Gemale A. Black

Native of Rowan County, NC

Industry: Non-Profit

Gemale A. Black uses three words to describe his hometown of Salisbury: community, progressive, and cultural enrichment. “Salisbury offers people a chance to learn, grow, and develop,” he says. “There may be challenges and areas for improvement, but collectively, civic organizations and community members are working together to ensure it is a vibrant place for everyone.”

Gemale, 34, has been president of the Salisbury-Rowan Branch of the NAACP for seven years and has previously served on the Young Adult Committee of the state NAACP. He completed the year-long National NAACP Leadership Program, NextGen.

He leads Salisbury’s Cease Fire Initiative in partnership with the Salisbury Police Department, engaging the community in helping to reduce gun violence and serving as a de-escalator in potentially violent situations. “We ID ‘hot spots’ for crime and go into those neighborhoods and find out what resources are needed,” he says. The association then partners with other organizations to bring about positive change such as gun safety education and community events in the areas identified as hot spots.

Gemale also serves on the Salisbury Housing Advocacy Commission, “making sure that residents know their property rights” and on the Board of Directors for the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, a non-profit that works with child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers.

This year, he received a Charlotte Business Journal “Under 40” Award, which recognizes professionals who are making major strides in their careers while leaving a positive impact on their communities. He was one of 40 recipients of 280 nominees.

Gemale embraces the county’s Be an Original movement. “It means celebrating and embracing each person’s unique qualities while also respecting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of others.,” he says. “We are all unique, and our originality contributes to shaping and creating a welcoming and inclusive community/county for everyone.”

After college at Winston-Salem State University and a degree in Justice Studies, Gemale came back to Salisbury to be near family. His parents are Linda and George Black. He has a twin sister, two brothers, and a daughter.

“When I came home I was looking for something productive to do to give back to the community,” he says. That led him to the NAACP, and he first served as Community Coordinator Chair. “I started building relationships with municipalities and citizens,” he says.

He has found that “there is something for everyone” in Salisbury, a place of  “diverse population and cultures that are showcased through arts and entertainment, festivals by community organizations, and even the diversity of business entrepreneurs.

“I’m an outdoors person so any sporting event, concert, you name it, I will engage. My most recent engagement has been the Adult Kickball League through the City of Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department. It brings people and organizations from all over Rowan County together in a fun, athletic atmosphere.”

Gemale’s favorite outdoor space is Forest Hills Park “because it connects to the Salisbury Greenway and has a basketball court.” The Greenway is a developing trail network in the city that connects residential areas, parks, local businesses, schools, and restaurants.

His favorite event is the Juneteenth Celebration, organized by the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP. “It brings a wide range of people together,” he says.

Go Burrito is a favorite restaurant. “I love the atmosphere,” he says. “It’s a good place to chill and relax and the food is great.” And it overlooks the new Bell Tower Green Park in Salisbury. “People had been waiting on that space a long time,” he says of the downtown park that is a favorite family gathering place.