2023 100 Black Men Scholarship & Awards Gala Book

100 HISTORY

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.

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

Thank You To Our Sponsors

December 9, 2023

Good evening Honored Guests and Supporters, With great pleasure, I welcome you to our annual 100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala, “Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

This evening, we are honoring some of Cleveland’s finest leaders and change-makers in MENTORING: Dr. Terrance Menefee, EDUCATION: Ms. Denine Goolsby, HEALTH & WELLNESS: Ms. Nicole Ward, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: Mr. Andrew Jackson, TRAILBLAZER AWARD: Ms. Meryl Johnson, RISING STAR AWARD: Ms. Phobe Lee and LEADERSHIP AWARD: Ms. Gwendolyn Kirtley.

There has been tremendous planning and preparation to provide you with a memorable evening. I would like to personally thank our Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs. Jennifer Jordan and our Jr. Emcees Mr. Davi Custudio and Mr. Amyis Glover, both mentees of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. They all have contributed in a significant way to the success of this evening’s Gala.

“What they see is what they’ll be” is the tagline for the 100 Black Men of America and all of its Chapter Affiliates. The members of the 100 have committed to improving the quality of life for the community we serve by advocating for change and creating opportunities for our youth. We are concerned professional men who live by the adopted creed “Real Men, Giving Real Time,” which we believe assists in developing our future leaders with guidance, support, nurturing, and encouragement. As mentors, we serve as trusted advisers and role models of success for our mentees as we promote educational excellence, personal responsibility, respect, and self-discipline. Your generous financial support will help provide the necessary resources to increase awareness of our local Chapter’s mission and goals to provide college scholarships and mentoring programs for our youth. You are invited to become a mentor as it has the capacity to not only change a life but to save a life.

Lastly, on behalf of the fine Officers and Board of Directors of the Cleveland Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., I would like to extend a special thank you to the Gala committee, 100 members and volunteers for their humble and tireless commitment to strengthening our organization while making our community a better place to live and work. Thank you, everyone, for supporting our Chapter. Hence, we continue to provide programming for our youth.

Sincerely yours,

Lee V. Fields Jr. Chairman

December 9, 2023

Welcome to our “100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship & Awards Gala!”

The committee has worked diligently to ensure that this will be the best Gala experience yet. We hope that you will enjoy this beautiful venue, the Cleveland Marriott East. We’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure you have an enjoyable evening.

Your generous support and attendance this evening allows the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. to continue to provide quality programming geared towards improving the environment for our youth, particularly our African American youth, in the community which we live and serve.

Our “Four For The Future” programs; Mentoring, Education, Health and Wellness and Economic Empowerment are exemplified by the work of tonight’s honorees. I would personally like to extend a heartfelt congratulation to each one of you. You all have demonstrated great leadership and have been a strong presence in our community.

I would like to personally thank our Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Jennifer Jordan and my Gala Co-Chairman Darren Huggins for lending their time and effort to this evening’s event.

Finally, to you, our loyal and dedicated corporate sponsors, businesses, friends, volunteers and supporters, for without your help, this evening would not have happened. Thank you!

Thank you! Thank you! Please enjoy the evening and celebrate the work of our distinguished honorees.

Best Wishes,

Edwin Hubbard Jr. 2023 Gala Chairman

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

Mentoring

Mentoring is the foundation of what 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland brings to the community.

Our mentors are committed to guiding youth in life experiences, fostering a positive self-perception and self-respect, encouraging excellence in education, and the pursuit of positive life-long goals.

The 100 is engaged in innovative mentoring programs that serve young people, who are nurtured by certified mentors and role models.

“Walk A Mile With A Child” has served a crucial role in providing mentorship while adjusting to the Covid-19 pandemic. This program fosters relationship development with youth while promoting healthy lifestyles in a socially distanced, safe environment.

