The history of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland began when several men traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, at the invite of the late Roosevelt Adams. Roosevelt was a Clevelander who moved to Atlanta and became a successful businessman. Roosevelt introduced Michael Nelson to Thomas W. Dortch, the National Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America and a very prominent businessperson in his own right. Thomas and Roosevelt explained to Nelson that they had met with some Cleveland Black businessmen and community leaders about starting a chapter of the 100. Nelson knew many of the names they mentioned and even indicated that he had attended at least two attempts to organize a Cleveland chapter. At this point, Nelson promised both men that he would get the ball rolling in Cleveland and have a chapter in place. Nelson concluded that he would hold an organizational meeting of individuals who fit into each category, including representatives from the powerful political factions, Congressman Louis Stokes, former City Council President George Forbes, and Mayor Michael R. White. I would not tell them where the meeting would be held until the day.
A date was set, and Nelson invited a number of his friends, including Larry Hines, Gregory Clifford, Curtis (Griggs), Tony Smith, Luther Towers, and Julius Singleton, along with Stokes’ rep, Ron Adrine, Forbes’ rep, Darrell Fields, and White rep, Nate Gray to meet with Chairman Dortch and Roosevelt Adams. The meeting was held at the now-closed Eloise’s Restaurant on East 79th and Carnegie. We were established in 1997 and became a full-fledged chapter. These guys were familiar with the 100 through business, political, or family connections. After listening to the very impressive Thomas Dortch and about an hour or so of discussion, the decision was made to incorporate formally, set a dues structure of $250 annually, and begin recruiting members. So, in 1997, The 100 Black Men in Cleveland was established.
The first significant event was a rollout at the Cleveland Clinic. Over 90 men committed to joining, with about 70 men paying dues. Mayor Michael R. White committed to buying 100 copies of nationally known motivational speaker George Frazer’s book Success Runs in Our Race for each member. George, who attended the opening event, graciously took the time to autograph each member’s copy. The next major event was a fundraising gala featuring nationally known recording artist the late Phylis Hyman. The event coordinator was the dynamic Richard Johnson, who would probably be considered a significant internet influencer in today’s social media world. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Cleveland, and to say it was a success would be an understatement. Funds raised by that first gala supported the Cleveland chapter’s version of the National 100’s Four For The Future programs of Health/ Wellness, Economic Development, Education, and Mentoring. Larry Hines was our first Program Director, assisted by Curtis (Griggs). The parentheses are intentional; that’s how Curtis spelled his last name.
The 100 would continue to grow its brand in Cleveland. The group coordinated mentoring programs in numerous schools, including Daniel E. Morgan Elementary School, Cleveland East Senior High School, John F. Kennedy Senior High School, East Cleveland Shaw Senior High School, and Warrensville Heights Senior High School. The 100 also held a Saturday morning mentoring program at its offices in Cleveland’s Shaker Square complex. The numerous programs included a reading program at Daniel E Morgan and a stock market competition at East High School. One of the highlights of our plan was the success of our East High Stock Market Challenge team, which traveled to Atlanta and took on some of the nation’s most prominent schools, finishing a highly respectable 3rd out of the scores of schools that competed.
The chapter is still thriving in 2022, celebrating twenty-five years; after seven chairpersons and numerous galas, the 100 Black Men are still mentoring in such schools as Wade Park and Kenneth Clement Boys Leadership Academy, to name a few.
December 14, 2024
Welcome from the Chairman
Good evening and welcome to the 100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala! On behalf of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., it is my great pleasure to welcome you to this special occasion.
Tonight, we gather in the spirit of unity and purpose, as we celebrate the achievements of our mentees, honor outstanding individuals in our community, and award scholarships to deserving students who represent the promise of tomorrow. Your presence here is a testament to the collective commitment we share to Empowering our Youth. Creating Opportunities. Encouraging Excellence.
To our sponsors, honorees, and community supporters: thank you. Your generosity and belief in our mission make everything we do possible. Your investments help us create pathways to success for young people who may otherwise face barriers to achieving their dreams.
