MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark Honored by A Better Chance with its DreamBuilder Award

It was quite a lively and inspiring scene last Friday afternoon (June 9) at the non-profit A Better Chance's annual awards luncheon, held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and emceed by CNBC reporter, Bertha Coombs.  Hundreds of supporters turned out to cheer on several worthy award winners, including high school-aged scholars and national business leaders, including MLBPA Executive Director, Tony Clark, the recipient of the DreamBuilder Award.

Before Tony received his honor, presented annually to a leader who has demonstrated a commitment to helping talented young people achieve their dreams, the crowd was awed by Ahmadu Simpson and Amari Dennis, a pair of high school students and A Better Chance Scholars on hand to be recognized for their perseverance and leadership.

Ahmadu and Amari were among several high school students being honored by A Better Chance this year.  A Better Chance is the largest and only national organization of its kind.  For nearly 55 years, it has worked to change the life trajectory of academically talented youth of color by providing access to rigorous educational opportunities through its College Preparatory Schools Program.

When it was time for Tony to be honored, the work of A Better Chance took center stage, literally, as the award was presented by Xavier James, an alum of the non-profit's scholar program.  While growing up in New York, A Better Chance allowed Xavier an opportunity to leave the Bronx to pursue an education at a Massachusetts boarding school.  Today, Xavier is the founder and president of the James Group, a company that specializes in contract negotiations in the sports and entertainment industries.  Xavier also serves as a business and legal consultant for the MLBPA.

 “I can personally testify that Tony has a commitment to young people of color that is the essence of the DreamBuilder Award,” stated Xavier when introducing Tony.

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