Albert R Bates Jr – Speaker

After year’s of experience in a correctional setting, Albert graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on May 24th, 2019, and continues to serve the Youth and citizens of South Carolina as a Class I Police Officer.

April 2020, just as the Covid Pandemic began to sweet the nation, Officer Bates created the #BlackProject movement in hope to inspire youth and anyone who could use a helping hand to keep pushing and to not give up. Officer Bates took to social media platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram during the pandemic gaining over 300,000 followers and supporters. Officer Bates used motivational videos, dance moves, and Live Streaming to help raise thousands in support.

Officer Bates would go on to found the Black Project Foundation, a Non-Profit whose mission is to empower, impact and inspire breakthroughs in underserved communities and abroad. As of today, The Black Project Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope, assisting other community activists and non-profit organizations in their quest for change.  Officer Bates realized the power of being visible and he credits Roshanda Pratt for aiding this manifestation. Officer Bates realized what community love was about as he gives credit and thanks to Jamal Breezy Stroud , Tina Darlene Torres , Juneteenth Jamal Basill Bradley , Shiryl Davis, Raquel Thomas and many others.

 “Together we are unstoppable, and we must be the change we hope to create”