This evening is a celebration of excellence, opportunity and empowerment. It is a time to reflect on the transformative power of mentorship and education while recognizing the remarkable resilience, talent, and dedication of our youth. Our honorees tonight exemplify the values we strive to instill — leadership, service, and commitment — including our four pillars: mentoring, health and wellness, education and economic empowerment. A heartfelt congratulations to each of you who inspire us to continue this vital work.
I’m sure you would agree that education is power and leads to success. It can also be costly, so we are excited to provide scholarships to help students embark on their educational journey. The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people, and we are proud to partner with you on this endeavor. Together, we are building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
On behalf of our board of directors, members, volunteers, parents and the mentees we serve, thank you for joining us in this celebration. Enjoy this evening of inspiration, recognition, and connection as we look ahead with hope and determination.
With immense gratitude,
Gregory Lockhart Chairman, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.
– all of whom are among the best in the industry.
CONTRACTING
EDUCATION
Provide education and training to enhance diverse companies.
EMPLOYMENT
Support and seek to increase diverse construction management and trade workforce.
CAA MEMBERS
Welcome From the Gala Chairman
December 14, 2024
Welcome to our 2024 100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala.
We appreciate your attendance and financial support, which will enable us to continue to provide vital services and programs to Greater Cleveland, particularly for African American youth.
In addition to the work of the 100 Black Men, we recognize these individuals who demonstrate remarkable charitable and organizational leadership.
Tonight we honor and recognize individuals who exemplify the impact which they have had in advancing our community.
To our Chairman, Greg Lockhart, 100 Black Men Officers, members, sponsors and supporters, on behalf of the Gala Committee and volunteers, we appreciate and thank you.
Enjoy the evening and we look forward celebrating our honorees this evening and for years to come in the important work of improving Greater Cleveland.
Thank you and Happy Holidays.
Glen Shumate
Gala Chairman
100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland
100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Congratulations
The Board of Trustees and staff of the Saint Luke’s Foundation of Cleveland proudly extend heartfelt congratulations to the 100 Black Men in Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala “Empowering Our Youth. Creating Opportunities. Encouraging Excellence”- and this year ’ s distinguished honorees. We deeply appreciate these honorees for their steadfast leadership and dedicated service in empowering African American youth in Cleveland and East Cleveland.
Learn more at saintlukesfoundation.org
Mentoring
This program takes our mentors directly into the schools where we work with students on various subjects to help them succeed. Our mentors work with our younger mentees, at Wade Park elementary school on math and science, with a focus on reading. We know that improving literacy boosts outcomes from academic success to workforce development; to improved health results, to reduced crime. We are able to work both one on one and in group settings which gives us the flexibility to tailor the session for the best possible result. We believe in leading by example and our motto, “What They See Is What They’ll Be” proves it.
Our weekly program at Cleveland Central Catholic High School focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL). The students and mentors explore the process of applying knowledge, mindset, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set goals, and make good decisions. We also share information on the value of soft skills and have a variety of successful speakers who share their stories of achievement and open the minds of the students to think big and devise a plan to make those thoughts become reality. An important component of this program is the time allocated to listen to the students’ concerns and engage the entire group in a discussion with their peers guided by the direction of the mentors.
Education
The Saturday Academy is a comprehensive program designed to empower and uplift participants in various aspects of their lives. Each session, spanning two hours, may include mentoring, health and wellness, education or financial literacy. Mentoring sessions provide personalized guidance and support, fostering positive relationships between participants and mentors who serve as role models and advocates for their success. Health and wellness activities focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, incorporating exercises, discussions on nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Educational components offer interactive workshops and resources to enhance academic skills, explore career pathways, and promote lifelong learning. Throughout the program, guest speakers address relevant topics such as leadership, resilience, and cultural identity, inspiring and motivating participants to reach their full potential. Exposure field trips provide opportunities for real-world learning experiences, connecting participants with professionals and resources in their community. The Saturday Academy collaborates with community partners, including schools, businesses, and organizations, to provide additional support and resources, fostering a supportive network and promoting community engagement. Parents are encouraged to join a conversation that lets them express their concerns and issues they face with their children. We provide community experts to share resources to help find solutions. Overall, the Saturday Academy serves as a transformative space where young African American males and their families can thrive, grow, and succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Health & Wellness
The Let’s Get Fit program is in partnership with the Warrensville Heights YMCA and teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by working out and eating right. The program affords our mentors and mentees another opportunity to spend quality time together, benefiting from cardio and weight training. The 8-week sessions begin with an assessment of the mentees strength, endurance and confidence. Goals are established and reassessed at the end of the program session to determine the amount of progress made.
Economic Empowerment
This program strives to improve the financial literacy of our mentees by exposing them to numerous financial basic principles such as the importance of saving, budgeting, and how to use credit wisely. The mentees will work from resources selected by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and will learn from local professionals in the banking and investment industry as well 100 BMOGC, Inc. mentors. This program will prepare our high school students for the opportunity to compete in the dollars and sense competition held prior to our annual National convention, and give them the tools necessary to start successfully on their financial journey.
After Party Immediately Following the Program Music by LoKey Entertainment
Mentoring
Young Men Growing
Cameron Mathis and Gary Hicks Sr.
Mentoring Award
Young Men Growing is a non-profit mentoring organization dedicated to young black males aged 13 to 18 and was founded in 2017 by Gary Hicks Sr. and Cameron Mathis.
YMG’s mission is to empower young men to become the best versions of themselves through self-education, consistency, and hard work.
Young Men Growing has designed curriculum that focuses on four areas: leadership development, social and emotional awareness, financial literacy, and community engagement.
Since its inception, YMG has mentored and served hundreds of young men in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Most recently, YMG hosted its inaugural Black Male Youth Summit where the theme was “No Opportunity Wasted” at Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus. Our event impacted over 150 young men from all over the county.
Gary and Cameron have over 15 years of experience in education, are certified life coaches, and are both married. Gary has been married for 20 years and Cameron for 11 years. Gary is an Intervention Specialist for mild to moderate students, and Cameron is a dean of students. Both currently serve in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
YMG will begin its 8th season, and have a host of events and field trips lined up that will continue to embrace the theme” No Opportunity Wasted!” This includes our upcoming YMG Leadership Retreat in October, Leaf Ranking event in November, and fundraiser in December.
Young Men Growing is committed to continuing its impactful work and ensuring that no opportunity is wasted for the young men they serve. The journey to becoming the best version of oneself starts with a single step. At YMG, we walk that path together.
WHO ARE WE!? YMG! WE BELIEVE! Salute!
Education
Michael A. Baston J.D., Ed.D.
Education Award
Michael Baston is the fifth president of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a national thought leader on the role of community colleges in shaping educational success; supporting regional workforce needs and economic growth; championing diversity, equity and inclusion reforms; and developing executive leadership teams. As Tri-C president, Baston focuses on strengthening the College’s 60-year mission of providing high-quality, affordable and accessible education and services. Since becoming president in July 2022, he has promoted access and success for the 41,000 credit and noncredit students attending Tri-C’s four campuses and other locations throughout the Cleveland area.
Leadership and Honors. As a national Guided Pathways and Equity Transfer Initiative coach for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Baston is noted for his work with leadership teams at two- and four-year colleges across the nation, helping them integrate student success initiatives to advance college completion and successful labor market entry. Among many other professional honors and activities, Baston is a member of the AACC board of directors and executive board, chairing its Structured Pathways Commission. He received the National Council on Student Development’s Terry O’Banion Gold Prize in 2015 and the NAACP Community Leadership Award in 2010.
Baston also serves on numerous national boards and committees, including the Rising Presidents Fellowship for Community College Excellence at the Aspen Institute and the advisory boards for the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) and the Century Foundation. He is a fellow and member of the Predominantly Black Community Colleges/Historically Black Community Colleges (PBCC/HBCC) Advisory Committee for Complete College America, a member of the advisory board for the Higher Education Research and Development Institute (HERDI) and serves on the board of directors for the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurs (NACCE).
