Our Mission
The Lucius D. Amerson, Bridge Builder Foundation is dedicated to commemorating the life and groundbreaking achievements of Lucius D. Amerson, the first African-American sheriff elected in the South post-Reconstruction. Our mission is to uphold his legacy through education, advocacy, and historical preservation.
Programs
The Foundation’s efforts focus on three primary areas
Archival of History of Black Sheriffs Past and Present
The foundation is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the historical narratives and accomplishments of African-American sheriffs, both past and present, creating a comprehensive archive that serves as a vital resource for research and education.
Operation of Sheriff Lucius D. Amerson Memorial
The foundation operates the Lucius D. Amerson Memorial and Exhibition in Washington D.C., which celebrates the contributions of Sheriff Amerson and other pioneering African-American sheriffs, while also highlighting Amerson’s ancestral ties to Guinea-Bissau and the Afro-Latino communities.
Raise Awareness and Award Scholarships to Disadvantaged Youth to Pursue Careers and Obtain Certification in Trade Fields
Through the Bridge Builders Trade Academy (BBT), the foundation offers vocational training opportunities in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, aiming to provide disadvantaged youth with viable career paths and help them obtain necessary certifications.