Biography of Donald Bernard, Sr.
Chairman
Donald Bernard Sr. is a fifth generation
Newarker. Don received his Bachelor of Arts Degree with
honors from Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina
in 1969. He received his Master of Regional Planning degree
from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in
1971, matriculating as a Ford and Housing and Urban Development
Fellow. He has also pursued advanced studies at the Rutgers
New house Law and Criminal Justice School. Mr. Bernard
has held numerous administrative positions including,
Director of Interim Assistance, a 1.5 million dollar physical
development post-riot program. His community activism
prepared him to serve for ten (10) years as the President
and Chief Executive Officer of Newark, Recycling Inc.,
which recycled waste materials while rehabilitating ex-offenders
and recovering addicts.
In
1984, Mr. Bernard ventured into entrepreneurship opening
his own consulting firm, Bernard & Associates. Part
of his work during this period, which he still continues
was with a non-profit consultant firm which carries a
message of choice and hope to our community in the area
of gang prevention and drug education. He also applies
himself as a special event, educational reform, communications,
wealth building, planning and management consultant. Newark
Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation presently
employs Don as their Manager of Special Projects.
Don
is now championing the crusade for Building Wealth in
the African American Community. This effort is in partnership
with the diversity division of Lord Abbett & Co and
Washington Mutual. The projects’ goal is to bring
Wealth Building Workshops to the African American Community
throughout New Jersey.
Don
Bernard can truly be measured by his deeds as well as
his words. His present labor of love is serving as Chairman
of the African American Heritage Parade Committee Inc.
Under his leadership, the Committee has revitalized one
of the most important institutions in our community and
produced numerous first class events and twelve parades
now being labeled “The Best Parade in New Jersey”.
Through a new vision, what began as a parade has expanded
to a Calendar of Events celebrating the pride and prosperity
of African American people. It also spawned a committee
dedicated to bringing forth awareness of crucial educational,
economic, and social issues affecting African Americans.
This celebration is currently the largest most celebrated
Black cultural event in New Jersey.