Baston is also the co-chair of the Policy Leadership Trust at Jobs For the Future, where he is also a member of the Community College Workforce Consortium. He is a trustee of Columbia University’s Teachers College, serves on the advisory boards for College Board and Course Hero, is a member of the board of directors at Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School in New York City and is a member of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
In Northeast Ohio, his board service includes the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the United Way of Greater Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Team NEO, Playhouse Square, Unify Jobs and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. He was also named to the 2022 Ohio 500, a list of the most influential people the state compiled by Ohio Business Magazine. In his first year as Tri-C’s president, Baston garnered a number of awards and recognition for his achievements. They include the Crain’s Cleveland Business Power 150 list, the Blacks in Management Excellence in Leadership Award and the Who’s Who in Black Cleveland Award. The Cleveland Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference also honored him with the 2023 Educator of the Year award.
Career. Before leading Ohio’s largest community college, Baston served as president of Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. During his tenure (2017-2022), he led numerous initiatives to spur growth and increase educational pathways. Under his guidance, the college launched a new hospitality and culinary arts center; developed career and English skills academies to address middle-skill workforce needs; and significantly increased grants, capital and other funding. Before joining Rockland Community College, Baston was vice president of Student Affairs and associate provost at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, New York. Baston began his career as an attorney representing various educational institutions and social justice organizations. His work with academic clients led him to pursue a second career in academics, both as a professor of legal studies and business and as a student affairs administrator.
Education. Baston holds a B.A. from Iona University, a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and an Ed.D. from St. John Fisher University.
Health & Wellness
Ed.D, MBA, RN, CSSMBB, FACHE CSA
Health & Wellness Award Airica Steed
Appointed in 2022, Dr. Airica Steed is the first woman, first person of color and first nurse to serve as Chief Executive Officer and President for The MetroHealth System in Cleveland, one of the nation’s most highly regarded academic public health systems, caring for the people of Greater Cleveland since 1837. Under her leadership, MetroHealth has grown into an $2 billion healthcare system with five acute and specialty-care hospitals, almost 9,000 employees and over 40 ambulatory care locations. MetroHealth provides care throughout the community, including at the county jail and inside dozens of schools with its nationally recognized School Health Program.
Historic and visionary, Dr. Steed is no ordinary leader. She has transformed MetroHealth with a people-first culture that incorporates intentional listening, collaboration and empowerment to best serve caregivers, patients and the community.
Fueled by her tragic personal experiences with America’s broken healthcare system, Dr. Steed is on the front lines of the fight to end healthcare inequities and injustice. As a proud fourth-generation nurse, she is relentless in her advocacy and her action to eradicate health disparities, zero out the death gap, lift the health and wealth of the community, and ensure that every person achieves their healthiest-possible life.
Before arriving in Cleveland, Dr. Steed’s accomplished and award-winning career as a healthcare executive included the spearheading of large-scale transformations that encompass more than $300 million in combined financial improvements, achieving top decile quality/safety performance outcomes, driving healthy profitable growth, and achieving groundbreaking advancements in health equity.
Dr. Steed has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Influential Leaders in Healthcare,” “Top Women Leaders,” “Top 25 Minority Leaders in Healthcare,” “Top 25 Healthcare Innovators,” and an “Up & Comer.” Other awards include Diversity MBA Magazine’s “Top 100 Executive Leaders Under 50” and Becker’s Healthcare’s “Women CEOs of Hospitals & Health Systems to Know,” “Top 130 Female Healthcare Leaders to Know,” and “Black Healthcare Leaders to Know.”
Dr. Steed is recognized as a strategic and visionary change leader, transformational architect and international expert in Lean Six Sigma, Malcolm Baldrige framework, and Big Four management consulting across academic medical centers, community and specialty hospitals, safety-net organizations, ambulatory clinics, multi-site clinically integrated healthcare systems, and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Dr. Steed is a sought-after national and international speaker, published author, board member and faculty member spanning several organizations. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership, with distinction; Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and numerous certifications including Master Black Belt and International Trainer in Lean Six Sigma and Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives. She is currently pursuing a second master’s, in Global Development from Harvard University. On top of her many honors and accolades, Dr. Steed’s most prized accomplishment is being a devoted mother to four children and two dogs.
