100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Real Men Magazine August Issue

August 2022

Real Men Magazine

Back To School Issue Membership Engagement Living in the digital age

Local Cartoonist Donates 50 Comic Books

Bob Ivory Director of Programs 1

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ABOUT US

he 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is recognized as the nation’s top African American led mentoring organization. Every AfricanAmerican person should have the ability to create the life they’ve always wanted and that’s what The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. provides.

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Committing ourselves to personify the type of people our children will look up to and emulate, we embrace the immense responsibility we have to our mentees and our communities. Providing these children another choice in life by being around likeminded individuals who have similar aspirations and goals.

As we have grown The Network of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. more companies and programs have been formed to assist in delivering the education and empowerment needed to change the course of these children’s lives. This is done through the 100’s Four For The Future focus areas; Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment.

Through the expansion, we’ve created 100 Black Men Chapters that delivers unique programs that address specific needs in local communities. Through 57 years of testing, we’ve created the 100’s successful model.

A proven blueprint for mentoring and developing young people into future leaders by surrounding themselves with a positive network and giving them the opportunity that they may not have thought was possible.

Our ongoing commitment to continuously improve and implement our programmatic initiatives is what drives us. Helping shape our mentees realize their potential by showing them how to be successful and significant, stressing the importance of obtaining and applying education, and providing them the tools that empower them for self-sufficiency, cultivated civic, and business leadership

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AL MEN

GIVING REAL TIME

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The Foundation of a Legacy

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he overall concept of “The 100” began in 1963 in New York City when a group of concerned African American men began to meet to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate, Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. On October 2, 1986, representatives from 100 Black Men Chapters converged in Washington, DC, for a final meeting to establish a national organization. During previous meetings, they determined the structure, governance and model that would provide the most effective physical and financial resources to support the communities and Chapters. At the final gathering, the organization’s name – 100 Black Men of America, Inc. – was unveiled and attendees elected four accomplished, professional men from within their ranks to serve as its first and founding officers.

Each of the four were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to give back in a holistic way that addressed the educational, social, emotional, and cultural needs of youth in their own communities. They put their hands to the plow and did the hard work necessary to establish a foundation for a network of Chapters in their infancy, which today is an international nonprofit organization that positively impacts more than 125,000 youth across the United States and abroad. Throughout our history, the leadership of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has been impeccable. The men chosen as national leaders all have contributed to the growth and strength of the organization. Their unique contributions have helped The 100 to become one of the premiere mentoring organizations anywhere. Consider the impact each leader has made. On May 27, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, this newly formed mentoring organization held its first national conference and introduced itself to the nation. Noted speakers included the late Alex P. Haley and the late Honorable Maynard H. Jackson.

On May 27, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, this newly formed mentoring organization known as 100 Black Men of America, Inc., held its first national conference and introduced itself to the nation. Noted speakers included the late Alex P. Haley and the late Honorable Maynard H. Jackson.

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100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Leadership

BOARD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Lee V. Fields Jr. Chairman

Rodney L. Brown

Economic Empowerment Lucien Blackwell

Gregory Lockhart Vice Chairman Brett Horton Esq Secretary Director of Finance Anthony Peebles Director of Development Robert Ivory Director of Programs

Grady Burrows

Education, Chair Grady Burrows

Brandon Curry

Health & Wellness Marvin Ferguson, Chair

Edwin Hubbard Jr. Darian Johnson Tyson Mitchell, Esq Dr. Ernest Smoot James W. Wade III

Mentoring Darian Johnson, Chair Dr. Ernest Smoot, Co Chair Marketing Roz Keenen, Chair Brandon Curry, Co Chair Membership Rodney L. Brown, Chair Communications & Public Relations, Chair James W. Wade III

National Chairman Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc. 13815 Kinsman Road Cleveland, OH. 44120 (216) 354 - 0896 www.100blackmencle.org

Midwest District Representative James Duke

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“What They See is What They Will Be” 6

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To Real M in

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR James W. Wade III MARKETING CHAIR Roz Kennon MARKETING CO - CHAIR Brandon Curry Rodney L. Brown Christopher Howse Franklin Martin Retanio Rucker

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LAYOUT DESIGN

JW MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTOGRAPHERS Darien Johnson James W. Wade III Earl Williams CONTRIBUTERS Christopher Howse

The Real Men Magazine is the official publication of The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc. Chapter. For any questions or feedback about the publication contact us at info@100blackmencle.org www.100blackmencle.org

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o get the online issues of Men Magazine send email to nfo@100blackmencle.org

FREE

The Voice of The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc.

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Letter from the Chairman First, let me start congratulating one of our members LaRese Purnell on his National Appointment. He is the Economic Empowerment CoChair, and we are so happy for LaRese.

Real Men Magazine is designed to keep you informed, provide insight into our work, and invite you to join us to build the lives of our amazing young people. You can also find information about the history, purpose, events, and initiatives. With a robust membership that includes leaders in business, law, government, education, medicine, and many other professions, the Cleveland Chapter of the 100 is saving lives and changing outcomes as they touch lives through education, mentoring health & wellness, and economic empowerment.

The board and I thank you for your new and continued support. Let’s work together to Change Outcomes and Save Lives! In conversing with our board, we seek to add more opportunities to serve our corporate sponsor and community by providing resources to expand employment opportunities through the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. network.

Our motto is “Real Men, Giving Real Time.” Our objective is to be the premier volunteer mentoring organization for African-American youth throughout the Greater Cleveland Area. With a mission to improve the quality of life of our citizens and enhance educational opportunities for African- Americans, our members continue to serve as a vital force for overcoming cultural and financial obstacles, the achievements of African-American youth, emphasizing young African-American males.

We pride ourselves in being known as the “Working Chapter,” dedicated to our mission to serve children residing within the Greater Cleveland area. Most of this work could not be done without supporters like you.

This is an exciting time for our chapter! I invite you to take a few minutes to learn more about the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. I hope what you see and hear will motivate you to partner with us as a member, donor, or volunteer. I believe you will find us to be an organization of men that not only care but an organization of men that do!

Please join us as we help to improve lives in the communities in which we live and work, as well as positively shape the lives of the youth we serve.

