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Clifford B. Simmons
Clifford B. Simmons, born and raised in Harlem, has a true love and understanding of the community, its needs and its possibilities. He has committed his life to community service in order to make it and the world a better place in which to live. His love for family, community and children is sincere. His purpose for living can be surmised from two quotes, one by Jackie Robinson which states “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” and the other by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which states: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”
To fulfill this purpose, in 1994, Cliff co-founded and became the Executive Director of Blue Nile Passage, Inc., a not-for-profit manhood/womanhood training program whose mission is the spiritual, cultural and moral character development of America’s youth with a focus on youth of African descent. In its 15 years of existence this organization has become a “beacon of hope” to over 1,000 youth and their families. The program enlightens youth of their goodness, greatness, potential, responsibilities and possibilities. Through Cliff's leadership and vision, the rites-of-passage and leadership & character development components of the program have emerged to become national models. The mentoring component of the program is one of the most highly respected mentoring programs in the New York tri-state area.
In the year 2000, Blue Nile was awarded as the top volunteer organization in New York City from a pool of 4,000 nominees. Through a warm and nurturing personality, Cliff has been able to continually inspire new volunteers who share his passion for empowering and uplifting youth. Because of this gift, Cliff is consistently sought after to speak to groups of youth or provide direction to youth in a one-on-one setting. He is constantly offering assistance and direction to organizations nationwide seeking solutions to problems concerning youth and/or providing guidance to them on starting rites-of-passage or mentoring programs. In January 2008, Blue Nile opened an affiliate rites-of-passage for males in Greenburgh, New York, the first of many such programs that will eventually chapter throughout the country.
In the mid-1990’s as a project manager of the Neighborhood Franchise Program, Cliff was responsible for helping to establish three major franchises in Harlem that are all owned and operated by member of the Harlem community: IHOP, Cohens Optical and Papa John’s Pizza (the first Papa John’s in New York).
For 5 years Cliff was Chairman of the Mission of Christian Social Concern of the Abyssinian Baptist Church During that time Cliff worked closely with Rev. Calvin O. Butts III in fighting against social issues including eradicating negative images of African-Americans in the music industry, police brutality, the prison industrial complex and school board representation to name a few. Currently, Cliff is still involved in social activism in Harlem with Rev. Butts and other members of the Harlem community.
Cliff attended Bernard M. Baruch College, where he studied Marketing Management. His wife of 27 years, Diane is a Legal Secretary with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. They reside in Harlem and are the proud parents of two Morehouse men, Davon, a Chemical Engineer and Business Consultant; Clifford, Jr., a Business Analyst; and a daughter Shanell, a high school honor student.
To fulfill this purpose, in 1994, Cliff co-founded and became the Executive Director of Blue Nile Passage, Inc., a not-for-profit manhood/womanhood training program whose mission is the spiritual, cultural and moral character development of America’s youth with a focus on youth of African descent. In its 15 years of existence this organization has become a “beacon of hope” to over 1,000 youth and their families. The program enlightens youth of their goodness, greatness, potential, responsibilities and possibilities. Through Cliff's leadership and vision, the rites-of-passage and leadership & character development components of the program have emerged to become national models. The mentoring component of the program is one of the most highly respected mentoring programs in the New York tri-state area.
In the year 2000, Blue Nile was awarded as the top volunteer organization in New York City from a pool of 4,000 nominees. Through a warm and nurturing personality, Cliff has been able to continually inspire new volunteers who share his passion for empowering and uplifting youth. Because of this gift, Cliff is consistently sought after to speak to groups of youth or provide direction to youth in a one-on-one setting. He is constantly offering assistance and direction to organizations nationwide seeking solutions to problems concerning youth and/or providing guidance to them on starting rites-of-passage or mentoring programs. In January 2008, Blue Nile opened an affiliate rites-of-passage for males in Greenburgh, New York, the first of many such programs that will eventually chapter throughout the country.
In the mid-1990’s as a project manager of the Neighborhood Franchise Program, Cliff was responsible for helping to establish three major franchises in Harlem that are all owned and operated by member of the Harlem community: IHOP, Cohens Optical and Papa John’s Pizza (the first Papa John’s in New York).
For 5 years Cliff was Chairman of the Mission of Christian Social Concern of the Abyssinian Baptist Church During that time Cliff worked closely with Rev. Calvin O. Butts III in fighting against social issues including eradicating negative images of African-Americans in the music industry, police brutality, the prison industrial complex and school board representation to name a few. Currently, Cliff is still involved in social activism in Harlem with Rev. Butts and other members of the Harlem community.
Cliff attended Bernard M. Baruch College, where he studied Marketing Management. His wife of 27 years, Diane is a Legal Secretary with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. They reside in Harlem and are the proud parents of two Morehouse men, Davon, a Chemical Engineer and Business Consultant; Clifford, Jr., a Business Analyst; and a daughter Shanell, a high school honor student.
Awards & Accolades
- Martin Luther King “Fulfilling the Dream” Award , WCBS Television - Channel 2, 2000
- Mayor's Volunteer Service Award , The City of New York, 2000
- Father of the Year Award , MLK Boys & Girls Club, Canaan Baptist Church, NYC 2001
- Parent of the Year Award , Black Teachers Who Care, NYC 2002
- Family of the Year Award , Abyssinian Baptist Church, NYC 2002
- Recognition of Service Award , The Council of Churches of the City of New York, 2002
- Fatherhood Award , New York City Male Involvement Consortium, 2004
- Inspiration to Youth Award , Family Academy, 2004
Contact Us | ©2009 Blue Nile Passage, Inc.