named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
30th Anniversary Gala
Commemorative event marking three decades of OBMG’s mission to advance minorities in maritime professions.
Black History Month Dinner
Annual event celebrating Black contributions to the maritime industry, featuring scholarship presentations and recognition of honorees.
H.R. 1242 Resilience Project
Initiative focused on promoting maritime education and career resilience among underrepresented communities.
Homecoming Events
Organized gatherings for alumni and members, including networking socials and induction ceremonies.
OBMG Scholarships
Provides financial awards to support Black students pursuing education in maritime and engineering fields, distributed annually at the SUNY Black History Dinner.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Professional Association Capacity Building 1 activity
- Building professional networks for minority maritime professionalsCreates and strengthens professional networks to expand career opportunities for African American and minority students and professionals in the maritime industry, including convening specialized gatherings such as meetings of Black state-licensed river pilots.
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Mentorship and Professional Development Programs 1 activity
- Mentorship and professional development for minority students and professionals in maritime industriesOffers mentoring, recruitment support, and networking opportunities to minority students and young professionals pursuing careers in maritime and engineering fields, with ongoing support after graduation to promote career advancement and awareness of minority contributions to maritime history.
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Industry-Specific Student Scholarships and Competitions 1 activity
- Scholarship program for minority students in maritime and engineering fieldsProvides annual scholarships to full-time undergraduate students from underrepresented groups pursuing careers in maritime and engineering professions, with awards supporting general expenses and designated funds for Summer Sea Term costs. Since inception, over 130 scholarships have been awarded, and 100% of donated funds are directed toward these scholarships.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Advocacy for maritime resilience through legislative engagementParticipated in the H.R. 1242 Resilience Project, a legislative initiative focused on strengthening maritime resilience, representing the organization’s engagement in policy-related advocacy.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$88K
Contributions & grants$76K86%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$3K4%
Other revenue$11K
expenses
Total expenses$78K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out$64K
balance sheet
Total assets$184K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$184K
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue -14.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022
Who runs it
board members · 9
- CAPTAIN ERIC JAMES — DIRECTOR
- CONSTANSA TORREJON REYES — DIRECTOR
- DENALIN RANDALL — DIRECTOR
- HEIDI KURTH COOK — DIRECTOR
- KYRON COOPER — DIRECTOR/ASST ADMINSTRATOR
- LEWIS FURGASON — DIRECTOR
- MARTIN O'BIERO — DIRECTOR
- ROBERT COOK JR — DIRECTOR
- SUN YANG — DIRECTOR
relationships · 8
Who they work with
- Board of Directors Partner — Provides ongoing support, mentorship, and financial investment to OBMG and its mission.
- Marine Society of the City of New York Partner — Collaborates with OBMG on events and initiatives supporting maritime professionals.
- OBMG Board Government — Covers all administrative expenses for the organization.
- SUNY Maritime College Partner — Hosts annual Black History Dinner and scholarship events in collaboration with OBMG.
- SUNY Maritime College Partner — Partner institution supporting recruitment and scholarship efforts for maritime students
- SUNY Maritime College Cultural Club Partner — Hosts the Annual Black History Month Dinner where OBMG presents its scholarship awards.
- SUNY Maritime Cultural Club Partner — Hosts the 39th Annual Black History Month Dinner in partnership with OBMG.
- members Partner — Active participants who contribute time, energy, and financial resources to support OBMG's programs.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Celebration as Support Mechanismmethodology: cultural-celebration-with-scholarship-supportBy combining cultural celebration with scholarship awards, we reinforce identity, belonging, and achievement, because recognition within a culturally affirming context strengthens student motivation and professional identity.
- Diversity-Driven Industry Transformationmethodology: diversity-driven-industry-changeBy creating visible career pathways for minorities in the maritime industry, we drive systemic change because representation fosters inclusion, shifts cultural norms, and redefines professional identity within the sector.
- Holistic Scholarship Selectionmethodology: holistic_scholarship_reviewBy using a holistic review process that prioritizes financial need, leadership, and social consciousness, we identify and support students most likely to benefit and contribute, because this approach increases equity and long-term impact beyond academic metrics alone.
- Scholarship and Mentorship Pathwaymethodology: scholarship-and-mentorship-pathwayBy combining scholarships, mentorship, recruitment, and networking, we increase minority representation and success in maritime and engineering fields because structured support from education through professional entry builds confidence, access, and career readiness.