Sincerest regards,

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Do what

builds a better future.

We are proud to support 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

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Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Copyright © 2022, Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank.

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Letter from the Editor Thank you, everyone, for your support in Real Men Magazine, the voice of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., where we highlight our efforts in the community and introduce our members to you.

Welcome to our Back to School edition; deciding what college to go to sometimes can be a difficult choice. Remembering the days, a few of my friends known as the Fly Brothers started traveling to colleges to figure out where we wanted to go. Getting in cars and traveling around Ohio to various was both fun and rewarding. This group of seven brothers was united and had a purpose in life. Taking the time to visit the schools you’re interested in is a critical way to understand which campus best suits you.

This month has me remembering when it was time to go back to school, and all I wanted to do was wear my new clothes. As hard as it is to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer every year and get the kids back to school, many fond memories are associated with starting a new chapter and embarking on a new adventure each year.

You don’t have to wait until your senior year to get on a college tour. You can start earlier in life these days, and I would advise you to begin visiting and thinking about them soon. Visiting colleges is a great way to get a feel for the college. And when the time comes, it can help you decide if a specific college is right for you. Exploring campuses is well worth your while. You don’t have to travel far; visiting local colleges is just as valuable.

I love my high school days at the best school John F. Kennedy High School, home of the Mighty Fighting Eagles.

But even if you are starting the first grade, I remember picking out my Batman lunch box with the thermos; funny because now students take Starbucks to drink these days.

The world had changed since I was in school; when I tried my best to get my mother to pay me a $10.00 pair of converse to work, she laughed at me, complaining about 10.00, and now kids are going to school with $100.00 sneakers. Do you remember meeting the new teacher for the first time and having them show us to our old, tiny desks that other students had used for years?

Determine what you want to be in life. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a Banker because my father was a Banker, and he seemed so cool. He wore suits daily and drove a Cadillac with a phone in it. Back then, you had it going on when you had a phone in the car. Per this is Money magazine: Despite its poor image, banking is now one of the most popular career choices because materialistic youngsters know how well it pays.

James W. Wade III Editor

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HELP OUR STU IN OUR MENTO Make a Charitable Donation Today!

We appreciate any gifts that will help us continue to fulfill our purpose and mission

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he 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. relies on the support of members, individuals, volunteers, private foundations, and corporations to carry out its mission. Your contribution will make a difference in helping the 100 empower students while building stronger communities. The programmatic pillars of the 100 are Mentoring, Education, Economic Empowerment,

Health and Wellness, and Leadership Development.

The organization has created programs that provide an environment where young people are encouraged and motivated to achieve.

Our young people receive information that aids in their maturing into practical, selfsufficient, and responsible shareholders in the Economic and Social dynamics of their communities.

The organization has over 100 chapters located in the United States, Africa, England, and the Caribbean. There are over 10,000 members who include educators, corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and men from numerous other professions.

Donate through Cash App at: $100BMOGC

Our organization is a 501(C)(3) and is recognized as the nation’s top African American led mentoring organization.

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UDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE ORING PROGRAM

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CULTIVATING, PLANTING, NUTURING

FRIENDLY INN SETTLEMENT, INC.

Programs Step Forward 5-Star Head Start Program Food Pantry Youth Programs Moms First Parents as Teachers Help Me Grow Moms Quit for Two Geraldine Burns Behavioral Health Services Community Based Services Rosie's Girls MYCOM

2386 Unwin Road Cleveland, OH| 216-431-7656 | www.thefriendlyinn.org

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EDUCATION

FOUR FOR THE F

HEALTH & WELLNESS 20

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MENTORING

FUTURE SECTION

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT 21

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ACACIA RESERVATION

Another Great Walk A Mile With A Child Mentoring Adventure The Cleveland Chapter of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. has combined the Mentoring, Education, and Health and Wellness Committees to form this program and connect a nature walk in some of our local public parks with a health and wellness, science, and environmental education component to the mentoring experience. In July, the chapter had two walks at two different parks.

W.E.B Du Bois was an American sociologist, historian, author, editor, and activist. He is regarded as one of the most influential African-American activists during the First Half of the 20th century. Du Bois was a spokesperson for African-American rights whose work helped change the way that the lives of blacks were seen in American society. He rose to national prominence as the leader of the Niagara Movement and was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The first park was Acadia MetroPark in Lyndhurst on July 9, where the mentees had a great time. Starting out the circle of love where Mentoring Chair Darien Johnson and Co-Chair Dr. Ernest Smoot leads the way.

The chapter’s Education Chair, Grady Burrows, gave a brief presentation about Black History, talking about the famous W.E.B. Du Bois.

Born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois was the first person in his extended family to attend high school and the first African-American to earn a doctorate at Harvard.

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Besides his activism, Du Bois had an expansive writing career. His collection of essays, “The Souls of Black Folk,” became required reading in African-American studies. W.E.B Du Bois died on August 27, 1963, in Ghana while working on an encyclopedia of the African diaspora. He will always be remembered as one of the 20th century’s most brilliant individuals.

The walk is the brainchild of Cleveland Chief Magistrate Gregory Clifford, one of the founding members of the Cleveland Chapter, who has been mentoring young men for a long time. “African American male youth have a vitally important need to see, know, and be mentored by successful, mature African American men to help them open the doors obtaining success in their lives. The 100 Black Men is an organization committed to providing positive mentoring experiences for our youth,” said Clifford.

With Clifford’s idea, 100 Black Men chairs Darian Johnson and Dr. Ernest Smoot led the summer program. Each walk is unique. “All mentees are encouraged to know and live by the 100 BMOGC Mentoring Program Affirmation principles - being ethical, excellent, proud, and united,” said Smoot.

During the walks, the 100 Mentors and Mentees discuss essential life skills such as self-care and hygiene, educational success, finance and economics, and peer relations. Youth have time to discuss as a group and in 1-on-1 mentor/mentee pairings during the walks.

The mentoring walks at the historic Forest Hill Park that expands from East Cleveland to Cleveland Hts. Because of the hiking trails around the recreational areas and through the natural habitat, we could expose the mentors and mentees to some compelling examples of flora and fauna of northeast Ohio. We chose other parks around the county to provide various experiences and educational opportunities during our sessions.

Invitations to participate in the program have been offered to the mentees in our programs, members, prospective members, and volunteers, along with their family and friends.

Burrows challenged the mentees; continuing your Education Post Secondarily is one of the most important things you can do and can even mean the difference between life and death and giving them facts about what to expect in life and to start preparing for it.

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o Benefits – Health, medical, insurance, etc. o Understanding how the judicial and legislative governments work o Knowing about finances and money management, how to invest

· As reported in Money Magazine, College graduates earn on average $22,000 more a year than individuals without a college degree. · College graduates can expect to earn $1MM more than non-college graduates throughout their career. · Computer engineering: $74,000 · Chemical engineering: $70,000 · Aerospace engineering: $70,000 · Electrical engineering: $70,000 · Computer science: $70,000 · · College may not be in your future, but learning a skill trade or vocation can lead to above-average living wages and income.

· Being a lifelong learner is very important. There is always new stuff to learn about. You can never learn or know too much · When you are in school, at church, or spending time with your mentor, you should always seek knowledge and information that will help you be successful with your next steps after high school o What types of classes might best prepare me for what I want to do o What schools might be good for me o What money or financing options are out there o Besides loans, how can I help to pay for my education o What opportunities are there to expose me to careers that I might not know exist today · Your education can take you anywhere; you must invest in YOU! · Half of life and being successful is just showing up

· Professions such as plumber, electrician, electric lineman, carpenter, elevator mechanic, welders, diesel mechanic, and LPNS often have median salaries between $60 – 90K · When I say that education can mean the difference between life and death:

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NOBLE GREATER CLEVELAND CHAPTER WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO

OUR ANNUAL BOAT RIDE

THE NAUTICA QUEEN �O#le !Jffek<

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER� 1153 MAIN AVE. CLEVELAND, OHIO 44113

BOARDING@2PM • DEPARTURE PROMPTLY@2:30PM • CONCLUDES@SPM DINNER • CASH BAR • DJ • 50/50 RAFFLE • GIFT BASKET AUC CTION N

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WALK A MILE WITH A CHILD AT THE CLEVELAND LAKEFRONT NATURAL PRESERVE PARK

The 100 Black Men Chapter of Greater Cleveland held their second Walk A Mile With A Child Walk in July at the Cleveland Lakefront Natural Preserve Park located at 8701 Lakeshore Blvd; the theme for this walk was “Individuality and Influence (Youth, Teens, and Young Adults).”

As parents play a part…we use our past lives as the primary reference to how we raise our children. In Good Faith that they’ll carry our vision, beliefs, values, etc. We must leave room for them to be individuals. Individuality – All the things that you be aware of that make you tick, the core values that you live by o Respect o Be Dependable

In the huddle led by Aqeel Seals, he shared information about life and today’s challenges. “One of the most challenging tasks you’ll face is simply figuring out who you are and what you want to become,” said Seals.

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-Career goals (what you want to be when you grow up?)

Peer pressure often hinders this process.

- One of the most crucial aspects of growing up is to be accepted by your peers. o So you become a follower instead of an individual  Do things that they want to do instead of what you want to do  Against values and character - Not all influence is terrible. o Strong relationship between your self-esteem and your ability to choose good or bad influences.

Biggest influencers today 1. Social Media (TikTok, Instagram, youtube) 2. Parents 3. Friends / social circles What they see is what they’ll be Mantra is about displaying a positive influence above all else.

Takeaways: Core values (essential things to you in life) Write down what is unique about you….different than your friends Write down some things you’re influenced by (Helped or hurt) Ways you can stand out?

o Family o Compassion Seal also talked about Negative Core Values: I’m never going to get it right, I’m too young, I’m not that smart, etc.

NEVER let anyone dictate who you are and how you feel about yourself Your thought process shapes everything around you and also make you more susceptible (likely to be impacted by) influence. (pos or neg) Being an individual can be challenging, but I urge you to want to stand out for the right reasons.

Influence (Peer Pressure) – why we do what we do….

Straightforward understanding of the choice of clothes, the music we listen to, how we talk, etc. As a teen, you have an extreme evolving potential to discover who you are - interests -strengths and weaknesses

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Monkeypox Cases Identified in the United States Multi - country monkeypox outbreak

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onkeypox has made its way into the United States. The CDC has begun targeted vaccinations for close contacts of people diagnosed with monkeypox, reported in 10 states.

Human monkeypox was first identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a 9-month-old boy in a region where smallpox had been eliminated in 1968. Since then, most cases have been reported from rural rainforest regions of the Congo Basin, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Human subjects have increasingly been informed from across central and west Africa.

Since 1970, human cases of monkeypox have been reported in 11 African countries: Benin, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The actual burden of monkeypox is not known.

For example, in 1996–97, an outbreak was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a lower case fatality ratio and a higher attack rate than usual.

A concurrent outbreak of chickenpox (caused by the varicella virus, which is not an orthopoxvirus) and monkeypox was found, which could explain real or apparent changes in transmission dynamics in this case.

Since 2017, Nigeria has experienced a large outbreak, with over 500 suspected cases and over 200 confirmed cases and a case fatality ratio of approximately 3%.

Patients continue to be reported until today.

with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana. This outbreak led to over 70 cases of monkeypox in the U.S. Monkeypox has also been reported in travelers from Nigeria to Israel in September 2018, to the United Kingdom in September 2018, December 2019, May 2021, and May 2022, to Singapore in May 2019, and to the United States of America in July and November 2021. In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox were identified in several non-endemic countries. Studies are underway to understand further the epidemiology, infection sources, and transmission patterns.

Monkeypox is a disease of global public health importance as it affects countries in west and central Africa and the rest of the world. In 2003, the first monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was in the United States of America and was linked to contact

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and was thought to be more transmissible. The geographical division between the two clades has so far been in Cameroon, the only country where both virus clades have been found.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most critical orthopox

Various animal species have been identified as susceptible to the monkeypox virus. This includes rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, non-human primates, and other species.

Uncertainty remains on the natural history of the monkeypox virus, and further studies are needed to identify the same reservoir(s) and how virus circulation is maintained in nature.

Transmission Animal-to-human (zoonotic) transmission can occur from direct contact with infected animals’ blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions. In Africa, evidence of monkeypox virus infection has been found in many animals, including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, different species of monkeys, and others. The natural reservoir of monkeypox has not yet been identified, though rodents are the most likely. Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor. People living in or near forested areas may have indirect or low-level exposure to infected animals.

Human-to-human transmission can result from close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person, or recently contaminated objects.

Transmission via respiratory droplet particles usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact, putting health workers, household members, and other close contacts of active cases at greater risk. However, in recent years, the longest documented chain of transmission in a community has risen from 6 to 9 subsequent person-to-person infections. This may reflect declining immunity in all communities due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination. Transmission can also occur via the placenta from mother to fetus (which can lead to congenital monkeypox) or during close contact during and after birth. While close physical contact is a well-known risk factor for transmission, it is unclear if monkeypox can be explicitly transmitted through sexual transmission routes. Studies are needed to understand this risk better.

virus for public health. Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas. Animal hosts include a range of rodents and non-human primates.

Monkeypox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. The monkeypox virus has two distinct genetic clades: the central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade. The Congo Basin clade has historically caused more severe disease

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evolves sequentially from macules (lesions with a flat base) to papules (slightly raised firm lesions), vesicles (lesions filled with clear fluid), pustules (lesions filled with yellowish liquid), and crusts that dry up and fall off. The number of lesions varies from a few to several thousand. In severe cases, lesions can coalesce until large sections of skin slough off.

Signs and symptoms The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

The infection can be divided into two periods:

Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status, and nature of complications. Underlying immune deficiencies may lead to worse outcomes. Although vaccination against smallpox was protective in the past, today, persons younger than 40 to 50 years of age (depending on the country) may be more susceptible to monkeypox due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination campaigns globally after the eradication of the disease.

Complications of monkeypox can include secondary infections, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and condition of the cornea with ensuing loss of vision. The extent to which asymptomatic infection may occur is unknown.

The invasion period (which lasts between 0–5 days) is characterized by fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, myalgia (muscle aches), and severe asthenia (lack of energy). Lymphadenopathy is a distinctive feature of monkeypox compared to other diseases that may initially appear similar (chickenpox, measles, smallpox) The skin eruption usually begins within 1–3 days of the appearance of fever. The rash concentrates more on the face and extremities than the trunk. It affects the face (in 95% of cases), palms of the hands, and soles of the feet (in 75% of cases). Also affected are oral mucous membranes (in 70% of cases), genitalia (30%), conjunctivae (20%), as well as the cornea. The rash

The case fatality ratio of monkeypox has historically ranged from 0 to 11 % in the general population and has been higher among young children. Recently, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%.

Diagnosis The clinical differential diagnosis must be considered other rash illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis, and medication-associated allergies. Lymphadenopathy during the prodromal stage of illness can be a clinical feature to distinguish monkeypox from chickenpox or smallpox.

If monkeypox is suspected, health workers should collect an appropriate sample and have it transported safely to a laboratory with proper capability.

Confirmation of monkeypox depends on the type and quality of the specimen and the type of laboratory test.

Thus, samples should be packaged and shipped by national and international requirements. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test, given its accuracy and sensitivity. For this, optimal diagnostic samples for monkeypox are from skin lesions – the roof or fluid from vesicles, pustules, and

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dry crusts. Where feasible, a biopsy is an option. Lesion samples must be stored in a dry, sterile tube (no viral transport media) and kept cold. PCR blood tests are usually inconclusive because of the short duration of viremia relative to the timing of specimen collection after symptoms begin and should not be routinely collected from patients.

As orthopoxviruses are serologically cross-reactive, antigen and antibody detection methods do not provide monkeypox-specific confirmation. Therefore, serology and antigen detection methods are not recommended for diagnosis or case investigation where resources are limited. Additionally, recent or remote vaccination with a vaccinia-based vaccine (e.g., anyone vaccinated before smallpox eradication or more recently vaccinated due to higher risk, such as orthopoxvirus laboratory personnel) might lead to false-positive results.

To interpret test results, patient information must be provided with the specimens, including: Date of onset of fever.

Date of start of the rash.

Date of specimen collection.

Current status of the individual (stage of inflammation).

Age.

assess the feasibility and appropriateness of vaccination for the prevention and control of monkeypox. Some countries have or are developing policies to offer vaccines to persons who may be at risks, such as laboratory personnel, rapid response teams, and health workers.

Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases are critical for outbreak containment. During human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with infected persons is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of disease.

Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions. If possible, persons previously vaccinated against smallpox should be selected to care for the patient.

How monkeypox relates to smallpox

Vaccination against smallpox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. Thus, prior smallpox vaccination may result in milder illness. Evidence of previous vaccination against smallpox can usually be found as a scar on the upper arm. The original (first-generation) smallpox vaccines are no longer available to the general public. Some laboratory personnel or health workers may have received a more recent smallpox vaccine to protect them in the event of exposure to orthopoxviruses in the workplace. A newer vaccine based on a modified attenuated vaccinia virus (Ankara strain) was approved for the prevention of monkeypox in 2019. This is a two-dose vaccine for which availability remains limited.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are developed based on the vaccinia virus due to cross-protection for the immune response to orthopoxviruses.

Prevention

The clinical presentation of monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, a related orthopoxvirus infection that has been eradicated. Smallpox was more easily transmitted and more often fatal as about 30% of patients died. The last case of naturally acquired smallpox occurred in 1977, and in 1980 smallpox was declared to have been eradicated worldwide after a global campaign of vaccination and containment. It has been 40 or more years since all countries ceased routine smallpox vaccination with vaccinia-based vaccines. As vaccination also protected against monkeypox in west and central Africa, unvaccinated populations are now more susceptible to monkeypox virus infection.

Whereas smallpox no longer occurs naturally, the global health sector remains vigilant in the event it could reappear through natural mechanisms, laboratory accidents, or deliberate release. To ensure global preparedness in the event of the reemergence of smallpox, newer vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral agents are being developed. These may also now prove helpful for the prevention and control of monkeypox.

