By: Lennard James
Nestled in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Dr. Pam Chatman emerges as a transformative leader, setting a new standard for community engagement. With a commitment reminiscent of Civil Rights Activist Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Chatman not only shares the same birthday but also an unwavering dedication to serving humanity.
Her extensive list of accolades speaks volumes about the impact she has made in the realms of social justice, community service, and economic development. Recognized with the prestigious Harriet Tubman Award by the Mississippi Magnolia Bar Association, Dr. Chatman’s fearless leadership in the Delta has been a beacon for others to follow.
Acknowledged with the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dr. Chatman’s community outreach efforts have become a benchmark for excellence. Congressman Bennie G Thompson has immortalized her in congressional records, underscoring her pivotal role in history. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have both commended her leadership, showcasing the national impact of her work.
Recent accolades, including the Humanitarian Of the Year award in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a nomination for the 2023 Women Who Change the World, further solidify Dr. Chatman’s position as a trailblazing figure. As Mississippi’s first Black Woman News Director, she continues to break barriers and pave the way for others in the industry.
At the heart of Dr. Chatman’s transformative work lies the Boss Lady Economic Planning Development Workforce Transportation organization. Operating as a grassroots initiative, this organization doesn’t merely meet community needs; it sets a new standard for immediacy and impact. Through innovative partnerships with entities like FedEx Express, Dr. Chatman’s team has provided free transportation, dismantling barriers to employment for nearly 5000 families in the Mississippi Delta.
The Boss Lady PChatman ethos extends beyond economic development, encompassing housing assistance, home improvements, and addressing the critical issue of hunger. Collaborating with national organizations such as the Kellogg Foundation, Walton Foundation, Save the Children, and CARES, Dr. Chatman’s reach knows no bounds.
Initiatives like the Boss Lady Snack Shack and the Brown Bag Elderly Relief Hunger Initiative underscore her holistic approach to community well-being. In particular, BossGiving, an event with a national platform, epitomizes Dr. Chatman’s vision to connect and empower organizations providing resources for families in crisis, especially children and women in need.
Drawing from her background in broadcasting, Dr. Pam Chatman stands out as a history-maker in the industry. The first Black woman News Director in Mississippi, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of families in need. Her organization distinguishes itself by swift and direct execution, providing resources and assistance to families facing crises.
Looking forward, Dr. Chatman envisions her organization continuing to raise the bar for community engagement across the southeast. With an unwavering commitment to assisting more children and women and a determination to be a beacon of support for every family in need, the Boss Lady PChatman and her organization are poised to leave an enduring legacy.
In the words of Dr. Pam Chatman, “We hope that the readers recognize there are organizations working tirelessly, seven days a week, 325 days a year to provide direct assistance and services for families in crisis. Together, we all possess the ‘Power to Empower.'”