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

Education

Education is the key to opportunity and success. The 100 BMOGC delivers support services, which help youth achieve their educational goals. Our work with youth involves reading, math, tutoring, enrichment, and leadership. Continuously developing programs to educate and enrich students with their reading and math skills, the 100 is diligently working to improve the educational skills of our children.

We have committed to an ongoing program for students at both Mound and Wade Park Elementary schools where members of 100 dedicate time weekly to 3rd and 4th graders to ensure success in school and their everyday lives.

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

Health & Wellness

Health and wellness is a critical component of a thriving community. The purpose of the 100’s Health and Wellness program is to raise awareness levels concerning health issues, promote preventative health strategies, deliver screening and provide education on prevalent African American diseases.

Targeted health issues for the 100 are: Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Nutrition and Childhood Obesity.

As supporters of the National Kidney Foundation, we raise critical dollars to help and promote kidney disease awareness.

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

Economic Development

Economic Empowerment is to enhance collaboration between African Americans to help promote financial literacy and financial investment. Our primary areas are: Financial Literacy, Family Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship. Through comprehensive curricula and training, these programs work to promote economic self-sufficiency.

Our programs include: Computer coding classes, entrepreneurship, investment, retirement preparation, responsible use of credit, career exploration, home ownership, planned savings, soft skills training and job development.

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

Jennifer Jordan Campbell WJW-TV ANCHOR/REPORTER

Two-time, Emmy-award winning journalist Jennifer Jordan joined WJW-TV News in January of 2012 as the noon anchor and reporter for the evening newscasts. She currently co-anchors the 6 & 10 prime-time weekend newscasts with John Sabol.

Over the last nine years in Cleveland, Jennifer has won three national awards. The first two, an NABJ award and RTDNA Unity Award for “Race: Our Stories,” a series detailing diversity issues with African American journalists, stemming from the police killing of Tamir Rice.

The third national award was the second-place National Headliner Award for Best Newscast for the “Brelo Verdict,” the Cleveland officer charged in the East Cleveland car chase. He was found not guilty. The award was for the second-best newscast in the nation, for which Jennifer anchored with then co-anchor Bill Shiel.

Prior to joining FOX 8, Jennifer worked at New York City’s WPIX-TV/CW11 as a freelance general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor.

In just a few months there, Jennifer reported on some of the biggest stories in the NYC metropolitan area.

Continuous breaking news coverage included the mid-air plane/tourist chopper collision over the Hudson River that made national headlines. Jennifer was also the lead reporter on the deadly shooting of a Jersey City police officer and the attempted car bombing in Times Square.

Jennifer traveled to New Orleans for the unveiling of the USS New York naval ship built with steel from the World Trade Center. In an exclusive report, Jennifer also exposed security flaws at some of New York City’s most prominent tourist attractions, including the Empire State building.

Before Fox & My 9, Jennifer was a Westchester correspondent and general assignment reporter for WCBS-TV, also in New York. As part of the award- winning team, Jennifer was nominated for two Emmy awards for the mass transit strike. Previously, Jennifer anchored the 10 pm newscasts at News 12 Westchester. While there, she earned two Emmy Awards, one for on-camera achievement. The second Emmy was for a multi-part, hardhitting investigation titled, “Predator Next Door.”

Jennifer is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina where she received her BS in Broadcast Journalism. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was inducted into Peekskill High School’s alumni Hall of Fame in 2003. Jennifer has also received numerous community awards for her dedication to covering stories in her neighborhood and volunteering for several local charities. Jennifer currently resides in Cleveland with husband Scott and is mom to young adult daughter Jordan.

Lighting the way today—and every day.

100 BLACK MEN 2023 PROGRAMS DOLLARS AND SENSE 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 a resources selected by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and will learn from local professionals in the banking and investment industry. 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.

TUTORING - 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 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.

LET’S GET FIT 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 sessions begin with an assessment of the mentees strength, endurance and confidence and these areas are accessed again at the end to see if their goals were met.

BOOKS, COOKS AND ROOKS This program utilizes a three prong approach employing reading comprehension, culinary skills, and chess. We take the show on the road to various neighborhoods to make a greater impact. Youth will learn to cook a healthy meal and afterwards, they get consume it. They will increase their critical thinking skills while learning how to play chess. Lastly, there is a reading component to the program that emphasizes comprehension and understanding of the written word.

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS GALA December 9, 2023

Jennifer Jordan, Anchor - FOX 8 Davi Custudio, Mentee - 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Amyis Glover, Mentee - 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Masters & Mistress of Ceremonies

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Grand March

Mentees 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Mentee Affirmation

CSA Alumni Ensemble

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Anthony C. Peebles, Director of Development 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Welcome, Goal of the Evening, Edwin Hubbard, Jr., Gala Chairman Acknowledgments 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Invocation

A Day in the Life of The “100”

Lee V. Fields, Jr., Chairman 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Remembering Franklin F. Martin, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (1997-2023) Dinner is Served “Change”

Rameer Askew, Mentee 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Awards Presentation

Lee V. Fields, Jr., Chairman Gregory Lockhart, Vice Chairman Edwin Hubbard, Jr., Gala Chairman Darren Huggins, Gala Co-Chairman

Scholarship Awards

Lorenzo Russell, Member 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Closing Remarks

Gregory Lockhart, Vice Chairman 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

.

Benediction

Amyis Glover, Mentee 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Music & A/V by LoKey Entertainment

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

MENTORING AWARD Dr. Terrance E. Menefee

Dr. Terrance E. Menefee, a native Clevelander grew up on the southeast side of Cleveland, Ohio, and is a 1988 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. He attended Cleveland State University and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree certifying him in Special Education. Dr. Menefee received his Masters of Education from John Carroll University, with a certification in Administration/Supervision to become a Principal. He received his most noteworthy achievement from Nova Southeastern University earning his Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.

Currently, Dr. Menefee is the Principal of his alma mater, John F. Kennedy High School, prior to he served as Head Principal of John Adams High School, Taylor Academy in Cleveland Hts. and was the inaugural principal of the Valley View Boys’ Leadership Academy in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District where he led the school to an Excellent with Distinction rating by the State of Ohio, respectfully. He was appointed to the all boys’ preparatory school in 2007 to develop, implement, and evaluate the single gender based curriculum for boys in grades Pre-K through Eight.

A few of Dr. Menefee’s professional accomplishments include: Being the recipient of the City of Cleveland’s “Black History Months Faces of Sacrifice” 2016, Authoring in 2012, a children’s novel “The Adventures of DJ Spoon and Missy” the Bullying Stops, AHANA (Mentoring Program) Award Recipient from Cleveland State University and the Nerve DJ’s Legends Award 2023.

He has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Graduate Studies at Ashland University and Indiana Wesleyan University, Cleveland Center. Dr. Menefee’s organizational and community involvement include being a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Omega Chapter, the Department of Education’s Alternative Assessment Committee and Governor Ted Strickland’s Education Agency Review Team. He has also served as one of the Spokesperson for Attorney General Lee Fisher’s “Life in the Mainstream,” a Role Model Panelist for Rollston Juvenile Detention Boot Camp, has been featured in Cleveland Magazine, Yahoo. com with Katie Couric and Matthew McConaughey, a member Warrensville Road Community Baptist Church and was inducted into the John F. Kennedy High School, George E. Mills Hall of Fame.

Dr. Menefee is the proud father of three beautiful daughters: Taia and twins Taryn and Tori Menefee. He is an aficionado of Politics, Cleveland Browns football and Old School Hip Hop and R&B music.

Moreover, his .journey in life has been an example of trial, error, and the similar challenges that many black men face today. Nonetheless, through dedication, commitment to community, Perseverance and Faith in God has attributed to him beating the odds.

