HISTORY OF 100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA, INC.
http://www.100blackmen.orgThe overall concept of the 100 began in New York in 1963 when a group of concerned African American men began to meet to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. The group eventually adopted the name, “100 Black Men, Inc.” as a sign of solidarity. These men envisioned an organization that would implement programs designed to improve the quality of life for African Americans and other minorities. They also wished to ensure the future of their communities by aiming an intense number of resources toward youth development. These members were successful black men from various walks of life. These visionaries were business and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate, Andrew Hatcher and Jackie Robinson.
Dr. William Hayling, a member of the NY organization, had relocated to Newark, NJ and sought to replicate the 100’s impact in that area. In 1976 Dr. Hayling formed the 100 Black Men of New Jersey. A movement had been born. Men across the country began to form 100 Black Men organizations to leverage their collective talents and resources. Chapters were formed in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area, Nassau/Suffolk, Alton and Sacramento.
On September 21, 1983, a three-hour meeting was held at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., among representatives from the Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, and St. Louis chapters. This meeting was to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a National Organization for 100 Black Men. This meeting was held during the annual weekend meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Representatives of St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area, Nassau/Suffolk and Sacramento met for a second time in Las Vegas, May 11-13, 1984, at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. The men engaged in extensive discussions about the most effective structure to support the growth and governance of 100 Black Men chapters.
The third meeting was held May 16-18, 1986 at the Flamingo Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. At this meeting it was agreed that the best model for a newly-formed national organization was a federation governance model. This model leveraged human and fi nancial resources, and supported chapter growth while preserving chapter autonomy. It was also voted that a National Steering Committee would include the Presidents of each chapter, along with two members from each chapter.
A final meeting was held on October 2, 1986 at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington. Chapters represented were: Los Angeles, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Atlanta and New Jersey. The chapters decided that the name of the organization would be: “100 Black Men of America, Inc.”
The following individuals were elected as officers:
Dr. William Hayling
Los Angeles -President
Moses Gray
Indianapolis - Secretary
Oliver Lofton, Esq.
New Jersey - Vice-President
Jesse C. Swanigan
St. Louis -TreasurerOn May 27, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, this newly formed organization introduced itself to the nation during its fi rst national conference. Noted speakers included the late Alex P. Haley and the late Honorable Maynard H. Jackson.
In 1989, Nathaniel Goldston became the organization’s second National President and grew the organization to 43 chapters. Thomas W. Dortch Jr. was elected the third National President in 1994. That year he spearheaded an aggressive plan entitled “Four For The Future.”TM Since that time, the organization has strategically channeled its resources toward programs that support these important areas: Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Development. The 100 has identifi ed these areas as being critical to the future of African Americans.
In 1997 Chairman Dortch expanded the organization internationally with the chartering of the Birmingham, England chapter. Additional international chapters followed; Nassau Bahamas, Goree Island, Senegal, Kingston, Jamaica, U.S. Virgin Islands, and London, England chapters. It was also in 1997 that the organization purchased its World Headquarters building on historic Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2004, Albert E. Dotson Jr., Esq. was elected the fourth National President. He has focused the organization on Leadership Development in all of the Four For The Future areas. Today the organization has grown to over 105 chapters with more than 10,000 members who continue to strive to improve the quality of life in our communities and enhance the educational and economic opportunities for African Americans. 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has impacted the lives of over 100,000 youth who participant annually in its mentoring and youth development programs. With a mission to improve the quality of life and enhance educational opportunities for African Americans, members of the 100
continue to serve as a strong force in the world by overcoming the cultural and fi nancial obstacles that have limited the achievements of some African Americans, particularly young African American males. Members of the 100 have made outstanding progress excelling as corporate leaders, community leaders and as independent business owners.
Greater Charlotte, NC Chapter Highlights
Charlotte, NC Chapter founded in 1991
Awarded “Chapter of the Year” in 1997, 1998 and 1999 by 100 Black Men of AmericaMentoring and Education Program:
Mentored over 152 students through our Movement of Youth (MOY) program since 1991.
Structured one-on-one and group mentoring for students with risk factors
Assist students to develop high self-esteem and an appreciation for education through
Saturday Academies, twice-monthly workshops in citizenship, leadership development, life skills, study skills, financial education, cultural enrichment and community activities
Partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
New candidates for the Movement of Youth are referred by the school administrators as 7th- and 9th graders, or by request of family members
Currently 50 boys in 7th to 12th grades
Scholarship Program:
Awarded over $200,000 in Scholarships since 1996
Mentees graduating with a 3.0 grade point average or higher are awarded a $10,000 scholarships
Mentees graduating with grade point averages between 2.0 to 2.9 receive $3,000 scholarship
The first two classes (1996 and 1997) - 57% enrolled in college
The Class of 2004 had a 100% college enrollment rateSelected Colleges attended by our Mentees
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
NC Central University
Appalachian State University
NCA&T State University
Barber-Scotia University
Duke University
Howard UniversitySelected Past Recipients of our annual Community Leadership Award
Gerald Johnson: Publisher, Charlotte Post
Jim Richardson: State Senator, Mecklenburg County Commissioner
C. Ray Kennedy: Entrepreneur & CEO, American Product Distributors
Dr. Akinyele Aluko.: President & Chairman of the Board, Mid Carolina CardiologySelected Distinguished Members of 100 Black Men of Charlotte
Reginald Hubbard – President, Hubbard Automotive Group
Joe Martin – Philanthropist & former Bank of America Exec. (Honorary Member of the “100”)
Fletcher Mayes – G. M., Hyatt Charlotte @ South Park – 2004 Girl Scout “Man of the Year”
Aaron Means – Manager, IBM –Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance Mentor of the Year
Sam Belnavis – Former NASCAR Team Owner, Director of Roush Racing diversity program
Victor Fields – Chief Financial Officer, The Charlotte Observer
Lenny Springs, II – Pride Magazine’s Distinguished Citizen Award -2004
