Programs

The Lucius D. Amerson, Bridge Builder Foundation is committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of Sheriff Amerson and other African-American sheriffs. As part of this mission, we have established several objectives to guide our efforts.

“Our objective of archiving the history of Black sheriffs, both past and present, is crucial,” said a foundation representative. “We aim to create a valuable resource for education and inspiration by meticulously preserving and showcasing their significant achievements.”

In addition, the foundation proudly operates the Sheriff Lucius D. Amerson Memorial in Washington D.C. “This memorial and exhibition not only celebrate Sheriff Amerson’s contributions but also those of other pioneering African-American sheriffs,” commented a board member. “It serves as a vital educational and cultural hub.”

Furthermore, the foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and awarding scholarships to disadvantaged youth. “By providing opportunities for vocational training and certification in various trade fields, we help foster personal and professional growth,” explained a foundation leader. “This initiative is essential in creating viable career paths for marginalized youth and diverting them from potential involvement in crime.”

 

Programs We Sponsor

Bridge to Tomorrow Initiative (BTI)

Program Description:

Macon County grapples with depopulation, high unemployment, and a heavy reliance on external employment, compounded by a significant elderly population and deteriorating properties.  The Lucius D. Amerson, Bridge Builder Foundation responds to this crisis with the “Bridge to Tomorrow Initiative.”

Recognizing the lack of local job opportunities and the vulnerability to technological displacement, the initiative focuses on awarding scholarships to marginalized high school graduates and offering pre-training “Bootcamps” in collaboration with Tuskegee University.  By involving the Schools of Architecture and Business, the initiative aims to create business incubators in workforce development, entrepreneurship, and construction practices that generate jobs and services for graduates, addressing the county’s limited industry diversity.  The overarching goal is to bridge historical legacies with future opportunities, fostering a resilient workforce and countering depopulation in Macon County.

The initiative envisions a resilient workforce, local economic revitalization, and a brighter future for communities.

Major Objectives:

  • Award scholarships for trade school education in key disciplines.
  • Collaborate with the School of Architecture and Business in the development of curriculum and materials required to conduct bootcamp training.

Benefits:

  • Addresses local workforce gaps.
  • Creates sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
  • Provides educational and career opportunities for high school graduates.

TechShield: Empowering African American Sheriffs for Emergency Response

Program Description:

The Lucius D. Amerson, Bridge Builder Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Washington DC, was established in 2022 by Anthony E. Amerson, son of Lucius D. Amerson, the first Black Sheriff elected in the South after Reconstruction in 1966. Dedicated to advocating for African-Americans currently serving as Sheriffs nationwide, the Foundation serves as the primary repository for the history of elected sheriffs. Recently, the Foundation completed a comprehensive mapping initiative, identifying one hundred fifty-six African American men and women currently serving as sheriffs across the nation, with a concentration in Southern states. Recognizing the critical need for technology upgrades, specifically in website development, email and SMS notifications systems and training, the Foundation aims to bolster the resilience and responsiveness of these sheriffs during national, state, and local emergencies.

Goals and Objectives:

The TechShield initiative seeks to:

  • Provide African American sheriffs with access to advanced communication systems and data analytics tools to streamline emergency response coordination.
  • Enhance community engagement and resilience through education campaigns on emergency preparedness, ensuring increased public awareness of emergency protocols.
  • Foster interagency collaboration between sheriffs, local agencies, emergency responders, and community organizations to ensure efficient and coordinated responses during emergencies.
  • Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from residents, responders, and stakeholders, facilitating continual improvement of emergency management services based on real-world experiences and lessons learned.

Importance of Investing in Technology:

Investing in technology is paramount to enhancing the emergency response capabilities of African American sheriffs. Advanced communication systems and data analytics enable streamlined response coordination, while technology-driven education campaigns improve public awareness of emergency protocols. Interagency collaboration facilitated by technology ensures efficient responses, while feedback mechanisms enable continual improvement based on community input.

Target Audience and Beneficiaries:

The primary beneficiaries of the TechShield initiative are the one hundred fifty-six African American sheriffs currently serving across the nation, particularly those concentrated in Southern states. By equipping them with the necessary technology upgrades and training, the initiative aims to empower sheriffs to effectively respond to emergencies, safeguarding their communities and enhancing overall public safety.