Economic Empowerment
Justin Horton
Economic Empowerment Award
I am seasoned wealth advisor affiliated with Stratos Wealth Partners, bringing twenty years of experience to benefit my clients. With an excitement for finance and a dedication to helping clients achieve their financial goals, I specialize in crafting personalized investment strategies tailored to each individual’s unique needs and aspirations. I strive to provide insightful guidance and continuous value throughout the long-term relationships I build. I enjoy helping clients to navigate the complexities of wealth management with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s retirement planning, investment management, or estate planning, my expertise and integrity make me a trusted advisor in the financial landscape.
I have two passions outside of finance, family and spiritual bonds. One is golf. You might say I’m a glutton for punishment. I caught the golf bug for the second time in my life in 2020. Since then I’ve taken lessons, bought new equipment and spent hours playing, practicing and thinking about golf. In addition to the fresh air, a little exercise and four hours with friends I’ve grown to truly appreciate the tactical and thought provoking question of “how do I navigate this hole based on my current and future expected situation so that my round is successful.” Like golf, approaching your finances requires a tactical in the moment approach to achieve your long-term strategic goals. My second passion is impacting future generations in a positive way. I devote a fair amount of my time serving on boards and committees that are focused on economically impacted future generations in a positive way. From teaching the community at large how to save and give more effectively, advocating for various workforce development initiatives or ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone.
I am driven to help clients maximize the money they have by helping organize their thinking and understanding of their financial lives. By understanding where they have been and where they want to be. My entire career has focused on consulting and counseling to deliver valuable insight and actionable steps for improving a situation. My approach to investment management and financial planning is consultative in nature, yet it delivers the depth to address retirement, investment, estate and charitable planning needs on a cohesive basis. A deconstructed approach that focuses on the ideal final state. My interest in finance was ignited when I spent four summers interning at National City Bank, now PNC. It was there that I began to truly understand how turning income into assets could provide for future wants and needs. My professional career began as a management consultant with A.T. Kearney, a global consultancy.
My wife, Andrean, and I live in Cleveland Heights and enjoy traveling (30 countries so far). I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance from Morehouse College and am a member of the African American Philanthropy Committee of The Cleveland Foundation, Investment Committee Chair for the Deaconess Foundation, Finance Committee Chair for the American Endowment Foundation.
Speaking/Moderating
• Moderator, The Cleveland Foundation 2024 Investment Forum (2024 - Virtual)
• Moderator and MC, NAACP Wealth Building Symposium: Struggling is not our Birthright! (2022)
• The African American Philanthropy Summit (2022 – Moderator, Financial Equity in Philanthropy | 2020 – Closing Remarks, 2020 Vision: Disrupting the Cultural Landscape Through Philanthropy, A Conversation Continues with Philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown | 2016 – Cochair, - Impact and Influence: The Evolution of African American Giving | 2010 – Facilitator, Young Adults Track – “Financially Empowering Youth Today: Growing the Next Generation of Philanthropists
• Moderator, TSOP CLE – The Takeover: Young, Black & Giving Back (2019)
• Radio Host, regular appearances (10) on “Education in American” with K. D. Hale (2015)
Community Building
• Board Member and Chair of Finance Committee, The American Endowment Foundation (2023 – present, Chairmanship 2024 - )
• Board Member and Chair of the Investment Committee, Deaconess Foundation (2022 – present, Chairmanship 2024 - )
• Committee Member, Gift Planning Advisory Committee, The Cleveland Museum of Art (2021 – present)
• Board Member and Former Co-Chair, The African American Philanthropy Committee of The Cleveland Foundation (2009–present)
• Board Member, Breakthrough Charter School Network (2015 – 2020)
• Secretary, The Cleveland Zoological Society (2011 – 2013)
• Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, The Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (2006 – 2010)
• President, The Greater Cleveland Morehouse Alumni Association (2004 – 2012)
Rising Star
Rising Star Award Shannell Smith Whigham
Shanelle Smith Whigham is Senior Vice President and National Community Engagement Director at KeyBank, responsible for developing and executing Key’s national and local community engagement strategy. Among her responsibilities, Shanelle builds bridges between KeyBank and the communities they serve in order to promote economic, racial, and environmental equity. In addition to delivering products and services to under-resourced communities, she establishes partnerships within and outside KeyBank. Over the last 18 years, Shanelle has built cross-sector partnerships to address environmental injustices through neighborhood and community development. Leveraging her sophisticated understanding of stakeholder motivations and aspirations, she has led community-wide initiatives that center and lift under-resourced communities.
