In 1963 the 100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City. In 1986 the national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, industry, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. The organization has 114 chapters today and growing, in the United States, and the Caribbean and England. Albert E. Dotson, Jr., is the Chairmen of the organization. Members represent a wide range of professions including corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, entertainers, elected officials, professional athletes, educators and men from numerous other professions that have created an international coalition focused on creating educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, addressing health disparities and creating positive, nurturing mentoring relationships. The men of the 100 are committed as individuals, and as an organization, to increasing our engagement with youth especially in the area of mentoring.

It is with great pleasure to serve as President of the 100 Black Men of Long Beach, one of the most recent chartered chapters. The City of Long Beach is the 5th largest city in the sate and ranked 34th in the nation, but is one of the most improved cities in the country. With our well established “Four for the Future” programs (Economic Development, Education, Health and Wellness, and Mentoring), community partners and supporters we can tackle this and related challenges that afflict the greater Long Beach area.