Black Ownership Matters Celebrates Second Anniversary at PestWorld

BOSTON - This year, Black Ownership Matters (BOM), celebrated its two-year anniversary during PestWorld 2022 in Boston. BOM is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization created to promote Black ownership and career advancement in the pest management industry through mentorship and community development.

NPMA President Justin McCauley opened the reception followed by remarks from current BOM President Dr. Hamilton Allen with HomeTeam Pest Defense. “We’ve mentored 20+ Black-owned organizations and individuals over the last two years. We’ll continue mentoring efforts in 2023 but aim to strengthen fundraising efforts this year to create unique programs for members,” said Allen. 

Two native Bostonians, Charlie Titus and Darrel Byers welcomed the more than 50 attendees to their city. Titus, a retired head coach of the men’s basketball team at University of Massachusetts – Boston, marveled at the number of young black pest professionals in the room, provided detail on the growing number of diverse elected government officials in the state, and spoke about the influence of intentionality in the diversity space. 

Byers, CEO of Interise, a Boston based non-profit known for “Streetwise MBA,” the hands-on executive education program for minority small business owners spoke about the impact of ownership on decreasing the racial wealth gap. 

BOM will announce its plans for Legislative Day 2023 on its website in the near future.