Information and facts provided by The World Health Organization

Raising awareness of risk factors and educating people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to the virus is the primary prevention strategy for monkeypox. Scientific studies are now underway to

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Bob Ivory The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. recently held a special election to fill the Director of Programs vacant position. Bob Ivory was voted in; many already know of Ivory’s great work in the community. “I feel confident Bob can not only handle the responsibility but will run with it,” said Lee Fields, Cleveland Chapter President. The organization has pivoted in creative ways over the past two years to continue reaching those who need them, and they have big plans to do even more for the community’s youth and their families.

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ith the issues facing our communities today, this is when our mentees need our help the most. Greater Cleveland is a local chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, primarily a mentoring organization with a community focus on education, economic empowerment, and health and wellness. With a desire to bring Black men together, it was formed by twenty-five leaders of the black community from

different social, economic, occupational, and educational backgrounds whose common thread is the uplifting of the community as it relates to the four pillars. In 1986, the national organization of the 100 Black Men of America was formed to consolidate numerous independent chapters with a common goal to improve their

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respective communities. Real Magazine talked to Ivory and wanted to share a little about his life with members and the community.

RM: Share some of your passions you have?

I am very passionate about family.

Learning I was adopted when I

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was 19 changed my life. It is important to me to have a sense of family and belonging. I get so much joy from watching my grandchildren grow, an incomparable feeling. I am also highly passionate about the work I do with youth, in particular by helping to close the achievement gap between middle and high school students. We must do all we can to help them succeed and reach their full potential. They face so many challenges to no fault of their own. Seeing that

they are future, I try to do as much as possible to provide opportunities, resources, mentoring, and advocacy while linking them to like-minded individuals. Finally, I’d have to say “music” has always been my driving passion. From an early age, I fell in love with music. I enjoy listening to the music I grew up on, and I am passionate about songwriting, playing the piano, producing, and everything music!

RM: How long have you lived in Cleveland, Ohio?

I have lived in Cleveland for the majority of my life. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for three years before returning to the Cleveland Area, which is so dear to me.

RM: How long have you been musically inclined?

I have always been surrounded by music as far as I can remember.

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My grandfather sang and played the piano, so there was always a piano in the home growing up, which was like a magnet for me. I had my first formal piano lessons when I was eight years old and even studied the pipe organ in high school and college.

RM: How many videos and songs do you have out? List songs I’ve recorded three full smooth jazz albums of over 45 songs in the past four years. I had the

privilege of my first three single releases charted on the Top 40 Smooth Jazz Chart: “Sway With Me,” “My Brother,” and “Now’s The Time.” There are music videos for each song, and I filmed another video, “Let’s Unwind,” in Atlanta. My most recent release is “When We Cuddle,” a video filmed in Atlanta, Georgia.

RM: Could you tell us about Students of Promise?

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Students of Promise is an evidence-based, Closing the Achievement Gap initiative targeting middle and high schools presenting various risk factors. It’s a model derived from, and I’ve patterned after the former Governor’s Initiative for Closing the Achievement Gap launched by former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and led by retired State Senator CJ Prentiss. Our focus is on bolstering the achievement of middle-high school students and meeting their needs academically, socially, and emotionally. This is accomplished in part with a “Linkage Coordinator” embedded in their school that works with the student on every aspect of their school experience.

It also expands into parent engagement, exposure opportunities, and helping to create college and career pathways. This is life work for me which I am truly passionate about as a team of caring adults. I attempt to incorporate the basic tenants of learning, wraparound service, and mentorship while providing guidance and being a support system for the many challenges facing our young people today. With the success Students of Promise has had over the years, impacting the lives of hundreds of students and their families, my goal is to see this model and system of education replicated in learning communities across the country, particularly communities of color.

RM: How long have you worked with the program?

The Closing, the Achievement Gap model originated in Ohio in

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2007 under the leadership of Senator CJ Prentiss, where I served as a Regional Project Manager. In 2011 I ventured to the San Francisco Bay were, where I launched Students of Promise in the San Francisco Unified School District with the assistance of San Francisco NAACP President Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown before returning to the Cleveland Area and leading the Students of Promise effort in Cuyahoga County since 2014.

RM: Who got you to join the 100 Black Men? My first interest was in The 100 Black Men from co-founder Judge Michael Nelson years ago.

However, most recently, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland

Chairman and my Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Brother Lee Fields led me to become a member.

RM: What made you have a passion for the youth?

Looking back at my childhood, how I was raised, challenges I faced throughout high school, and college emotionally fuels my passion for today’s youth. From working in and helping to establish group homes, working as Juvenile Corrections Officer, and now leading an effort to help close the achievement gap, I’ve permanently been moved to help youth overcome challenges, provide them with the necessary tools, resources, motivation, and mentorship to be successful and share with them some of the basic

principles, structure, and expectations that was evident in my own youthful experiences.

They are our future, and I see it as a calling to do whatever is necessary to create an atmosphere where they can learn, grow, strive and preserve through whatever hurdles they may face.

RM: With your help and guidance being the Director of Programs, where do you see the 100 organization going?

I see the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland as the premier organization for youth mentoring, empowerment, and leadership in this country. As the Director of Programing, I see myself utilizing over 30 years of

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experience, commitment, youth leadership, and relationship building to help launch this chapter to the forefront with programming and capacity building that will be the tie that binds our mentees into the future.

My vision in my new role is to align ourselves with the wealth of like-minded organizations, community leaders, and community assets to catapult our Four for the Future components and how they are implemented and executed to a model other chapters can replicate and follow.

RM: Could you tell us a little bit about Bob Ivory?

I consider myself a humble servant doing all I can to help others reach their full patenting, starting with our youth. I have a fundamental philosophy that “service” is the rent we pay for our time here on Earth. This is why no matter what organization or professional role I play, my motivating factor is to serve with the highest intensity and tenacity in hopes that it will ultimately uplift others. I have a strong sense of family and faith, and I lean on both in all that I do. It’s also important to me to let your actions speak for you when you are not in the room to speak for yourself. This means ensuring that all you do has some lasting impact to help better someone else’s situation or circumstance.

I’ve had a few health challenges I’ve had to face and overcome, so establishing a healthier lifestyle has surfaced as a priority for me and to share with others my journey so they may have the health and strength to do what they are called to do. In all my imperfections, I still try to lead by

example and also involve myself in what’s going on around me/ This means speaking loudly and firmly about issues that I am passionate and knowledgeable about that require a steady voice and staunch leadership in efforts to help make the community around me and the world a better place.

RM: Could you share your hobbies and talk about your family?

My hobbies include fitness training, playing the piano, watching classic movies, and all of the Cleveland sports teams. I love to bowl and shoot pool when I can fit in, and the older I get, the more I enjoy traveling where

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there is an ocean view for relaxation. I have a beautiful and loving wife of nearly three years, five children, one stepdaughter, and four grandchildren, including my son-in-law, whom I love dearly. I have one living parent, and it is my life’s joy to spend time with her. As I mentioned, I learned that I was adopted when I was 19 years old while at Ohio University, and through the years, I researched and found an extended family that I did not know I had, which has generated loving relationships that have made my life and my life’s journey complete.

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Congratulations to our own LaRese Purnell on his National Appointment LaRese Purnell has 18 years of experience in business management, tax, and finance. He is the current co-owner and Managing Partner of CLE Consulting Firm, an Accounting, Tax, and Payroll company located in downtown Cleveland.

He is a strong innovative financial, and strategic leader with instincts and intellect, a formidable combination in the business world. He has served in executive positions leading business and financial departments within multi-million dollar for-profit and non-profit corporations.

In an interview with Smart Business, Purnell shared this: LaRese started his first business as a teenager growing up in Cleveland. As shoveling snow for neighbors, he got the idea to get some of his friends involved.

“I thought I could go out and shovel myself, but why not get all the kids together in the neighborhood, and we could strategically hit all the houses,” says Purnell, managing partner at CLE Consulting Firm. “I was running a company, but I didn’t know it was a company at the time. I had a crew of seven young guys my age and I was the leader. That’s what I became known for in the neighborhood.”

In addition to his burgeoning entrepreneurial skills, Purnell regularly found himself in front of strong leaders as a youngster — a local entrepreneur, an attorney, or someone in a position of power. All of them made an impression on Purnell. “God was sending me leaders in my life, and it set me up,” Purnell says. “As I watched them run their businesses, I said, ‘That’s something I want to do. I want to one day run my own business.’”

LaRese received MBA in Finance from the University of Toledo. He is pursuing his Master’s in Accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University, with an expected completion date of December 2020. LaRese is committed to the community and its residents, so he serves on the following Board of Directors as the 2nd VP for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Cleveland Public Library Foundation, the Treasurer of the NAACP Cleveland Branch and the Treasurer for The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) and USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation.

He’s the author of Financial Foundations, Building Financial Freedom One Tool at a Time, where he uses everyday language to address the most fundamental questions people have about money. He has traveled nationally to over 3540 cities to teach financial literacy at various conventions, seminars, colleges and universities, and other events.

Lately, Purnell has been super busy with many speaking engagements, including in June at the National Conference for 100 Black Men of America. You will probably see him speaking at your event no matter where you go. A place like Grace Tabernacle Church, Faith Credit Union 70th Anniversary, John Carroll, you name it, he’s there.

He has been featured in various local and national publications and has appeared on multiple radio and television programs discussing various Financial matters. Outside work, LaRese stays busy spending time with his wife and family, playing sports, and traveling.

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100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

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BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT Dear CMSD Students, Parents and Caregivers:

nity, college and career planning hubs; and launching career planning for all students.

School will start for most of our students on Monday, Aug. 22, beginning a school year that we believe will see the District gain momentum and provide added proof of our promise that CMSD students and families “Get More.”

This school year, we will finish phasing in Say Yes to Education services in our schools, with a specialist in each building organizing supports that help students and families overcome barriers to success and the scholarships Say Yes provides. A new online system will give parents easier access to their children’s school records. We also have equipped buses with Wi-Fi and are installing interactive Clevertouch screens in classrooms.

We will continue to develop a new Vision for Learning that seizes on the disruption of the pandemic as an opportunity to create a system that is more fair, just and good for all learners. The Vision, which will engage students more deeply, has four core elements: mastery learning, learning that can occur anywhere or anytime, whole-human learning and personalized pathways.

Academic Calendars and back-to-school transportation assignments will be mailed home. Schools will communicate school-specific information to families, including start and end time information, back-to-school meet and greets, and more. Some of the information is already available on this page.

Last school year, we began rolling out investments that strengthen and enrich the CMSD Learning Experience.

These included providing a device for every student and internet access for families that need it; placing a fulltime health professional in every building; expanding arts, music, physical education, after-school sports and extracurricular activities and out-of-school-time partnerships; converting school media centers into commu-

If you haven’t yet enrolled in CMSD to take advantage of all we have to offer, visit our enrollment website – chooseCMSD.org – or call our enrollment hotline at 216-838-3675.

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Make A Plan To Prepare Your Child To Return To School This Year

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the prospect of returning to school and revisit the conversation through the rest of the summer. Keep them abreast of any updates on school policy changes due to COVID. Answer questions your student has and empathize with their conflicting feelings. Make sure the lines of communication are open and understand the confusion that your child might be feeling.

arents have much more than a school supply list to prepare for this fall.

COVID-19 is still a concern for many.

There are several issues to navigate – some older students are fully vaccinated, all younger students are not, and school districts across the country are getting ready to return to in-person learning. With COVID still, an issue worldwide, returning to class may bring ambiguity. The past year was turbulent and complex for many students. That being said, there are several ways parents can prepare their children for the classroom to make going back a rewarding, positive experience.

Make sure you adjust these conversations according to age. Many fundamental guidelines will be the same, but older children comprehend more essential details and maybe a more significant part of the decision-making process. Regardless of age, let your child know that you will keep them safe and make the right decisions.

Start preparing them to go back to school now.

Be transparent and honest.

The new school year will be here before you know it. Begin talking with your young learner about

Kids know when adults are not being truthful with them, so make sure to have authentic engagements

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Wake up your student’s brain

during this confusing and anxious time. Even if you cannot take away the uncertainty of what the new school year will be like, do not disguise it. Ask openended questions about your child’s feelings that require more than one-word answers.

Encourage your child to read and complete summer assignments. Build confidence in your child’s academic ability. Summer reading and learning exercises help children grow their knowledge and critical thinking skills for the coming year.

Start a routine Begin to reintroduce school preparation routines.

Start sending your child to bed earlier and have them wake up when they would get up for school. Ensure your child eats and completes a hygiene routine every morning and night at a proper time. Keep consistency and structure within the family unit regardless of the new school year’s uncertainty. Sit down at mealtime as a family and discuss your child’s expectations, worries, and excitement for the new academic year. Make sure they are up to new teachers and school if case it’s their first time going.

Realize anxiety about returning to school is expected.

This school year will demand that educators and families collaborate to support learning and provide essential services. It’s important to emphasize and model healthy behaviors at home and to talk to your child about preventative safety measures at school. Also, be flexible and prepare for change. Even if your child starts the school year with in-person learning, it could move to virtual if school closes or if your child becomes exposed to COVID-19 and needs to stay home. While there is still some uncertainty about the upcoming academic year, you can prepare your child and allow them to express concerns. Let your child know there may still be masks, the distance between friends, dividers, and different lunches. The more you can prepare, the better.

Don’t forget traditional back-to-school concerns With the continued concerns and preparation surrounding COVID safety, it’s easy to overlook kids’ traditional fears about starting a new school for the first time, moving up a grade, having new teachers, and social circles. Back-to-school season is traditionally a time of mixed emotions – sadness or anger that the summer is over, excitement to see friends and teachers after months, and nervousness to perform well academically.

These emotions may be heightened during this time. Empathize with your student’s anxiety but stay positive and reaffirm about the new school year.

Take your child with you to pick new school supplies to help get excited about the new school year.

It isn’t easy to gauge precisely what the classroom will look like when school starts. If you lay the groundwork now for a return to school, it will be much easier to keep a positive, flexible mindset.

Children must be brought out of the pandemic healthy and supportive.

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100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Welcomes All Children Back To School

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Cleveland Metropolitan School District Renaming Schools The Board of Education has voted to rename three schools, the first to have their names changed under a review that the board commissioned a year ago.

The board approved renaming Patrick Henry School for the late U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Tubbs Jones, who also was a Cuyahoga County judge and the county prosecutor, served in Congress from 1998 until her death in 2008.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was born Stephanie Tubbs in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 10, 1949, to Mary Tubbs, a factory worker and cook, and Andrew Tubbs, an airline skycap. Raised in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood as the youngest of three daughters, she graduated from Collinwood High. At Case Western Reserve University, Jones founded the African American Students Association and, in 1971, graduated with a degree in sociology and a minor in psychology. She completed her law degree at Case Western University Law School in 1974. Jones then served as the assistant general counsel and the equal opportunity administrator of the northeast Ohio regional sewer district.

Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy will now be known as Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy. Pagan, who died in 2016, was a community leader and District administrator and principal who led the Newcomers Academy, a school for immigrants and refugees. Pagan’s daughter, Melisa, flew in from Florida for the meeting. She said having a school named for her mother was a “joy” and a “complete honor.”

Louis Agassiz School will be renamed for Mary Church Terrell, an internationally known lecturer, educator and activist for racial equality and women’s rights from the late 19th century through the mid 20th century. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oberlin College.

“She put all her heart into her work, into the community,” she said.

Councilman Kevin Conwell advocated for the tribute to Tubbs Jones. He smiled broadly after the vote.

“Children have to see success every day,” he said. “They will get a chance to see that, to see pictures of her and aspire to be just like Stephanie Tubbs Jones.”

A work group began meeting last summer to draft criteria for the names placed on schools and determine whether any current names needed to be reconsidered.

A historian researched the origin of the names of every school in the District, as well as proposed new names. The District collected feedback and suggestions for new names at community meetings and online.

The work group designated schools that it said deserved or should possibly receive additional review.

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100 BLACK MEN MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT FAMILY PICNIC

The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (100 BMOGC, Inc) has always focused on igniting mentors, mentees, and community leaders worldwide; our leadership empowerment programs develop leaders throughout the 100’s Global Network. During the Strategic Planning Meeting, the focus was on Membership Engagement.

So the committee decided to have a family outing for the members and their families. The planning started with having a picnic, something longtime member Franklin Martin suggested. Having it on a Sunday afternoon, the rain did not stop members from coming out to enjoy plenty of food and beverages and good music.

A concise program to talk about the purpose of getting everyone involved more in the organization to help enhance the Four for the Future programs. Chairman Lee Fields welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming out.

Bob Ivory, Director of Programs, shared the importance of committee chairs taking the lead and building their committees. I had the privilege of making some talking points about what was going on with the strategic plan. It was a fun day, and it was nice to have a setting to be fun-filled.

The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is the nation’s top African American-led mentoring organization. Few things are more valuable to organization leaders than a highly-engaged member base. Engaged members invest more time,

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money, and attention into the organization.

Poor member engagement, by contrast, undermines member retention, association revenue, and appeal with sponsors. Member engagement is essential for the growth of any organization or nonprofit. Engaged members keep renewing and can increase membership via word of mouth; the better your program, the more excited your members stay, and that excitement can be contagious.

However, assigning a concrete definition to member engagement can be challenging.

Indicators of engagement vary between organizations. Member engagement is essential to organizations; you won’t just attract and retain more members by consistently keeping members engaged.

You’ll have the strength in numbers to push through legislative wins, more volunteers for your programs, and increase event attendance and other revenue streams. In simple terms, member engagement is the ongoing interaction between a member and an organization in exchange for meaningful value. This means keeping in touch with your membership, often posting on social media, creating meaningful content, and inviting participation, among other approaches.

Your member engagement strategy should be in action all year. Often, the classic approach is to connect with members a couple of times during the year, usually when you want them to buy tickets, then send a renewal notice for due’s when the year’s up. But that approach positions your organization as a bill collector rather than showing members how valuable their membership is year-round.