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

EDUCATION AWARD Denine A. Goolsby

Denine A. Goolsby is a native Clevelander. She is a graduate of Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio. She is married to Julian Goolsby and has one daughter, Devin Gaham. She is a member of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

Ms. Goolsby received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kent State University with a concentration in Elementary Education in 1977. At this time, she began her career as a teacher in the East Cleveland City School District and remained there until 1992. During her tenure there, she taught students in grades one, three, four and six. She took a sabbatical from the district in 1989 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Principal’s Certification from Kent State University. After graduation in 1990, she returned to the East Cleveland Schools. She later received a Superintendent’s License from Ashland University, which is still current.

She is also certified as both a Restorative Practices and Healing Centered Engagement Trainer.

In 1992, Ms. Goolsby accepted an administrative position with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools. While in the district, she served in the capacities of Elementary Associate, Assistant Middle School Principal, Elementary Principal, and Middle School Principal. Under her leadership, Wiley Middle School was named a “National School to Watch.” She retired from the district in 2008. Since 2008, Ms. Goolsby has served as a Regional Superintendent, an Academic Coach, and the Executive Director of Humanware/Social and Emotional Learning and Closing the Achievement Gap (CTAG) for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

She is a member of the CREATE for Education Board of Directors and an Advisor for SEL Worldwide. She has written curriculum and delivered that curriculum to educators across the country with partners from CREATE and SEL Worldwide.

She is presently working with the CREATE team to share Thoughtful Thursdays with Union Presidents and members in Pennsylvania. She is the lead organizer of CREATE’s Giving Tuesday Initiative.

Ms. Goolsby became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in 1976. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Sigma chapter in Cleveland, Ohio. She chartered the Eta Psi Chapter at Ohio University. She served as graduate chapter president for eight years, financial officer for six years and public relations for four years. She served as the national conference coplanner for six years. Ms. Goolsby was the spearhead and facilitator to acquire sorority license plates for the State of Ohio.

She has been appointed to lead the Blanche Edwards award committee, which is the highest award given by the sorority.

She is a member of the Sigma Public Education and Research Board of Directors. (SPEAR) She is the lead for the Leadership and Development Empowering Sisters (LADES) initiative. This program addresses the needs of high school young ladies, especially those aging out of foster care. She is currently working with the BLO Foundation of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. to provide leadership sessions to tenth grade students in the Warrensville Heights City School District.

She is a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., a national educator’s organization. She has served as the president of the award-winning Alpha Xi chapter for four years and vice president for four years. She is presently serving as the Regional Anthropos chair, which focuses on involving spouses and significant others in sorority activities. She is a member of the e-Learning team which provides a platform for educators across the nation to collaborate on educational issues of today.

Ms. Goolsby is a member of the ASPIRE Academy Board of Directors which focuses on supporting teen mothers and fathers as they face the challenges of parenthood. She serves as president and works in collaboration with the CEO Clotea Mack.

Ms. Goolsby brings a plethora of experience to the work and is ecstatic about collaborating with fellow educators. Presently, her most rewarding commitment is serving as the scholarship chair for the Shaw High School Alumni Association, which provides higher learning funds to graduates.

Favorite Quote:“People will forget what you did or what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD Nicole Ward

Philanthropist, businesswoman, and Cleveland native, Nicole Ward, has dedicated her life to serving her community. With her professional career beginning at Cleveland Clinic in Human Resources and Marketing, she launched her focus on community-based health initiatives.

In 2019, she co-founded the Make Them Know Your Name (MTKYN) Foundation with the mission to help prevent heart related fatalities in communities across the nation by providing the resources necessary to educate people in heart health. The foundation, which honors her late husband, has made incredible impact since launch, training over 15k people in both CPR and AED (automatic external defibrillators). The organization has provided life-saving emergency resources such as hands-only CPR certification and 17 AED machines and instruction to local high schools, gyms and other public facilities in Ohio. In addition, Ward has helped to create and execute signature community events such as the Cleveland All Star Fitness Expo and Pop Up in the Park that draw thousands of people each year with a goal spreading the importance of heart health in an engaging and fun environment.