Shanelle is a leader at KeyBank, overseeing teams that focus on developing and promoting KeyBank’s volunteering, civic involvement, and community projects. She also manages Key’s local Corporate Responsibility Officers. Shanelle is currently spearheading KeyBank’s efforts to align their $40 billion community investment commitments with community needs and the Community Reinvestment Act. Furthermore, she advises business partners on community engagement strategies, including partnerships with national and local organizations that serve low- and moderateincome and majority-minority communities.
A dynamic speaker, Smith Whigham has shared the stage with Bill Nye the Science Guy, former EPA Chiefs, Christine Todd Whitman, and Lisa P. Jackson, championing the need to guarantee that community voices are heard and integrated into community and economic development projects. Shanelle frequently moderates discussions on various community focused topics for the City Club of Cleveland.
Shanelle is a national thought leader in the areas of community banking and environmental justice. She is a member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Advisory Board as well as the Student Conservation Association. In addition, she serves on the boards of Towards Employment, Cleveland Votes, and Assembly for the Arts. She also volunteered for two historic 2021 mayoral elections in Lima, Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, and an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She resides in the historic community of Glenville in Cleveland, Ohio with her family.
Trailblazer
Trailblazer Award Robert Madison
Robert P. Madison, FAIA, was born in Cleveland, Ohio and spent his early years in the south where his father was a professor of mathematics, physics and chemistry at Selma University and Benedict College. He returned to Cleveland and graduated from East Technical High School with honors in Mathematics and Science. He attended the School of Architecture at Howard University and served in World War II as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 92nd Infantry (Buffalo Soldiers). He was wounded in action in the Italian Campaign where he received the Purple Heart, Battle Ribbons and four combat ribbons.
Mr. Madison has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Western Reserve University where he was the first African American to graduate from an Architecture School in Ohio. Mr. Madison then earned a Master of Architecture Degree from Harvard University (Class President) and, as a Fulbright Scholar, studied at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, France.
Mr. Madison was an Assist. Prof. of Architecture at Howard University until he opened his office in Cleveland in 1954. This was the first office in the State of Ohio by an African American Architect and ninth in the country. There were no practicing Architects of Color and the American Institute of Architects had never before been challenged by the makeup of its membership. Bob Madison’s membership into the organization became a catalyst for change within the Architectural Community and in so doing provided a truly distinguished service to the profession and to society. He would serve as the President of the AIA in 1973.
