100 Black Men: Fathers and Husbands Working for A Better Tomorrow

A record 3,000 members, guests, sponsors, students, and mentees participated in the 100 Black Men Conference-- the largest attendance to date. It seems appropriate that the 2012th conference was scheduled a few days before Father's Day. As I sat at the Friday night banquet, I especially enjoyed the co-host Sheryl Ralph Lee, wife of Senator and Cheyney Trustee Vincent Hughes, and the positive energy in the enormous ballroom that contributed to both a sense of well-being and gratification.

 

As the various speakers thanked and congratulated Attorney Albert Dotson for successfully steering the organization in a period of growth that included the development of charter schools, structured mentorship programs, health care awareness, and sponsorships, I looked around the ballroom and saw looks of pride, satisfaction, and hope on the faces of the members who ranged in ages from the energetic 30s to the wise 80s. These men were engaged and committed to moving forth an aggressive agenda of mentoring and good works to build responsible and contributing future generations of leaders.

 

There was also a sense of Philadelphia Pride when the academic team that the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia sent to compete in the national African American History Challenge came in second in the junior division; this was their first appearance, and they competed against more experienced and championship teams. This Philly accomplishment was cheered by all in attendance and gratified the Philadelphia 100 who seek to expand their mentoring activities with a range of young men and women in the Philadelphia area. Another good Philly moment was when Boyz II Men performed in the concert portion of the program, with pictures of Center City in the background. They were excellent, and bought the audience to their feet in appreciation.

 

There were many opportunities at the conference to network and make friends for the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia and Cheyney University. In order to help support the retention goals of the University, the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia are pledging their support to developing a Collegiate Chapter at CU!

 

We welcome the mentoring activities of a 100 Black Men of Philadelphia!