Bridge Builders Foundation

We are proud and honored to announce that Mr. Bernard Kinsey will serve as an Honorary Chair for the Bridge Builders Foundation Start to Finish Scholars Gala on June 6, 2026.

Bernard Kinsey represents the very essence of what we strive to instill in our young people — leadership, vision, excellence, and a commitment to preserving and advancing legacy. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and steward of one of the nation’s most significant collections of African American art and history, Bernard, alongside his wife Shirley, has spent decades ensuring that our stories, achievements, and collective journey are preserved and shared with future generations. Their work through the Kinsey Collection reminds us that understanding our history is not about looking backward — it is about empowering generations to move forward with confidence and purpose.

We are especially grateful because Bernard and Shirley Kinsey are not new to the Bridge Builders Foundation family. They are past BBF Distinguished Honorees whose lives, service, and philanthropy continue to inspire our scholars and our community.

As we prepare to celebrate over 40 Start to Finish Scholars and continue building pathways of opportunity through mentoring, STEM, leadership, and educational support, we are humbled to have leaders such as Bernard and Shirley Kinsey stand with us in this mission.

Thank you for continuing to help us build not just programs, but a lasting ecosystem of transformation.
June 6, 2026 | Start to Finish Scholars Gala
JW Marriott L.A. LIVE (www.BridgeBuildersLA.org)

The work is bigger than one moment in the classroom. It’s the confidence to ask better questions. The exposure to see new paths. And the support to believe those paths are yours. At Bridge Builders Foundation, we believe every scholar deserves to be seen, supported, and given a real chance to build what’s next. Link in bio to join us on the mission. ✨

The work is bigger than one moment in the classroom.

It’s the confidence to ask better questions.
The exposure to see new paths.
And the support to believe those paths are yours.

At Bridge Builders Foundation, we believe every young person deserves to be seen, supported, and given a real chance to build what’s next.

Join us on the mission: https://www.bridgebuildersla.org/

We are honored and excited to announce that Darrell Brown, a past Bridge Builders Foundation honoree, has graciously agreed to serve as the Honorary Host for our 2026 Salute & Scholars Gala.

Darrell’s remarkable career spans decades of leadership, service, and impact. From his distinguished leadership at U.S. Bank to his commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others, he exemplifies what purposeful leadership looks like.

At Bridge Builders Foundation, our honorees represent the very best of society. They are more than accomplished professionals — they are examples of excellence, leadership, service, and possibility. They become living illustrations for our youth as they aspire, dream, and work toward greatness.

Join us on June 6, 2026 at the JW Marriott LA Live as we celebrate our 42 Start-to-Finish Scholars, who have achieved an incredible 3.93 average GPA. This year, BBF will award more than $200,000 in scholarships, bringing our cumulative scholarship support to over $1.5 million since inception.

Together, we continue building pathways and investing in the next generation of leaders. To support and learn more: www.BridgeBuildersLA.org

www.BridgeBuildersLA.org