What Is 100 Black Men Of America

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: 100 Black Men of America is a nationally recognized civic organization founded in 1963 in New York City that has grown to over 116 chapters internationally with more than 10,000 members. The organization serves as the nation's leading African American mentoring organization, reaching over 100,000 youth annually through programs focused on mentoring, education, health & wellness, and economic development.

Key Facts

Founded in 1963 in New York City by concerned African American businessmen including David Dinkins and Jackie Robinson
Held first national conference on May 27, 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia with Nathaniel Goldstein as first president and chairman
Operates over 116 chapters internationally with more than 10,000 active members
Reaches over 100,000 youth annually through mentoring and youth development programs
Established four key focus areas in 1994: Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Development

Overview

100 Black Men of America is a civic organization and mentoring network dedicated to improving the quality of life within African American communities. The organization focuses on enhancing educational and economic opportunities while fostering the intellectual and personal development of African American youth. As the nation's leading African American-led mentoring organization, it represents a commitment to community empowerment through mentorship and service.

The concept behind "The 100" emerged in 1963 when a group of concerned African American men in New York City began meeting to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. The organization was formally established and held its first national conference on May 27, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, introducing itself to the nation and establishing a formal structure. Since then, it has expanded dramatically to become a powerful force in youth development and community transformation across the United States and internationally.

How It Works

100 Black Men of America operates through a network of local chapters that implement programs tailored to their communities' needs while adhering to the organization's core mission and values. The organization emphasizes respect for family, spirituality, justice, and integrity as foundational principles guiding all initiatives.

Mentoring Programs: The organization pairs youth with accomplished Black men who provide guidance, role modeling, and support in academic and personal development.
Educational Initiatives: Programs focus on improving academic achievement, college readiness, and career pathway development for African American students.
Health & Wellness Focus: The organization addresses health disparities in African American communities through education and preventive health programs.
Economic Development: 100 Black Men supports entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and job readiness training to enhance economic opportunities for community members.
Chapter Network: Local chapters operate with autonomy while maintaining connection to the national organization's mission and standards.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	100 Black Men of America	Similar Organizations
Primary Focus	Mentoring African American youth through civic engagement	General youth mentoring or community service
Membership Structure	116+ chapters with 10,000+ members nationwide	Varies widely (100 to 100,000+ members depending on organization)
Annual Youth Impact	Over 100,000 youth participants annually	Ranges from 1,000 to 50,000+ depending on organization scale
Founded	1963 (concept), 1987 (formal national organization)	Various founding dates across different mentoring organizations
Geographic Reach	116+ chapters internationally	Local to national presence depending on organization

Why It Matters

Mentorship Gap: The organization addresses the critical need for positive male role models in African American communities, providing guidance during formative years when youth need direction most.
Educational Achievement: By focusing on academic support and college readiness, 100 Black Men helps increase graduation rates and post-secondary success for African American students.
Community Resilience: The organization strengthens communities by investing in youth who become future leaders, professionals, and engaged citizens.
Economic Empowerment: Through financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs, members gain skills to build wealth and create economic opportunities within their families and communities.
Health Equity: By addressing health disparities and promoting wellness, the organization contributes to improving life outcomes for African Americans.

100 Black Men of America represents a powerful model of community-based leadership and mentorship that directly impacts hundreds of thousands of lives. By combining the wisdom and resources of accomplished African American professionals with the potential of young people, the organization creates pathways to success that might otherwise be unavailable. Since 1963, it has demonstrated that structured mentorship, focused on education and economic development, can transform individual lives and strengthen entire communities. The organization's commitment to developing the next generation of African American leaders ensures lasting positive change for families and communities across the nation.