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Since 1986 the men of the “100” have stood together and worked for positive change for the African American community in the city of Memphis. We have endeavored to change systems, policies, and lives for the better through a spirit of commitment, vision, and community. It is with this same spirit that I take the helm to move this organization forward building upon that legacy and moving us toward greater influence as an agent of change endeavoring to positively affect the lives of black youth.
The 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization, affiliated with the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve and enhance educational and economic opportunities for African Americans in the Memphis area. We represent one of 106 chapters nationally and internationally. The 100 seeks to address pertinent issues affecting African American youth by focusing on the theme “What they see is what they’ll be”, hence providing positive, approachable role models. The development and nurturing of our African American youth, particularly young black males is the paramount purpose of the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc. acknowledging and accepting the fact that indeed, “our children are our legacy to the future” |
The 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc. is committed to the intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African American community based upon the following precepts: respect for family, justice and integrity. We seek to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create an environment where our children are motivated to achieve and African Americans in the Memphis community are empowered to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of our city, county and region. There are four tenets that drive all that we do as an organization. We call these our “Four for the Future”. These are Education, Economic Development, Health and Wellness and Mentoring. These four areas have been deemed the most critical to the future of our youth and our communities throughout the nation. Our commitment to mentoring has touched the lives of youth from Orange Mound (Hanley Elementary) to North Memphis (Douglass Elementary and the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences). Our “Mentoring the 100 Way” is a nationally recognized individual and group mentoring model that is effectively employed to give young black males positive life altering exposure and experiences. Our most significant endeavor has been the founding and operation of the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences, the first charter school to begin operation in the state of Tennessee. On July 21, 2003 we began this middle school in the North Memphis community recognizing the need for more and better choices for the parents and students there. We currently serve 300 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades with an approach of “high standards, high achievement” and the mantra of “changing lives one mind at a time”. In August of this year we will launch our high school and begin our first class of 9th graders. Simply put we are “Real Men Giving Real Time” in order to affect positive change within our community to improve the quality of life for all.
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