Ward has shared the MTKYN mission and her story on local news programs and morning shows, as well as speaking to Cleveland area businesses and students about the importance of heart health education and the confidence to act in an emergency. To further the foundation’s impact, she also lends her voice to the epidemic of health disparities in the black community and is a recipient of the NAACP Power of Influence Award. As a prominent health and wellness educator, through MTKYN, Ward has testified in support of HB47, that recently passed legislation at the House level requiring all schools and athletic venues to have AEDs and emergency preparedness plans. As a member of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition, she’s furthered her efforts through the groups initiative to improve outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest situations in youth around the country. The family also funds the Paul G. Ward Jr. Memorial Scholarship which presents an annual scholarship to a Bedford High School student with financial need.

In addition to her successful professional and philanthropic endeavors, Ward sits on the board of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association. When she retired from Cleveland Clinic in 2019, she pursued her real estate license and joined Chestnut Hill Realty and is a real estate investor in the Cleveland area for over 20 years.

She is also signed with Pro Model & Talent Management, is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Links Organization. Ward spends any free time relaxing with family and friends.

Ward is the mother of two sons, Paul Jr. (P.J.) and Denzel. Her oldest son P.J. is a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor, and Denzel is a Pro Bowl cornerback for the Cleveland Browns.

Serving the community is at the heart of all of Ward’s ventures and her impact through MTKYN, and her personal efforts, continues to be felt throughout the Ohio region and beyond.

Proudly Honoring Humanitarian

N i c o l e Wa r d With

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Empowering and Serving the Pulse of our Rich Culture for

Generations Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church | 3290 East 126th Street | Cleveland, Ohio 44120

Rev. Larry L. Harris, Sr. Pastor

God is Able!

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AWARD Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson is President/CEO of Elsons International, a fullservice manufacturer and distributor of corrugated packaging.

Jackson is also the Owner/CFO of MAC Installations & Consulting LLC, a Low Voltage Telecommunications company. He owns several small businesses, including AJ Automotive Group, DoAll Landscaping/Snow Plowing, Jeanology Clothing Store, and Forest Glen Property Management.

A product of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), Jackson graduated from John Adams High School. He earned a degree in accounting from Cleveland State University. By training, he is a Certified Public Accountant, having passed the CPA exam 1983. Prior to his entrepreneurial engagements, Jackson spent over 30 years in Corporate America -- a 25-year Partner with the global consulting firm Accenture and five years with KeyBank. He also served six years as the Senior VP of Economic Inclusion at the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

In addition to his business interests, Andrew serves on several Boards in Cleveland, including The Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA), The Cleveland State University Business School - Visiting Committee, and the Cuyahoga County Port Authority. As a community leader, he has been recognized by several organizations and featured locally and nationally in various publications.

Andrew believes that “true freedom” is achieved through economics. He has contributed over $250k to Philanthropic causes in Cleveland, including Cleveland State University, Karamu House Theater, The Cleveland Foundation, and The Cleveland Chain Reaction. Additionally, he is an avid supporter/ investor of other small business owners in the Cleveland community.

TELICOMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Congratula�ons President/CEO Andrew Jackson on receiving the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Economic Empowerment Award.

Your dedica�on, vision, and leadership over the last 35 years have earned you this pres�gious award. Your commitment to fostering economic growth and equality within our community is commendable.

Under your guidance, Elsons Interna�onal & MAC Installa�ons con�nue to thrive, embodying diversity, innova�on, and posi�ve change throughout the community. Your passion for empowering others sets a remarkable example for us all.

Thank you for inspiring us to reach greater heights and for making a las�ng impact on our organiza�on and community.

