Mission
Statement
Enhance the personal and business development of African American individuals and organizations by providing unique forums for cultural and intellectual enrichment, networking and social entertainment.
Objective
Sponsor various diverse networking and social events for African American professionals.
Background Information
The Washington, DC First Fridays Committee (WDCFFC) has been hosting "First Fridays" since January 1993. "First Fridays" is a social gathering of professionals in the Washington, D. C. metropolitan area held every first Friday of the month. Food, drinks and an atmosphere conducive to mixing, mingling and networking are provided for our clientele. Listed below are the characteristics that distinguish "First Fridays" from other networking functions.
Unique Features Of "First Fridays"
"First Fridays" are considered to be unique for the following reasons:
1. It is an event that is held across the country. The concept is successfully used in over 40 cities throughout the United States including the top 20 markets. See First Fridays Nationwide page.
2. It has a rotating venue. That increases anticipation of the event and introduces our clientele to new locations, many of which are underutilized by African American professionals.
3. It has an alternating format. This ensures continual attendance and an expanding clientele base. Some of our past formats include: Musical entertainment, speakers, artwork display, seminar, comedy show, and fashion show.
4. It promotes minority businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent by providing them a forum to highlight their product, service or talent to a vital portion of the African American community.
5. A portion of the "First Fridays" proceeds is regularly donated to charitable organizations. Some of our benefactors include the United Negro College Fund, the Greater Washington Urban League - Thursday Network, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Malcolm X Cultural Education Center. In addition, public service organizations are allowed to market their functions and causes at our events and in our First Fridays Newsletter free of charge.
6. "First Fridays" is the largest and most successful monthly event in Black America.
Demographics & Mailing List
Below is the "First Fridays" audience at a glance:
1. We maintain a mailing list of over 5,000 African American professionals and
our e-mails reach over 85,000 people between the ages of 23 and 56. Persons 25-43 comprise approximately
87% of the First Fridays’ audience.
2. 77% are college graduates with approximately 30% earning post graduate degrees.
3. 73% have a median income of over $50,000 with 33% earning over $75,000
4. Washington, D.C. metropolitan area residents with approximately 6% living in various cities across the country.
5. 91% of our "First Fridays" clientele are single.
6. 71% of "First Fridays" patrons have no children.
7. "First Fridays" clientele is 66% women and 34% men.
8. 51% of our patrons
spend more than 3 hours on the internet per week.
Hosts
Michael Ray, President
MichaelRay@FirstFridaysdc.com
Sherilyn Pruitt, Vice President
SherilynPruitt@FirstFridaysdc.com
Al Grant, Chief Financial Officer
AlGrant@FirstFridaysdc.com
Clay Taylor, General Counsel
ClayTaylor@FirstFridaysdc.com
