusions, personal privacy
invasions, etc.), but more on the growing need for IT Security
Professionals. As we attempt to “Bridge the Digital Divide”,
the need for IT Security Professionals should be seriously
considered.
In today’s heightened awareness of security, IT is more
important than ever. Estimates place the IT Security market
(authentication, authorization, and security administration) at $8
Billion over the next three years. Companies recognize their
data as an extremely valuable resource. Security of that
resource is critical. As a result, I would view the $8 Billion
estimate as rather conservative.
Within the last 100 days, proposals and suggestions for IT
security enhancements have come from three prominent figures
that I would like to emphasize. Professionals’ salaries range from $60K/year for Network Security
First, Senator Joseph Lieberman (D – Conn.), also Chairman of Administrators, to $140K/year for Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, has called for the Project Managers.
creation of a $1 Billion IT fund that “would enhance homeland For more information on careers in IT Security, as well as other IT
and information security while providing a much needed boost professions, stay abreast of opportunities at http://www.bdpa.org/
to the sagging economy.” Although Senator Liberman did NOT jobs.
go into details on specific allocation percentages, he did Reginald J. Gardner
mention four key areas the funding would cover: air travel, bio- NBDPA Vice President, Member Services
terrorism, transportation, and border control.
As an example, part of the money could fund and “early
warning detection system” for the airlines industry. This system
The BDPA
would identify suspected terrorists if they tried to book flights.
It would also fund the use of bio metric-enabled “smart cards”
to confirm passengers’ identities. Furthermore, the funds could
MONTHLY
pay for explosive scanner equipment for airports.
Second, Mr. Harris Miller, President of the IT Association of NEWSLETTER
America (ITAA) has suggested “at least $10 Billion in federal
funding is needed to ensure adequate homeland cyber is mailed and electronically forwarded
defenses.” (ITAA is an industry group that represents more to over 10,000
than 500 IT companies around the United States).
Mr. Miller suggests the government provide $4 Billion in loans
of our members, friends and supporters
to small and medium sized businesses to allow for increased
training and tools to solidify IT systems, and lessen the impact
of cyber attacks on businesses.” Mr. Miller proposes $3 Billion
to go into government grants for upgrades to state and local
government critical systems, and enhance information security
Ad Space is
training for state and local officials. Miller urged the
government to utilize approximately $2.5 Billion to upgrade
federal systems and security, as well as increase the IT security
education and training offered to government employees.
available
Finally, Miller suggests $500 Million in grants should be made
available to public and private universities to establish more IT
in several 2002 issues
security programs. One-page rate $1500.00
Third, Mr. Richard Clarke, Chairman of the U. S. President’s 1/2-page rate $1000.00
Critical Infrastructure Board suggest that cyber attacks on the
nations’ critical IT infrastructure could potentially cause Two page limit on ad space each month
“catastrophic damage to the economy.” Although Clarke does Act right away!
not give specific amounts, he does state that “…spending on IT
security and infrastructure protection has to increase in both the For information contact
private and public sectors.” LaCresha Lightfoot, BDPA Corporate Relations
(800) 727-BDPA lightfoot@WALK-ON.net
Whatever the final outcome of these proposals and suggestions,
I’m sure we can all look forward to seeing more National
5

6. The BDPA Monthly Newsletter Speaks to: necessary to turn
these ideas into
Bob Blackwell wealth producing
companies. They
Chairman and CEO need to understand
Blackwell Consulting Services the grammar of busi-
ness which is busi-
ness planning, sales,
Blackwell Consulting Services (BCS) is one of Chi- marketing, finance,
cago’s premier information technology companies. It etc. They also need to
opened its doors on October 1, 1992 with four employ- think big. We need
ees and at the close of business on December 31, companies teeming
2002 it had almost 250 people in its employ. Although with people not sole
its focus is on Application Development, Networking, proprietorships.
and Package Integration, Blackwell Consulting Services
is best known for its unusual ability to get projects or- On Corporate Responsibility and firms like
ganized and done on time. This article however, is not Blackwell Consulting Services:
going to focus on Blackwell Consulting Services but W. E. B. Dubois once said that “Life was not a push but
rather is going to focus on its owner, Bob Blackwell who rather was a pull”. This was part of his “talented tenth”
is an “Outside Director” of the Black Data Processing argument that says that once a firm like Blackwell Con-
Associates (BDPA). sulting Services has made it then it had an absolute re-
BDPA has asked Bob to speak to several questions: 1. sponsibility to reach back and “pull” someone else up
The value of organizations like Black Data Processing thereby improving the entire lot of our people. This is
Associates (BDPA) and the Information Technology my view of Corporate Responsibility.
Senior Managers Forum (ITSMF), 2. Entrepreneurship
in the Black Community, and 3. The corporate respon-
sibility of firms like Blackwell Consulting Services. The Information Technology
On the value of BDPA and ITSMF: Senior Management Forum
Most Americans, this includes African-Americans, don’t
associate African-Americans with Information Technol-
ogy and given the daily drumbeat of the “failing public
ITSMF
schools” code words for the dumbing down of black African-Americans represent only 3% of the senior IT
kids have no expectation that this will change. The job executives nationwide. ITSMF is dedicated to creating
of BDPA and ITSMF is to change this perception by or- a future for African-American IT professionals as
ganizing and rallying those African-Americans who are senior managers by building the pipeline. Cultivating
in the field and by helping our children understand and
tomorrow’s IT executives through mentoring will
master this technology. It is also our job to help our
kids understand that they cannot master information
enlarge and diversify the talent pool for the industry.
technology unless they can read, write, count and think. ITSMF focuses on developing skills and competency
Lastly we must show our kids the thrill and excitement
among African-American IT professionals so career
of our business so they can grow to love it as we do.
advancement does not stop at middle management.
On Entrepreneurship in the Black Community:
ITSMF supports BDPA through seminars and panel
Small business is the economic engine of America and
African-Americans are not participating at the rate that
discussions at the National Conference and through its
we should. We are also confused about the nature of mentoring program.
business. 97% of African-American businesses are ITSMF members are senior managers throughout the IT
sole proprietorships with no employees. We have so
industry. Membership is extended by invitation of an
many people who got in business because it was a last
resort. They lost their job and they are trying to make existing member only.
ends meet. That’s fine for them but we need a different ITSMF
model if the community is to benefit from Entrepreneur- PO Box 641675
ship.
Chicago, Illinois 60664-1675
We need bright, young people who are well trained to 708-557-1858
jump off the high income, low wealth train of the big
corporation and involve themselves in the wealth creat- Email: info@itsmfonline.org
ing world of the Entrepreneur. We need Entrepreneurs www.itsmfonline.org
with good ideas who are willing to make the sacrifices
Volume 1 Number 2 February 2002

7. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THOUGHT LEADERS
th
24 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERNCE
“Changing the Culture of IT: From Sponsorship Opportunities
Access to Ownership” Contact BDPA Corporate Relations at (800) 727-BDPA
For more information
BDPA, the premier organization for African
Americans in Information Technology, is hosting its
Visit our web-site www.BDPA.org
24th Annual National Conference at Disney’s
Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL, CONFERENCE and CAREER FAIR
August 7-11, 2002. The 2002 National Conference Sponsorship Packages
will prove to be one of the most dynamic events in
the organization’s history. The conference serves as
a catalyst for youth, high school students, college Advertising
students, IT professionals, entrepreneurs, IT Senior Program Guide B/W
Managers, corporations, educational institutions and Career Fair Guide BW
government agencies, to explore information ***************************
technology opportunities for professional growth and
technical development. Conference Promotion
Post Card Sponsorship Newsletter Sponsorship
This conference provides an opportunity for E-mail Banner Web Banner
employers, professionals, students and career Conference Tote Bags Conference Registration
seekers to network and pursue resources for starting Golf Outing Workshop Proceedings Book
and growing businesses. The conference provides
critical information on technology trends, business Receptions & Meal Functions
skills, management training, and IT career skills Chapter Presidents’ Breakfast Board of Directors’ Luncheon
development. Dignitaries Reception Executive Reception
Hospitality Receptions Opening Reception
EXPERIENCE… Youth/HSCC Conference Breakfast
LEADING EDGE SEMINAR TRACKS: Youth/HSCC Lunch Youth/HSCC Dinner
I. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Plenary Session (3) Prayer Breakfast
II. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Awards Banquet (10 per table)
III. ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESS
IV. CAREER DEVELOPMENT Awards Banquet Package Prayer Breakfast (10 per table)
V. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT * Ten (10) invitations to Awards Banquet Executive Reception, one (1) banquet ta-
IT SENIOR MANAGEMENT FORUM (ITSMF) ble, prime location for banquet table, 1 full-page ad in the banquet program book
Network with CIOs and Senior Management (deadlines apply)
Professionals IN-KIND
HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER COMPETITION (HSCC)
Experience the excitement as high school students from over 25 Youth Conference Computers and printers
urban communities display their skills and expertise in HSCC Computers and printers
programming and technical presentations. Workshop/Internet Computers and printers
YOUTH CONFERENCE Cyber Cafe
Hands-on training and workshops in technology, PC
Building Race and IT Knowledge Quiz Bowl
HSCC Program Support
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Youth Conference Program Support
Meet IT Professionals from 45 BDPA chapters across the nation.
• DIGNITARIES RECEPTION & CIO ROUNDTABLE
• ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE
•
•
COLLEGE & HBCU ROUNDTABLE
TOWN HALL MEETING
CAREER FAIR
• AWARDS BANQUET sponsored by Walt Disney World® &
• EXECUTIVE GOLF OUTING
• PRAYER BREAKFAST
TECHNOLOGY EXPO
Friday and Saturday, August 9th and 10th, 2002
B D P A 20 0 2
th
2 4 A N N U A L N A T IO N A L C O N F E R E N C E
“ C h a n g in g th e C u ltu re o f IT : F ro m A ccess to O w n ersh ip ”
A ug ust 7 -1 1 , 2 0 0 2
D isn ey ’s C o n tem po ra ry R esort
L a ke B ue n a V ista , F L
P H O N E : (8 0 0) 7 27-B D P A F A X : (3 0 1) 3 50 -0 05 2 W E B S IT E : W W W .B D P A .O R G
9 3 15 L a r g o D r ive , Suite 2 60 – L ar g o, M D 207 7 4

8. FEBRUARY 2002 ISSUE
BDPA
Information Technology
Thought Leaders
www.BDPA.org MONTHLY
NEWSLETTER
UPCOMING EVENTS The newsletter designed to keep our members
informed of news, events and perspectives important
Black Family Technology Awareness Week to our community
(BFTAW)
February 10—16, 2002 We welcome your comments: editor@BDPA.org
Check the website for programs near you.
www.blackfamilynet.net
24th Annual National Conference Also read our Online Journal
August 7—11, 2002 Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida for breaking news, information and updates:
www.BDPAjournal.org
BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders
National Headquarters
9315 Largo Drive West, Suite 260
Largo, MD 20774
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2002 ISSUE