The idea of the African American Strategic Partnership (AASP) was born in October 2014 when Dr. Sharon McDaniel of A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI) recognized the need for a network to support African American leaders in the child welfare arena. Consequently, Dr. McDaniel and Peggy Harris hosted a convening at ASCI.  In 2015, at the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative, the formal foundation was developed. Dr. McDaniel became the founding president and Peggy Harris served as the organization's inaugural Vice President. 

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​Preparation for these leaders’ collective impact began with the following activities: