Piedmont Assembly
(Spartanburg, SC)
The Piedmont Assembly (Spartanburg, SC)
– Historical Overview
The Piedmont Assembly was founded in 1985 by Bro. James Cheek as a leadership and mentorship initiative aimed at empowering young Black men in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The program emphasized character development, leadership training, academic achievement, and exposure to professional role models.
Each summer, the Assembly inducted young men typically between the ages of 16 and 18 who had completed several years of training and demonstrated strong leadership and moral character. Participants engaged in educational field trips, networking events with professionals, and community service projects. Many alumni credited the program with helping shape their personal and professional paths, with some pursuing careers in medicine, education, and other fields.
The Last Class of Inductees was in 2015.
Mission Statement
The Piedmont Assembly is dedicated to empowering young Black males in the Spartanburg community by cultivating academic excellence, cultural pride, and leadership potential. Through mentorship, educational enrichment, and exposure to professional and cultural experiences, we prepare our youth to become confident, capable, and compassionate leaders who uplift their communities and shape a brighter future.
Core Pillars
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We foster a culture of high achievement by encouraging intellectual curiosity, supporting educational goals, and preparing young men for success in higher education and beyond.
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We instill pride in heritage and identity through exposure to African American history, culture, and institutions, helping participants understand their value and potential in a broader societal context.
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We cultivate confident, ethical, and service-minded leaders by providing mentorship, public speaking opportunities, and real-world experiences that build character and responsibility.
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We strengthen ties between youth and their communities by promoting civic responsibility, volunteerism, and a commitment to giving back, ensuring that each participant becomes a force for positive change.
The point of life wherein all men have now assumed universally a position of combined strength in lion heart degree: gate embellished reminds when joining hands with a joint weapon success more guarded and guaranteed. Environmental flourishes include a bird that is indicative of soaring heights, crown assemblies dignified behavior; fish provide fluidity and wisdom.