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

RISING STAR AWARD Phoebe Lee

Transferring her love for fashion and her 20 years of experience in the fashion industry into her dream business, Phoebe Lee serves as Chief Executive Officer/President of Acumen Apparel, an off shoot of Affinity Apparel, a national leader in the uniform marketplace. She previously oversaw operations as President at VDP Safety & Uniforms, a supplier of safety apparel and equipment.

Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University in Georgia where she graduated magna cum laude while studying business administration and supply chain management. She also competed studies in Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

A graduate of the inaugural class of the Emerging Young Entrepreneur (EYE) Program sponsored by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC), Lee was selected as one of 13 Millennial CEO’s nationally to participate in this program.

Lee has also worked as a model appearing on Good Morning America, The Today Show, NY Live, VH1, among other networks. She has been featured in several magazines including InStyle Magazine.

Active in the community, she served as a mentor for high school students at John Hay High School through ACE (Architectural, Construction, and Engineering) and is active with Diversity Compliance Coalition of Ohio (DCCO). Lee has been profiled in Who’s Who in Black Cleveland as an Interesting Personality and as an Emerging Leader. She has also served as a committee chair for the NAACP Freedom Fund Gala.

Appointed to a five year term in 2018 by then Governor John Kasich to the Board of Trustees at Cuyahoga Community College, Lee serves on the Nominating and Community Affairs/Workforce Development Committees. She also serves on the Board for The Fund for Our Economic Future and Manufacturing Works – Growth & Transition/Leadership Inst. Advisory Committee. She is passionate and actively involved in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committees and initiatives on all three boards.

Next steps for Lee include an acquisition in the manufacturing space, as well as continuing to pay it forward to her community by developing an entrepreneurial based course that teaches “big business” scaling, mergers, and acquisitions education.

Cuyahoga Community ® College (Tri-C ) Is Proud To Support the

100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala Congratulations to Tri-C Trustee Phoebe Lee on the Rising Star Award, along with all of the notable honorees. Thank you for your commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for African Americans across Northeast Ohio.

tri-c.edu 216-987-6000 23-1122

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

TRAILBLAZER AWARD Meryl Johnson

Meryl Johnson is a retired teacher with 40 years of teaching experience in the Cleveland Public Schools. A graduate of Glenville High School in the Cleveland District, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and her Master of Education degree from Cleveland State University. She was elected to the State Board of Education for District 11 in November 2016 and re-elected in 2020. She ran because she wanted to be a stronger voice for supporting public education, which is under constant attack. For four years she represented two-thirds of Cuyahoga County and one-third of Lake County. In January 2021, as a result of redistricting, her districts suddenly changed to Medina County, Wayne County, Ashland County, and a large portion of west Cuyahoga County with fifteen Cleveland wards. This will make it almost impossible for a person of color to replace her. She will complete her service in 2024 due to term limits.

During her years of teaching, Ms. Johnson helped new /struggling teachers improve their skills through the Educational Research and Dissemination Program, developed by the American Federation of Teachers. She also designed and conducted workshops on cultural competency and trauma-informed education to empower teachers to successfully teach all of their students.

She continues to share trauma-informed teaching strategies with educators, including East Cleveland, Warrensville Hts., Garfield Hts., Painesville, and many more districts. Ms. Johnson was a member of the North Shore AFL-CIO Executive Board for many years up until the time she was elected to the State Board of Education.

Ms. Johnson is an avid student advocate. During her years as a teacher, she helped students develop leadership skills by training them in mediation through the Winning Against Violent Environments (WAVE) Program which still exists in most CMSD schools today. She spent many years working with her local and citywide student councils, where students learned to advocate for their peers around school conditions/school funding. She accompanied students to Columbus, on buses, to speak at school funding rallies and to lobby legislators.

