Empowering Communities for a Better Future
Join us in bridging the gap between communities and law enforcement.
About Bridging the Gap
Our Mission
To bridge the gap in all sectors of the community through collaborative efforts to improve the social, cultural, education and promote justice and equality.
Manatee Bridging the Gap, Inc. History
Our History
Manatee Bridging the Gap, Inc. (MBTG) took root in 2014 under the Manatee County NAACP as a result of the number of acts of violence minorities across the country were experiencing with law enforcement, especially in Fergurson, MO with Michael Brown. The NAACP called a group of organizations and individuals together to develop some strategies to bridge the divide between minority communities and law enforcement. The groups involved included the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department, Bradenton Police Department, Palmetto Police Department, Strength in Action, Inc., 13th Avenue Dream Center, Manatee County Public Defender, and other community organizations and individuals.
The group decided to start a conversation with minority communities and law enforcement through forums that were held in Palmetto and Bradenton. The first forum was held at the Palmetto Youth Center in October of 2014. The second forum was held at the 13th Avenue Dream Center on Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday.
In 2015, Manatee Bridging the Gap, registered its name with the State of Florida. Partners included, Manatee County NAACP, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, Bradenton Police Department, Holmes Beach Police Department, Manatee County School Board, Manatee Boys/Girls Club, 13th Avenue Community Center, and local community individuals and organizations.
In April of 2019, MBTG received its tax-exempt approval under the Internal Revenue Code and continuously work to bridge the gaps in Manatee County in Education, Health, Housing, economics, etc.
Past Presidents: Susie Copeland, Arthur Huggins, Pascale Edouard, and current President Lorenzo Waiters.
