What They See, Is What They’ll Be

Black men aim to save the Black youth in Delaware

BY BRANDON BRICE

YOUNG MEN OF COLOR in Delaware face incredible social and economic barriers, which threaten their ability to achieve longterm success. Unemployment, violence, and poverty rates continue to reach an all-time high, while educational attainment and achievement rates fail to keep pace with their White counterparts. Despite the appearance of insurmountable odds, there exist many talented and high-potential young men of color who continue to perform and excel. 100 Black Men of Delaware, Inc.—an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America—began to form in 2021 with the intent to serve as a catalyst to extend the national 100’s model “Four For The Future,” focus areas: mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.

To make this vision a reality, several men met at Shiloh Baptist Church, where myself and Rev. Clifford Johnson encouraged over 30 African American men to forge together to create a local charter. Within weeks, the chartering executive board was established and together with the general body, the chapter began forming initiatives to help serve our state.

The 100 Black Men of Delaware started by giving Black men the opportunity to connect and engage through a mentorship program initiative: Young Men United (YMU), which serves Black youth ages 12-18 to help students with character development, college and career readiness, and early career exposure. Young Men United aims to mentor and guide 100 Black Males by 2024 to find their success in their early careers and personal lives.

Together with the support of United Way of Delaware, Man Up, and the Brother’s Brunch, YMU is creating a nine-month program geared towards Black men, particularly young males who are struggling with society or are considered to be at-risk. The objective is to make sure that Black men have the tools necessary to navigate the adverse realities that come from everyday life. The program is designed to enhance the social networks for Black men through exposure, accountability, and mentorship.

100 Black Men of Delaware, Inc.—an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America— began to form in 2021 with the intent to serve as a catalyst to extend the national 100’s model “Four For The Future,” focus areas: mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.

The 100 has also been intentional with focusing on the health and wellness of African Americans throughout the state. Understanding the many health disparities within our Black and Brown communities, it is our goal to help advocate for healthy living. Recently, the 100 hosted the inaugural 5k run/walk at Glasgow Park. They will also hold a health screening for all men in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Delaware, United Way of Delaware, and ChristianaCare at the Teen Warehouse, sponsored by Novo Nordisk. All men (ages 18 and older) are set to get free checkups, health screenings, haircuts, massages, food, and a chance to network with men in the greater Wilmington area.

The group had the honor and privilege to host our first pinning ceremony for the 100 Black Men of Delaware with the national chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Brother Tommy Dortch and other leaders in the greater Delaware community. Over the spring of 2022, Delaware was granted a new charter to bring a statewide chapter of 100 Black Men to Delaware. Beginning with over 30 charter members, it is our goal to work collectively with organizations throughout our state to expand positive impact into all Black and Brown communities.

Brandon Brice is the director of philanthropy and equity at United Way of Delaware.