She trained student leaders on voter registration and community advocacy. Every year, Ms. Johnson’s students became involved in making their voices heard through letter writing to newspapers, interactions with various speakers, surveying school and community members, participating on panels at conferences, and sharing what they learned with their peers and students at other schools. Ms. Johnson was an advisor with the City Club of Cleveland Youth Council, helping them plan and implement City Club forums for high school students throughout the county.

Ms. Johnson served in many leadership positions with the Cleveland Teachers Union from 1988 to her retirement, including Director of Community Engagement where she worked hard to make sure partnerships were developed with community organizations and faithbased institutions. She was a member of the Executive Committee of the North Shore AFL-CIO for more than two decades where she helped to keep equity and racial justice on the agenda. Her community work includes serving as an NAACP life member and chairperson of the Cleveland NAACP Education. She served as Legislative Chairperson for the Metropolitan Alliance of Black School Educators (MetroCABSE) and the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators (OABSE). She is a member of the American Association of University Women Heights-Hillcrest Branch where members look forward to her monthly contributions to their newsletter. Ms. Johnson continues her community work as a member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland and a member/regular attendee of the City Club of Cleveland where she is known for constantly asking challenging questions of the guests. She also works with the Urban League of Greater Cleveland in their Excellence in Education Program.

For fun, Ms. Johnson likes to sing, act, and dance. She loves to participate in the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s Sing Out! fundraiser every two years (nine times so far). She was a member of the eclectic performing singing group, the Prayer Warriors, for many years. She taught line dancing at the Harvard Community Center for eleven years, and continues to line dance whenever/wherever she can. Ms. Johnson has performed in many musical productions since her graduation from Kent State where she minored in theatre, and is looking forward to returning to the stage when her term on the State Board of Education ends next year.

Ms. Johnson has hosted a weekly radio show called It’s About Justice every Saturday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on WRUW FM 91.1 (online at wruw.org) since 2009. In addition to interviewing community innovators, student activists and elected officials, she continuously expresses her concerns about the threat to public education that is showing up in censorship bills, book bans, universal vouchers, and the deterioration of human rights, in general. Therefore, she encourages all who are reading this to continue to vote in every election and to make sure the student voice is constantly being represented in this fight for the survival of our democracy.

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

LEADERSHIP AWARD Gwendolyn L. Kirtley

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley was installed as the Great Lakes Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in July 2022 at the 70th biennial international convention in Orlando, Florida. She will execute her term under the dynamic leadership of Danette Anthony Reed, the sorority’s International President & CEO. As Regional Director, she is responsible for leading over 7,000 accomplished, educated, and service-oriented women who commit daily to enhancing the lives of their respective communities. With a vision for a “Greater” Great Lakes Region, Ms. Kirtley has galvanized members from the great states of Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and West Virginia to grow “Greater Together” in service and sisterhood.

Ms. Kirtley was initiated as a charter member of Nu Upsilon Chapter at Capital University in 1981. With more than 40 years of committed service to her beloved sisterhood, she is both a Silver Star and a Life Member. She is the epitome of an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman on a mission to serve all mankind. She has leveraged her professional and business acumen at every level of the organization with a focus on raising the next generation of the sorority’s leaders, prioritizing mentorship, collaboration, and inclusion. As a member of the sorority’s first graduate chapter, Alpha Omega, she has held numerous roles including: President; First Vice President; Second Vice President; Chairman of Membership, Program, and Standards Committees; and Chairman of the Alpha Omega Foundation, Incorporated®. At the regional level, she has served as the Northern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania Cluster Coordinator, Chairman of the President’s Council, Protocol Chairman, and Co-Chairman of the 87th Great Lakes Regional Conference.

Internationally, as a member of the Leadership Development Committee, she co-designed the curriculum and has facilitated training for hundreds of members who have earned various sorority certifications. She has presented nearly one hundred sorority workshops and has served as Founders’ Day keynote speaker for celebrations in the region. Ms. Kirtley is a recipient of numerous awards and accolades of distinction, notably the Great Lakes Region Margaret Davis Bowen Graduate Basileus Award and the Pamela L. Redden Outstanding Silver Star Award.

