ABOUT BDPF:

Hezekiah House, Jr., Chair, holds a Certificate in Automotive Mechanics from the former Robert Trade School (New York, NY). His professional experience includes 32 years with United Parcel Service where, for 25 years, he was Shop Steward for Local 804. At the time of his retirement, and for several years before, his job title was Union Representative. Subsequent to retirement, he served for three years in the capacity of Trustee of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters local in New York. Thereafter, he served a six-year term as Imperial Potentate for the National Imperial Council of Shriners (USA). For a number of years, Mr. House was president of Forest Avenue Auto Repair Shop and Madison Avenue Towing Service, both family-owned businesses in New Jersey. He is currently chair of the St. Matthews AME Church Board of Trustees (Summerton, SC), an active member of Yorkrite Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Lakewood Community Board of Directors (Sumter SC).

Marie Gates, Vice Chair of BDPF, is a business school graduate. She is retired from the banking industry (the now defunct Howard Savings Bank of Newark NJ) where she served in various capacities including Secretary, Trouble Shooter and Section Head (School Loans). She is an exceptionally active volunteer, working indefatigably with BDPF's Enrichment/Tutorial Program, Rolling Readers of South Carolina, the Summerton Catholic Church Food Pantry, the Clarendon County Special Needs and Handicapped Board, and a migrant workers association. Mrs. Gates is also an avid bowler and is active in her church.

Brumit B. De Laine, Secretary, holds a BA degree in psychology and economics and a MA degree in education, as well as an Advanced Certification in School Administration (Sixth Year Degree). He is an experienced classroom teacher and school administrator. He served for 22 years as Director of Driver Education and 5 years as Director of Student Placement and Student Records during 31 years of service in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System (NC). Mr. De Laine is a volunteer with several organizations, including Memorial Presbyterian Church (Charlotte NC), Habitat for Humanity and the national De Laine Family Organization.

Luetina Ragin, Treasurer, is a graduate of Manhattan Community College of The City University of New York with an associate degree in accounting and has done further studies at Baruch College. She retired from The Hertz Corporation (Park Ridge, NJ) where she was Manager of Excise Taxes after 31 years of service. She is a member of Historic Liberty Hill AME Church (Summerton, SC) where she serves as assistant secretary, church school teacher, and member of the choir. In addition to serving as treasurer of BDPF, she is a volunteer with the BDPF Enrichment/Tutorial Program.

Dorothy P. Choice holds a BA degree with majors in English and French. She retired from Clarendon County School District One after teaching for more than 35 years. Ms Choice is extraordinarily active in community affairs and excels in organizing public events. She holds the honorary position of Chair Emeritus of BDPF.

Arlonial D. Bradford holds a BA degree in Business Education and a MA degree in Education. She has also done additional graduate study. Her teaching experience includes both high school and college levels. Ms Bradford retired from the Williamsburg County (SC) public school system after 35 years of service. Her college teaching experience was at Winona State University (MN). Additionally, her professional experience includes five years as Administrative Assistant to Headstart in Williamsburg County (SC). She has traveled extensively in West Africa and South Africa as an educational consultant for the AME Church. Ms Bradford is active in many other church and civic organizations of Clarendon County.

Joseph A. De Laine, Jr. holds a BA degree in Biology and has pursued graduate studies in biochemistry. He holds certificates in Design and Management of Employee Training Development, Organizational Management and Development, and Business Management for Marketing and Advertising. He is retired from Hoffmann-LaRoche (Nutley, NJ) where he worked in various executive management positions charged with employee training, sales administration, marketing and advertising. For eight years, he served as a trustee for the New Jersey Youth Correctional System. After his early retirement, he served as chairman of the Charlotte (NC) Northwest Corridor Community Development Corporation for ten years. He was appointed to the US Presidential Commission for the Brown v Board of Education 50th Anniversary Celebration. Mr. De Laine is the most knowledgeable living person on the genesis of the Briggs v. Elliott lawsuit.

Marguirite L. De Laine holds a BA degree in English and has done graduate studies at the University of South Carolina and The Citadel. She earned a certificate from the Non-Profit Leadership Institute at Francis Marion University (Florence, SC). Additionally, she received certificates for participation in the Cities in Schools Program and in an after school tutorial program in Dorchester County, SC. Now retired, she was a respected teacher of high school English and middle school Language Arts in public school systems in South Carolina (31 years) and North Carolina (4 yrs). Ms De Laine has been an active volunteer in a number of organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, PTA Board of Alston Middle School (Summerville, SC), and many AME church organizations. She is director of the BDPF Enrichment/Tutorial Program.

Hilda Green-Flippen holds a BS degree in Business Management from Wilberforce University, as well as a MEd degree from South Carolina State University. She has teaching experience and is co-owner and business manager of Flippen Contracting Inc. Her work experience includes, among other things, grant management, budget compilation, and program evaluations.

J. Wesley Richburg holds a BA in Business, as well as AA degrees in Environmental Engineering and in Electronic Service and Technology. He served four years in the United States Air Force and has 23 years experience in electronics and operation of computer numerical control machines. Additionally, he has experience as a Pre-Vocational Education high school teacher. Now medically disabled, Mr. Richburg has served on the Summerton Planning Commission and the Summerton Election Commission. As his health permits, he volunteers with BDPF's Enrichment/Tutorial Program.