D.C. Oral History
Arthur “rico” rush jr.
Arthur Rush, Jr., affectionately known as Rico, was a founding member, President and Program Director for the Alliance of Concerned Men (ACM) and co-founder of the “Meet the Challenge.”
Rico graduated from Eastern High School in 1966. and he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University in 1983.
As a life-long resident of Washington, D.C., Rico developed a passion for uplifting members of our communities by providing the tools needed to fulfill their education, occupational and life goals.
His many certifications and grass roots outreach provided the framework for Rico to make a profound impact in the areas of Addiction, Hypnotherapy, Human Development, Youth and Family, HIV/AIDS and STD’s, Loss, Grief and Healing and Gang Intervention.
As Program Director for the ACM, he oversaw programs partnering with the DC Housing Authority. In addition, he coordinated the Abridging Prison Program along with outreach and prevention of violence and drugs in our communities.
Rico’s love for the youth made him an asset to ACM as Director of the Save a Child Program. Under his direction, ACM partnered with the DC Child and Family Services Agency to oversee their youth abscondence program. He also supervised a wide range of programs ranging from mentoring, tutoring, violence prevention, meditation and training for at-risk youth.
As a trainer, Rico trained participants in the areas of organizational, management and staff development. His recent workshops took place in Johannesburg, Soweto, South Africa, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Nicaragua.
Rico sadly passed away on March 23, 2020. His legacy of community outreach, service and intervention will remain a valued asset by anyone touched by his efforts. The Alliance of Concerned Men is forever changed by his presence and he will always be considered part of the family.
- Alliance Of Concerned Men Inc.