Professionally, Gwendolyn Kirtley retired with over 36 years of experience with State Farm Insurance as a Claims Service Support Supervisor and Claims & Litigation Specialists. As an active member of the State Farm Weather & Catastrophe Team, the largest catastrophe team and fleet in the insurance industry, Ms. Kirtley directed disaster relief and provided aid amid the impact of Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Andrew. She is a former board member of the American Red Cross, Berea Family & Children Services, Garfield Heights Community Center, and Ivy Plaza Management Corporation. She is currently an active member of her local NAACP chapter, and ambassador with the local United Way and the American Red Cross organizations.

Gwendolyn Kirtley received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy from Capital University. She is a devoted mother of two adult children, Nichole A. Kirtley, who is also a member of the sorority and Carl Marsalis Kirtley, both of whom are HBCU graduates, Howard University and Clark Atlanta University, respectively. She is engaged to Mr. Paul Redd. Her fiancé, children, and church family are treasured blessings and constant reminders of her favorite scripture, that to whom much is given, much is required.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS “Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS “Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

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Here for our community, today and tomorrow.

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to Tri-C Trustee Phoebe Lee on the Rising Star Award, along with all of the notable honorees. Thank you for your commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for African Americans across Northeast Ohio.

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tri-c.edu 216-987-6000 23-1122

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Congratulates Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Great Lakes Regional Director Gwendolyn L. Kirtley on receiving the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.'s Leadership Award at their 100 Black Men In Black Ties Scholarship & Awards Gala.

Enid Bonds Gray, President Heather Beasley, 1st Vice President Tinia Evans-Flowers, 2nd Vice President

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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 Lee V. Fields,Jr., Chairman of the Board Gregory Lockhart - Vice Chairman of the Board Lucian Blackwell -Director of Finance Edwin Hubbard, Jr., Gala Chairman Darren Huggins, Gala Co-Chairaman Vicki Dansby, Imagine That . . . Gala Consultant

COMMITTEE

Barbara Cooper James Wade

Michael Booker Brandon Curry

PARTNERS Provide A Ride - Platinum Sponsor

Saint Luke’s Foundation - Gold Sponsor

SILVER SPONSORS American Greetings Diamond’s Menswear FirstEnergy

J.W. Sales & Marketing PNC Step Forward

BRONZE SPONSORS NEORSD

Erie Bank

TABLE SUPPORTERS AKA Lambda Phi Chapter City of Warrensville Cleveland Foundation CWRU Elsons International Lorenzo Russell Margaret Wong and Associates Nicole Ward RPM, International Step Forward The Presidents Council

Andrew Jackson CleConsulting Coleman Spohn Dollar Bank Friendly Inn MAC Installations Mt. Olive Baptist Church PNC Shaker Heights Police Students of Promise Tri-C WRAAA

100 BLACK MEN IN BLACK TIES SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”

HOSTS & HOSTESSES Anngel Jacobs Beverly Suber Carol Farris Kermit Knight Patricia Dorroh Rita Ross Valerie Love Barea Thomas

Breyannah Walker Deidra Nichols Linda Sanders Remmie Crawford Rosalin Wynn Vera Hughes Zoni Madison

MENTEES Amyis Glover Davi Custudio Glen Wright Cameron Terrell

DeJohn Jackson Jimmaine White-Johnson Rameer Askew

AND ESPECIALLY . . .

Alia Miller Cleveland Marriott East Erwashundah Jacobs Fresh Tuesdays Productions Jennifer Jordan Pretti Parties Clark’s Cuisine

CSA Alumni Ensemble Frederick Burton Designs Harry Boomer Lo-Key Entertainment Real Deal Press Video Services Productions

“Nurturing Futures: Empowerment Through Youth Mentoring.”