Mr. Madison served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Robert P. Madison International, Inc. Architects, Engineers and Planners (RPMI) until his retirement at age 92 in 2016. His niece-in-law, Sandra Madison is now the CEO and Chairperson of RPMI with his nephew R. Kevin Madison, President and Robert Klann, CFO. Honors accorded Robert P. Madison are listings in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America and Ebony publication’s 1000 Successful Blacks. Mr. Madison was named to an AIA study team which visited the People’s Republic of China in 1974, as official guests of the Chinese Architectural Society, under the auspices of the Chinese government. Other honors include:
Doctor Humanities Degree (Honorary) - Howard University, 1987
Distinguished Architect Award - Howard University, 1988
Distinguished Service Award - Case Western Reserve University, 1989 AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award - 1994
Distinguished Alumni Award - Case Western Reserve University - 1997
Doctor of Fine Arts Degree (Honorary) – Cleveland State University – 2000
AIA Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award – 2002
Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame – 2002
AIA Ohio Gold Medal – 1997
Cleveland Arts Prize – Women’s City Club - 2000
Doctor of Arts Degree (Honorary) – Kent State University – 2002
Cuyahoga County – “Key to the County – 2023”
Mr. Madison has had articles published in The Ohio Architect, The Journal of the American Institute of Architects, and Architect and Artist. Major building projects include the United States Embassy (Dakar, Senegal), the Engineering and Nuclear Facility at Tuskegee University (Alabama), the State of Ohio Computer Center (Columbus), the Science and Research Center of Cleveland State University, the Continental Airlines Concourse “C” at Hopkins International Airport, the Theater and Performing Arts Complex at Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus, LaPuma Recording Arts Building at Cuyahoga Community College, Frank J. Lausche State Office Building. RPMI served as Assoc. Architect for the Cleveland Browns Football Stadium, Gund Arena, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center and was Restoration Architect for the Cleveland Public Library. He published articles in The Ohio Architect, and The Journal of the American Institute of Architects. His professional affiliations include AIA Cleveland, the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects where he served as Chairman of the Jury of Fellows and Chairman of the National Ethics Council. He founded the Ohio Association of Minority Architects and Engineers. Mr. Madison served on the Board of Trustees, the Board of Overseers of Case Western Reserve University and was chairman of the Visiting Committee of the Mandel School of Social Science. He served on the Visiting Committee to the School of Architecture at Cornell University, Howard University, Tuskegee University, and University of Cincinnati. He is Trustee Emeritus of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Orchestra, University Circle, Cleveland Arts Prize, the Cleveland Urban League, and Cleveland Museum of Art. In 2004, celebrating 50 years of practice, he established “ASPIRE” the Robert P. Madison Scholarship Fund for the Study of Architecture. Mr. Madison is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Pi Phi and Epsilon Delta Rho Fraternities. He is an Opera patron, a golf enthusiast and a World War II buff. Mr. Madison has completed his Memoir “Designing Victory” Act3creative.com. He was married to Leatrice Branch, (deceased) of Washington, D.C. He has two adult children; three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
ROBERT P. MADISON, FAIA
Serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in World War II, Robert P. Madison earned the Purple Heart and three Battle Ribbons during the Italian Campaign.
He obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, where he served as class president.
After working as an Assistant Professor at Howard University, Madison established Ohio’s first African American-owned architecture firm in 1954. After more than 60 years as CEO, he now serves as Chairman of Robert P. Madison International (RPMI).
In 2016, Sandra Madison, AIA, NCARB, became CEO and Chairperson after 26 years with RPMI. Today, the firm is the largest Black female-owned architecture firm in Ohio.
The firm’s mission extends beyond architecture, aiming to inspire and mentor youth while honoring and advancing Robert P. Madison’s legacy.
Robert P. Madison at groundbreaking.
2024 Honoree
Leadership
Cecil J. Lipscomb
Leadership Award
Cecil J. Lipscomb is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (UBF). Having received numerous honors, in 2019 he was awarded the Smart Business 50 Innovation, Impact and Sustainability award for his work at UBF. Since that time, he has continued to provide vision and outcomes that elevate our community to new heights. Prior to being CEO at UBF, Mr. Lipscomb was Senior Director of Institutes at Cleveland Clinic and worked as Director of Fundraising for Case Western Reserve University’s School of Engineering. Before 2004, he worked in commercial and government sales, management, and marketing in the telecommunications sector for ten years with two Fortune 100 companies who eventually merged to create Verizon.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Lipscomb devotes a significant amount of his time on a voluntary basis to organizations whose missions reflect his life’s vision and where he believes he can make a contribution to their advancement. Cecil is Chair for the Board of Directors at Eliza Bryant Village, one of the most historic African American senior housing facilities in the United States. He serves on the Boards of numerous high performing organizations that emulate his life’s work.
Mr. Lipscomb received his undergraduate education from Ursuline College, his MBA from Weatherhead School of Management, and certificate of nonprofit management from Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University.
