Since the Black Heritage Riders Inc. is a non-member organization, its board of directors take a very active role in the implementation of the projects and programs they sanction. Their hands-on approach and knowledge in the content area of the BHR mission drives and facilitates the augmentation of the BHR executive director's vision. In the recent AMAAP journey project, the board members were instrumental in the successful completion of the project.

                                                                        Board Members 

Ms. Jacquelyn Hartsfield, Classroom Instructional Specialist NPS, NJ
A school principal at the time, she scheduled and held assembly programs to expose Newark public school children to the event and assist with fundraising efforts. Here, she meets the AMAAP team and brings a couple of hundred children with her.

Patricia Lawson; CEO, Ebony Horsewoman Inc, Hartford, Conn
She is founder and CEO of the Ebony Horsewomen of Connecticut and an accomplished horsewoman. She is an inductee into the cowboy/cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. Ms. Kelly develops and implements horse riding and mentoring programs that serve the youth of Connecticut with a focus in the Hartford Public Schools. As horses play a pivotal role in the BHR projects, her guidance and expertise serves as the foundational support for all BHR activities.

Mr. James Kelly; Owner, Diversified Equus, Bloomfield, Conn
In the recent AMAAP journey project, the board members were instrumental in the successful completion of the project. Mr. Jim Kelly spent one month driving the truck and pulling the horse trailer. After the official photography and driver returned home upon reaching Kentucky, Jim flew in to take over the role of driver, photographer, and horse manager. His knowledge of animal husbandry, training, and overall horse management is an important ingredient to the success and management of BHR projects and programs as they all relate to the use of our horses. 

Mr. Lionel W. Oliver; Commission of Youth Services; New Rochelle, NY
Seen here on the first day of the AMAAP trek, he is a New Rochelle Sports Hall of famer and youth commissioner for over 25 years. His leadership in the area of program development and his knowledge in our current initiative, the National Day of the Black Jockey, adds a personal and creative dimension to NDBJ project. 

Mr. James Bond; Senior Accountant; NPS, NJ


                                                             Advisory Board Members 

Ms. Wanda Dean; Lieutenant (Retired); Dept. of Corrections, Essex County, NJ 
She was a primary financial contributor to the AMAAP project. In addition, her 30 years of personal contact with youth while working in the prison system has proven to be a valuable asset in the development of programs of outreach to inner-city youth.

Ms. Patricia Escoto; Curriculum Developer/Nutrition Educator; Bear, DE
A healthy lifestyle is fundamental to the stimulation of both physical and intellectual productivity. Ms. Patricia Escoto serves the BHR in directing our nutritional programs. As a master gardener and nutrition educator, she develops and assists in the implementation of our nutrition curriculum. Ms. Escoto, who has several certifications and a master's degree in education, advises the BHR in the construct of healthy mind and body living-well programs.