The question for the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc. is, why did you join? Being a member but not active does not help the organization achieve goals. That sentiment applies to first-year engagement when you have the same 7 to 8 people consistently showing up and doing the work. The getting-to-know-you phase is a critical one that will help determine whether members choose to stay with your organization. Get active members.

Membership in 100 BMOGC, Inc. consists of men from all walks of life who share a commitment to preparing Cleveland’s youth for the challenges of adulthood. They lead by example, commit their time, abilities, and resources to our mission, and actively engage in our program committees.

We are dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth, families, and communities through the young men we serve. Using our Four For The Future programs established by the national organization: (1) Mentoring, (2) Health and Wellness, (3) Education, and (4) Economic Development, we can strive to meet our mission. We invite you to partner with us in changing lives and improving our community.”

The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland’sCleveland’s purpose is to serve as a catalyst to empower African Americans and other minority youth to individually and collectively reach their full potential by maximizing resources that foster and enhance achievement in education and community economic development. To accomplish this objective, we partner with primary and secondary schools and community organizations engaged in similar activities.

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Howse

Bytes

Tech Nuggets from The Black MacGyver

by Christopher Howse If you know me, it probably won’t surprise you to know that I read many articles every month about Cybersecurity and Internet Safety protocols.

Let’s be honest: Internet security has been a real concern for many years. It can occur at a very simplistic stage but then mushroom into a huge catastrophe. One that could cost you a great deal of time, money and frustration. I’ve listened to countless stories from victims who wish they had taken a few necessary steps beforehand.

I received a call once from a retired widow who had navigated to the wrong website and had her computer compromised. The hacker immediately gained access to her computer and started to remotely open her browser and copy and pasted other private information. She called me in a panic and wanted my advice about how she should proceed. Needless to say, we spent many hours securing her bank accounts and other financial accounts. We also had to address the issue with her computer. I was able to find the poisoned pill that started this mess, and we took corrective actions on her machine: changing passwords for all of her online accounts and even her social media accounts.

After that, we purchased Internet security software to help protect her from new attacks. Finally, and most importantly, I introduced her to a new term and process. While nothing is foolproof nor 100% guaranteed, there is a safety precaution that I implore everyone to start using – it’s called Multi Factor Authentication or MFA for short.

Most folks know that when you log in to a website – your bank account or email account, for example – you’re asked for your username or email address and your password. These are your credentials to gain access to your account. Well, if your technology (phone, computer, tablet, etc.) has been compromised and infiltrated then the bad guys might be able to gain access to your username and password for this account.

However, if you had enabled MFA, after entering your credentials, a notification window would have appeared. That window would ask you to enter a special code that would be sent to your mobile device. Since the bad guys won’t have access to your mobile device, it gives you another line of protection against unauthorized access.

Sure it’s an extra step in the process, but it’s well worth it, especially if you’ve ever had someone break into your house, business, car or computer.

Hindsight is 20/20. Protect yourself and put a few measures in place to protect your personal and business assets!

For more useful tips, visit howsebytes.com Chris is president of Howse Solutions, and he’s spent a career solving critical business processes for many Fortune 500 companies.

He’s transformed 100s of small and mid market organizations using proven LEAN methodologies.

Chris has collaborated and created over a dozen strong strategic alliances.

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bringing you technology for the future we have an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies and their commercial applications for your

business

HOWSE SOLUTIONS technology solutions that work IT Consulting | Staff Augmentation | Training | Project Management Cybersecurity | Low Voltage Installations | Supply Chain

Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE/DBE) 5247 Wilson Mills Road #233 | Cleveland, Ohio 44143 | 216.352.4282

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| chowse@howsesolutions.com

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1) What is your correct job title?

I am a lead clinical pharmacist.

2) Tell us a little bit about your job?

I have a clinical and administrative/operational role where I review medication orders entered by physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. I am also responsible for coordinating pharmacist assignments on patients and the teams they cover. I also serve as a resource for nursing, answering questions and providing direction if needed.

3) Who is Ramone Boyd?

Healthcare professional, older brother, and friend 4) How did you find out about 100 Black Men who sponsored you to become a member?

learning, and I do my best to welcome them with a positive attitude and humility.

I met Terry McWhorter at Blossom watching the orchestra summer of 2021, and he reached out to have me come to an interest meeting. I felt that my ethos aligned with the 4 for the future with the 100 BMOGC, and I believe that I have something to contribute with the career skills and experience I have as a pharmacist.

7)What are your hobbies?

I enjoy CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, and BBQ’ing on my smoker.

8)What’s your life purpose?

5)Who has inspired you in life?

Use my skills and knowledge for the benefit and service of others.

Many people. Inspiration can come from anyone who brings positivity, resilience, and purpose to your bubble of influence.

9) Share some things about your life and family?

I am a Virginia native that has adopted Cleveland as home. I am the eldest of 4 siblings, all scattered throughout the east coast. I am a Hampton University graduate with my Doctorate in Pharmacy and a Case Western Reserve graduate with an MBA.

6) What challenges did you overcome to get where you are today?

I don’t feel the need to list anything specific. Say that challenges provide opportunities for growth and

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Local Cartoonist Donates 50 Comic Books to the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Books are to be used by African American Youth.

Recently a phone call came into the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland’s Office about donating some books.

After talking with the Communications and Public Relations Chair James W. Wade III, Christopher Appling of Pride Comics was the man on the phone.

Appling’s father, J.B. Appling, was a 100 Black Men in the Cleveland Chapter, who all agree he was a very hard worker and an outstanding contributor to the 100 mission.

He asked if we could meet because he wanted to donate 50 copies of my Matinee Idol comic to the 100 so that you may distribute them to schools in the urban Cleveland Metropolitan School District that have a large many African-American male students, including your mentees.

Christopher is a 2008 alumni of Cleveland State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He went on to say when Wade met that he was a 100 several years ago and served as a literacy tutor for the 100.

He has been employed for 22 years by the black-owned, weekly Cleveland newspaper, The East Side Daily News, where he has contributed as an Entertainment Columnist, a Political Commentator, and currently, a Cartoonist.

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