(HARLEM, NY – July 16, 2026) – Harlem Inc. and BMORENews.com are proud to announce that Casper R. Lassiter, M.S.W., Campus Director of the Children’s Aid Dunlevy Milbank Center, will receive the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award during Black Wall Street Harlem on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Malcolm X Plaza.
For more than three decades, Lassiter has dedicated his life to empowering Harlem’s youth, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for future generations. His story is one of perseverance, purpose, and coming full circle.
More than 40 years ago, Lassiter first walked through the doors of the Milbank Center—not as an administrator, but as a young basketball player. Two years later, his participation in the Children’s Aid Carrera Program helped change the trajectory of his life by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunity during a time when many of his peers faced the challenges of drugs and teen pregnancy.
Inspired by those who invested in him, Lassiter committed himself to giving back.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from Lehigh University and later received a Master of Social Work from Hunter College, following his graduation from Salisbury School in Connecticut.
His professional journey at Children’s Aid has been equally inspiring. Beginning as a Case Manager, he steadily rose through the organization, serving as Associate Coordinator of Youth Development, Coordinator, Assistant Director, and ultimately Campus Director of the very institution where his own journey toward success began.
Today, Lassiter leads programs that provide thousands of young people with educational support, leadership development, recreational opportunities, and the resources they need to thrive.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honors, including the Lehigh University Learning and Leadership Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, and multiple Children’s Aid Excellence Awards, recognizing both his professional excellence and unwavering commitment to community service.
Beyond his impressive résumé, those who know Lassiter describe him as a mentor, role model, husband, father of two, and tireless advocate whose leadership is rooted in compassion, service, and an unwavering belief in Harlem’s young people.
His life’s work embodies the very spirit of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award—using education, leadership, and community engagement to create pathways of opportunity for others.
“Casper Lassiter represents the very best of Harlem,” said Doni Glover, publisher of BMORENews.com. “He is living proof that when a community invests in its young people, those young people can grow up to become the very leaders who invest in the next generation. His life is a testament to the power of mentorship, opportunity, and paying it forward.”
Harlem Inc. and BMORENews.com are honored to recognize Casper R. Lassiter for a lifetime of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to Harlem’s children, families, and future.
Congratulations, Casper R. Lassiter, on receiving the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award. We look forward to celebrating your remarkable contributions to Harlem on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during Black Wall Street Harlem.
