100 Black Men of America

100 Black Men Of America is a men's civic organization whose stated goal is to educate and empower African American children and teens. As of August 2007 the organization has 110 chapters in different cities in the United States. The members are volunteers, and include teachers, principals, engineers and health professionals. [ [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07239/812397-51.stm 100 Black Men links teens to high-tech] "Dyer, Ervin" for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 2007]

The organizations's mission statement is, "The mission of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans." [ [http://www.100blackmen.org/index7a4a.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=26 Mission Statement] from "www.100blackmen.org"]

Founding of the organization

The initial idea for 100 Black Men Of America was conceived in New York in 1963. Early chapters were formed in New York and New Jersey. Some of the early members were David Dinkins and Jackie Robinson. [ [http://www.100blackmen.org/index7a4a.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=26 100 Black Men] About us]

Recent activities

According to an August 27, 2007 article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania teamed up with Carnegie Mellon University to provide a 14 week summer program for teenagers to learn about computer science. During the program, which was free to participants, the teenagers learned the basics of computer science, information technology, and the World Wide Web. This is the seventh summer that this program has taken place. [ [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07239/812397-51.stm 100 Black Men links teens to high-tech] "Dyer, Ervin" for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 2007]

According to a July 9, 2006 article in The New York Times, the 100 Black Men of Long Island Development Group purchsed a building that takes up an entire city block. The building used to be a bus terminal. The organization has proposed converting the building into affordable housing, and housing for people with disabilities. Questions about the organization's ability to fund such a project have been raised, however. [ [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0CEFDE1330F93AA35754C0A9609C8B63 DEVELOPMENT; 2 Visions Vie in Hempstead For Former Bus Terminal] "Gibberd, Ben" for the New York Times, July 2006]

According to a May 24, 2004 article in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Area (San Francisco) chapter signed a pledge not to accept funding from tobacco companies. [ [http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/05/24/BAG4O6QNHI1.DTL Black groups reject big tobacco's largesse Local chapters sign pledge to break free of donors' 'hypocrisy'] "Johnson, Jason" for the San Francisco Chronicle, May 2004]

Partial list of prominent members

*David Dinkins
*James E. Graves, Jr.
*Jerry Harkness
*LaToya London
*Eddie L. Long
*Michael Misick
*Jackie Robinson (deceased)
*William Thompson (New York)
*Tyler Hosley

ee also

*Marva Collins
*Extra Mile Education Foundation

References

External links

* [http://www.100blackmen.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.blackatlanta.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1335:thousands-attend-100-black-men-of-america-annual-conference-in-orlando&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=124 Article: Thousands Attend 100 Black Men Annual Conference in Orlando]