In 2005, when co-founders Dina and Derick Daly were developing their plans to create their new organization, Building African-American Minds (BAAM), one thing was clear to both of them; they needed to start their experimental after-school program with boys.
With Dina’s first-hand experience as a social worker and their review of relevant data, the couple felt they had no choice but to reach out to young boys who were struggling the most with school, family, and developing social skills that position them to succeed in life. And with that in mind, BAAM began what was to be one of the most transformational youth programs on the Eastern Shore.
Fast-forward sixteen years, and with the philanthropic support of BAAM board chair Bill Ryan and his wife, Joan Richtsmeier, Building African-American Minds is finally in a position to start a girls program.
In fact, 2021 represents an entirely new era. Not only is there now a girls component, under the direction of newly hired Bobbie Jean, a former Dorchester County Public Schools teacher, but Dina has also succeeded her husband as BAAM’s executive director this year.
A few weeks ago, the Spy sat down with both of them at the BAAM campus in Easton to talk about this exciting new time for BAAM, but also the organization’s latest goal of building a new academic center as the organization hits the $2.9 million mark of an anticipated cost of $5.8 million.
This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about BAAM or make a donation, please visit here.
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