Barbados Association of Southern California (BASC) is the premier organization representing the Barbadian community in Southern California. BASC is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This will greatly allow us to increase our ability to raise funding ventures and by extension our philanthropic efforts.

Background
Six years ago, a group of concerned Barbadians led by Sandra Cutting, June Small Lashley and Gregory Chase got together to create an association that fairly represents their interest in this part of the Diaspora, and out of that meeting the Association was formed. On September 21, 2013, they met for the first time in Rogers Park, California and since that date have expanded from a small core group to over fifty members.

The mission of the BASC is to:
• Mobilize resources and help the disadvantage, both in our community and to Barbados, with a focus on youth, seniors and persons with disabilities.
• Develop, promote and preserve for posterity the rich cultural heritage of Barbados and the Caribbean, through various cultural programs.
• To assist the educational needs of our communities locally and in Barbados through the provision of supplies, equipment, training and cultural exchanges.
• Recognize the contributions made by Barbadians and others.
• Promote unity and cooperation among its members.

Membership
Membership is open to any person of goodwill who subscribe to the purposes and basic policies of the organization and whose admission will contribute to the organization ability to carry out its charitable purposes. Annual membership dues are $30.00 per member. Free Youth enrollment under age 18. We are currently and actively seeking new members. Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month currently at 9000A La Cienega Blvd., Inglewood, CA. Kindly join us, we welcome you.

Management
The management of the organization’s affairs is conducted by Executive Board. The Board is comprised of four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three (3) Board members. There is a two-year term of office.
The organization has endeavored to live-up to its aims and objectives through various fundraising, educational and cultural programs. These programs are created and implemented by various committees within the organization.

Donations
• Partnered with the City of El Segundo to co-host the Barbados athletics contingent to the 50th Special Olympics held in Los Angeles and donated $2,500.00.
• Provided funds to Alaysia Johnson to attend the Junior National Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
• Donated to and partnered with the Caribbean Community and Friends in a Fundraiser for Janelle Small. In February,    while on vacation in Jamaica, Janelle was struck by a hit and run vehicle. She suffered severe bodily injuries and brain trauma. She was airlifted to Miami while in a coma where she remains in a trauma center.
• Donated to the Oh Dem Again Annual Toy Drive designed to assist underprivileged kids in the community.
• Provide back to school supplies through our annual drive to benefit St. Philip Primary School, Barbados.
• Provide Annual sponsorship for our youth to attend Project Pipeline Camp, an educational seminar hosted by Southern California Chapter of the National Association of Black Architects. Project Pipeline Camp provides an   opportunity to teach and engage African-American Youth about the process and impact on architectural design.

 
Programs/Fundraising
We have organized various fundraisers:
• Annual Caribbean Gospel Music Luncheon which is held closest to Easter.
• Annual “Oistins by Day” Fish Fry, an outdoor event which is held in July.
• Annual Viejas Casino & Shopping Outlet Bus Ride in September.
• The highlight and biggest fundraiser is the Annual Taste of Barbados in November. This event designed to celebrate Barbados Independence; showcase the rich culture of our Barbadian and Caribbean culture and acknowledge and honor persons who have made contributions to the organization and society.

We also host fun events that promote fellowship among members and guest alike:
• Annual Family Day Potluck Picnic in August
• Annual Mix and Mingle in December

Community Involvement
• Participated in a Free Citizens Application Workshop sponsored by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles. As a result of this drive many persons from the Caribbean applied for citizenship.
• Launched Caribbean Cooking Basics, a program spearheaded by two of our members, Dulcie Harrison and Rhonda Small.
• Assisted Bajan and Friends for Health & Education with the reception held after the screening of the film “Barrow Freedom Fighter”, a documentary on Errol Walton Barrow, former Prime Minister and father of Barbados Independence.
• Participated in the feeding of the needy and homeless persons in Leimert Park. This event was sponsored by International Eye Los Angeles.
• Members volunteered their services to assist Marilyn Lloyd in serving over 600 meals to the homeless in the downtown LA area.
• Support other Caribbean and community organizations in their fundraising and outreach programs.
• Empower members and the community at large through education, motivation and personal development seminars.
• Annual Black History Month Celebration led by our Youth
• Annual Women’s History Month Program in March

Culture

BASC is committed to the preservation of the Caribbean culture, especially Barbadian culture and for the past years BASC Ensemble has showcased their talents in cultural presentations especially at the annual “A Taste of Barbados” event held in November.

Recognition and Awards
BASC believes in acknowledging the achievements and contributions of others.

In 2016, we honored Neville and Dulcie Harrison for their sterling contributions to the progress of the Barbadian community in Southern California. In 2017, Dr. Anthony Carter, “The Mighty Gabby” was honored for his outstanding contributions to the culture of Barbados and the Caribbean. In 2018, Victor C. Murray who was recognized by NASA for 50 years of outstanding service, received the BASC Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, in 2018, our Founders, Sandra Cutting-Roach, Gregory Chase and June Small Lashley were honored and received BASC’s Golden Trident Award for their contributions to the organization and the community.

Looking Forward
We will continue to foster good relationships with other organizations; to develop the potential skills of our members through various training projects and programs; to work to increase our building fund with the goal of acquiring our own headquarters; to develop and engage the youth through our cultural programs.

We are proud of the achievements and through the help of God, the contributions from the dedicated members and the support of our loyal patrons, family and friends, we will continue to set an example of quality leadership in the community.