Letter from the Chairman

Since 1997 the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. has been serving the Greater Cleveland area and mentoring our youth. Today, the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is a national alliance of leading African American men of business, industry, and public affairs government, devoting their combined skills and resources to confronting the challenges facing African American youth. During this Black History Month, I salute the founders of this great organization in Cleveland. Little did Judge Michael Nelson and the other founders realize they were making history themselves. 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 and the achievements of African-American youth, emphasizing young African-American males.

Although the chapter has had a definitive history and a strong legacy, the members realize that we cannot simply rest on past accomplishments. There is much work to be done. Perhaps the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. said it best when he stated, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” The 100 Black Men of Upstate South Carolina is committed to integrity and excellence. We have dedicated ourselves and our chapter to making a positive difference in our respective communities and in the lives of others. In that regard, our organization will maintain its commitment to the highest level of service and engagement with corporate, nonprofit, and community partners.

While this month, we are celebrating Black History Month, an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada and has recently been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

I often think about how on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on a public bus. Parks’ protest sparked the Montgomery bus protests and galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. Yet she was not the first African American individual in Montgomery to stand up against injustice in such a manner. On March 2, 1955, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin was riding home on a city bus after a long day at school. A white passenger boarded, and the bus driver ordered Claudette to give up her seat. Claudette refused.

Sincerest regards,

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

The 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.