Letter from the Chairman

The loss of our National Chairman, Thomas Dortch Jr, saddens me. He was just here in Cleveland celebrating with us for our 2022 Gala in December. Dortch became civically active during these years and, in 1986, joined 100 Black Men of America, a mentoring program intended to improve African Americans’ quality of life and opportunities for education and employment. He served as chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta and became the chairman of 100 Black Men of America’s national board of directors. He was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Wow, it’s hard to believe we are in our third month already; time is moving fast. This month is unique because we are having our 2023 Midwest District Summit in Indianapolis, IN, and we are celebrating this issue around Economic Empowerment. The Midwest District Conference is something I am looking forward to. Conferences and events offer prime networking opportunities; if you’re not intentional about it, you might miss many ways to make new contacts and get the word out about your business.

That first impression may mean a lot; not all can dress to impress quite as well as others, but we should have formed an image of how, as business people, we appear to others and how we would like to be perceived.

In other words, we’ll all have some image about ourselves and how that image comes across to others. Hence, it’s essential to recognize and make the most of our physical attributes and attire to give off the desired impression when meeting other business people for the first time.

Many successful networkers will often tell you that having a specific goal before heading for a conference or event helps them focus on what they want to achieve at the event itself. Setting goals before the event is a good idea, so you can focus on what’s happening on stage. Any business event’s ‘meet and greet’ part is often even more critical than any keynote address or speech. No matter how much we think we’re at the top of our field, there’s always room to learn.

With the support and contribution of our invaluable volunteers, members, parents, civic leaders, community partners, and corporate sponsors, we strive to continue fulfilling our mission to enhance young people’s lives and communities in Greater Cleveland. I may not always say it enough, but I thank all the people around me who give their all to make the Greater Cleveland Chapter a great one.

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.

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.

BOARD

Lee V. Fields Jr. Chairman

Gregory Lockhart Vice Chairman

Brett Horton Esq Secretary

Lucien Blackwell Director of Finance

Anthony Peebles Director of Development

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rodney L. Brown

Grady Burrows

Brandon Curry

Edwin Hubbard Jr.

Darian Johnson

Tyson Mitchell, Esq

Dr. Ernest Smoot

James W. Wade III

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Director of Communications & Public Relations, James W. Wade III

Economic Empowerment

David L. Taylor - Chair

James Ferguson - Co Chair

Education

Grady Burrows - Chair

Health & Wellness

Marvin Ferguson - Chair

Mentoring

Darian Johnson, Chair

Dr. Ernest Smoot, Co Chair

Membership

Aqeel Seals - Chair

National Chairman Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.

Midwest District Representative James Duke