Change Maker
Mayor Justin Bibb
Change Maker Award
As the 58th Mayor of the great City of Cleveland, Ohio, Justin M. Bibb is putting people and neighborhoods first, delivering high-quality city services and leading bold change. The Bibb Administration is building a stronger and safer Cleveland and modernizing City Hall to maximize access, transparency and equity.
On January 3, 2022, Mayor Bibb took the oath of office as the city’s first millennial mayor. In just two years, his administration has made major progress on a wide range of initiatives from unprecedented support for public safety through his Raising Investment in Safety for Everyone (RISE) Initiative to a $15 million American Rescue Plan investment to kick start a robust plan for the revitalization of Cleveland’s Southeast Side.
Under Mayor Bibb’s leadership, the City of Cleveland has its first new website in decades and has undertaken a complete overhaul of the 311 resident communication system to dramatically improve city services and access. Mayor Bibb also introduced his Residents First housing agenda in 2023 to give city departments the tools they need to crack down on predatory landlords and abate nuisance properties across Cleveland.
Cleveland is rapidly moving toward becoming one of North America’s first 15-minute cities and Mayor Bibb’s visionary Shore-to-Core-to-Shore strategy and new master plans for the Lake Erie lakefront and Cuyahoga Riverfront aim to make Cleveland one of the most desirable and attractive two-waterfront cities in the nation. Thanks to this work, Cleveland is back into the national conversation for all the right reasons.
In 2024, Mayor Bibb became chair of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of more than 750 U.S. mayors focused on ambitious climate action. Through this platform, Mayor Bibb is driving meaningful and equitable climate justice work in cities like Cleveland, which continue to experience climate vulnerability due to historic disinvestment. He was also elected Vice President of the Democratic Mayors Association.
For the first time in decades, Cleveland has a leadership role in the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where Mayor Bibb is an active member of the advisory board and serves as chair of the Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment, and Sports Standing Committee. Mayor Bibb also serves on the board of the Ohio Mayors Alliance and is a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition. Mayor Bibb was born and raised on Cleveland’s southeast side in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Over the past 15 years, Mayor Bibb has worked in government, business and the nonprofit sector as an executive and nonprofit leader. He started his career in public service working for President Obama when he was in the U.S. Senate and later at Cuyahoga County as a special assistant advising on education and economic development policies. He led the Global Cities Practice at global research firm Gallup, served as Vice President at KeyBank and was Chief Strategy Officer at Urbanova, a startup focused on improving cities.
Mayor Bibb is a proud American University alumnus with an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies. He completed the General Course Programme with an emphasis in Social Policy and Economics from the London School of Economics and is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Law (JD).
Very Special Thank You
To these very special people who helped to make the 100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala a success!
100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship & Awards Gala Committee Leadership
Gregory Lockhart — Chairman of the Board
James W. Wade, III — Vice Chairman of the Board
Lucian Blackwell — Director of Finance
Glen Shumate — Gala Chairman
Vicki Dansby, Imagine That . . . — Gala Consultant
Committee
Barbara Cooper | Brandon Curry | Chris Howse | Robert Solomon
Partners
KeyBank — Platinum Sponsor Provide A Ride — Platinum Sponsor
FirstEnergy — Gold Sponsor Saint Luke’s Foundation — Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor American Greetings
Bronze Sponsors
Dollar Bank | JD Finish Line | NEORSD | Tri-C - Bronze Sponsor
Table Sponsors
AGM Energy Service | Brandon Curry | CAA | Case Western Reserve University Cle Consulting Firm | Cleveland Development Advisors
Cleveland Foundation African American Philanthropic Committee | EF Boyd & Son, Inc.
Erie Bank | First Federal Lakewood | Frame by Frame Video | Friendly Inn
Howse Solutions | Huntington Bank | Jazmin Long | PNC | Robert P Madison International The Village of Healing | United Black Fund | Young Men Growing
Hosts & Hostesses
Marquita Benn Patricia Dorroh Anngel Jacobs Kim Robinson
Linda Dukes Campbell Vanessa Hinton Linda Jordan Rita Ross
