(Black PR Wire) The Board of Directors and the members of the Collective Empowerment Group (CEG) were pleased to honor Mr. James Clingman at its 20th Anniversary Gala, held in Bowie, Maryland on December 3, 2015. Clingman, economic empowerment writer, speaker, teacher, and Black newspaper columnist for nearly 30 years, received the Chairman’s Award from the CEG. Mr. Clingman has been a staunch advocate for CEG for nearly two decades.

Jim Clingman is primarily responsible for establishing the Cincinnati Chapter of CEG in partnership with Pastor Tracy Ventus of New Mission Baptist Church in Madisonville, and several other founding member churches. Mr. Eugene Ellington, Pastor of Inspirational Baptist Church in College Hill and current President of the Cincinnati Chapter, was in attendance at the Anniversary Gala.

Known nationwide for his 23 year-old syndicated newspaper column, Blackonomics, which began at the Cincinnati Herald, where he served as Editor, Jim continues as a leading voice and proponent of economic empowerment. His latest book, Black Dollars Matter, Teach your dollars how to make more sense, was featured at the Gala by CEG National President and Founder, Pastor Jonathan Weaver, who also received a prestigious award for his tireless work with the CEG.

During his introduction of Clingman, Weaver stated, “Without Jim Clingman there would be no CEG; he has been a valued asset to our growth and sustainability.”

Clingman shared his thoughts on being honored by the CEG, “Of the many awards I have received in my lifetime, this one will always remain at the top of the list. It was given by a group of people whom I have come to know and love. I truly appreciate their sincerity and love for me and my family. What a blessing to have blessed people bestow such an honor.”

In 2010, the Board and member pastors of the Collective Banking Group (CBG), as it was known then, reflected on the evolution of the CBG. Over the years the organization had become a national faith-based community economic empowerment group, still advocating just treatment from banks...and much more. By unanimous decision of the Board, the Collective Banking Group became the Collective Empowerment Group, with increased focus on financial literacy, education, healthcare, homeownership preservation, public safety, and public policy. The new name demonstrates the CEG’s expanded role in “building a healthy and empowered church, people, and community.”

For more information see: www.collectiveempowermentgroup.org and the Cincinnati Chapter website at http://www.collectiveempowerment.org