One Hundred Black Men
By Greta Hendricks Johnson
Graduate Student, Ferris State University - Grand Rapids Campus
Definition
To hear the words, "one hundred black men," would undoubtedly result in fear or apprehension within some individuals in our society. The thought of a large group of African American men gathering together could be perceived negatively. We are bombarded with images of gun toting, drug selling, foul-mouthed thugs with pants hanging below their posterior...men to be feared, or so we've often been told. It is of utmost significance to acknowledge the underlying truth that we, the human race, have a tendency to categorize and stereotype those different from ourselves. It is for that precise reason that the formation of the non-profit organization, One Hundred Black Men, Inc., came to be.
Armed not with guns, but the power of inspirational words and community service, their motto is "What They See Is What They'll Be." This distinguished group of talented gentlemen seeks to dispel the negative images of the black man in society and serve as a beacon of leadership in the community, motivating and empowering others with a strong commitment to the youth.
Historic Roots
The words of our founding document, the Declaration of Independence declares, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness..." Unfortunately, these words did not originally apply to the African, who was unwillingly brought to this country in the bonds of slavery, considered mere property and the prime source of free labor. This created a lasting effect on American culture whereas the black race would not be afforded the full status of equality for many decades.
Throughout the course of American history, the black man has been subjected to the horrors of unjust treatment at the hands of systematic racism. Slavery was eradicated, but the attitudes of the dominant citizenry still viewed blacks as ignorant, lazy, childlike and animalistic, a people who needed to be "dealt with harshly, and kept in their place." Despised, so therefore segregated, the African American had to form alliances and horizontal ties necessary to survive. Black philanthropy was birthed out of the need to "help our own," since one could not often expect help to come from the very source working to keep them at the lowest realm of society.
Ostracized in every segment of mainstream society and all its institutions, the black community became a refuge in which one could be treated with dignity and respect. Mutual Aid Societies, the Black Masons, fraternal organizations, the Church, the Urban League, women's groups and other non profits filled the gap by providing social service and benevolence to individuals as a means of helping them to rise above adverse situations within society and inherently establishing a black middle class. These organizations forged on to overcome obstacles of unfairness throughout the nineteenth century and continue to do so today.
From these historical roots, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. was established. Equally important is that it occurred during one of the most turbulent times in modern American history, the Civil Rights Movement. Although the heart of the Movement took place in the South, conditions throughout the remainder of the country were not ideal. Segregated communities were the norm. Through the media, our nation's eyes were focused on the nonviolent protesters and the brutal assaults inflicted upon them by the angry mobs and police force. Many Americans had long awaited the opportunity to see minorities elevated to equal status in this country and they expected the Movement to be a vehicle that would accomplish that goal. With activities intensifying in the South, the spirit of the Movement began to travel across the nation, provoking others to rise up and protest the injustices, demanding their equal rights.
The concept for One Hundred Black Men, Inc. originated in the state of New York in 1963. Born out of the necessity to band together in order to gain a greater voice, a group of black men organized after an incident in which the highest-ranking black police officer in his precinct was reprimanded unjustly. He had come to the aid of a respected African American citizen in the community who was arrested for questioning the actions of the predominantly white police department. Seeking advice from his peers, the decision was made by David Dinkins, Andrew Hatcher and Livingston Wingate to join together and organize as a means of better confronting the problems, not only at the police station, but other pertinent issues in the community as well (Martin, 2004).
From these beginnings arose a program that was designed to improve the lives of minorities. By pooling their resources, they embarked on the journey to strengthen communities in which they lived by mentoring youth and implementing programs to ensure and uplift the future of people of color.
A little more than a decade later, the New Jersey chapter was established by Dr. William Hayling, followed by individual chapters which sprang up in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Nassau/Saffol, Sacramento, St. Louis, and the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area.
In the year 1986, One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc. was organized after nine of the chapters came together for national recognition. At its helm was the founding president, Dr. William Hayling.
Today, the membership contains over 10,000 individuals from 90 national and four international chapters, with continued membership growth (One Hundred Black Men, Inc.).
Importance
The concept of "giving back to the community" has long been prevalent among African Americans. Systematic racism created a strong bond of kinship among the Black race. Not surprising, as African Americans gained access to privileges afforded to mainstream society, those same bonds slowly began to loosen. Investing in self rather than the community, "pursuing the American Dream," seemed to take precedence over all else. In recent years, sociologists have studied this breakdown of "social capital"1 , clearly a much needed element of civic community. In order to preserve civil society, reestablishing those ties that bind and making new investments in social capital must occur.
The concepts of social capital and "giving back to the community" lie at the core of One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc. Its membership consists of Black men twenty one and over, strong in character, and committed to establishing a connection with young males. The organization promotes the "intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African-American community based upon the following precepts: respect for family, spirituality, justice and integrity."
Members are the role models within the community to which younger "black brothers" are encouraged to pattern themselves. Their motto, "What they see is what they'll be," clearly reflects the need to be visibly active in the community, setting up a continuance of interaction that impacts the lives of young males. The strength of the organization lies within its members, involving leaders from business, medical, science and technology fields as well as the religious community. In addition, retirees lend their expertise and years of experience, imparting words of wisdom and guidance.
These men are deeply concerned about the plight of the young black male and understand factors that contribute to his possible demise. Statistics report that more African American men are killed between the ages of 15-24 than any other segment of the population2. In addition, in 2002, there were 3,437 sentenced black male prisoners per 100,000 black males in the United States. Comparatively there were 1,176 sentenced Hispanic male inmates per 100,000 Hispanic males and 450 white male inmates per 100,000 white males (United States Department of Prison Statistics). One Hundred Black Men not only wants to improve life, but prolong the lives of our youth by presenting the opportunities that will steer them away from crime.
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1 Social capital is networks and norms of trust, reciprocity and civic engagement. The absence of social capital in society results in isolation, mistrust, disorder and stagnation. Putnam (1993), p.177 2 Homicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of premature mortality (i.e., years of potential life lost before age 65). Homicide affects all age, race, and sex groups and is the leading cause of death for young black males (15-24 years of age) (1). Both the 1990 and Year 2000 Health Objectives for the Nation target a reduction in the homicide rate among this population (2,3). This report uses mortality statistics from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Violence Report (1987) http://www.allaboutblackhealth.com/violencereport.htm |
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The past three decades have seen the lives of more than 60,000 young people positively influenced by One Hundred Black Men, Inc. in chapters around the nation. Considering the changing face of America, studies show that within the near future over 50 percent of those individuals entering the U.S. work force will be people of color. Over half of these jobs will require extensive training and education to acquire the skills needed to do the job. One of the goals of this organization is to prepare today's minority youth with the ability to work in the global workplace, fortifying the Black community and, consequently, enhancing society as a whole. One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc. has implemented programs that aspire to give youth the "competitive edge" by developing their academic proficiency, mental and health well being, and economic capabilities. Mentors take on the responsibility of alleviating the numerous stumbling blocks that obstruct the success of African-American youth. Via the use of open forum and panel presentations, these advocates bridge the gap "between the area's decision-makers and the African-American and minority communities." Each chapter has its own corporate sponsors and tailors its program to the community in which it is located, necessitating social change and augmenting the quality of life (One Hundred Black Men, Inc.). "Four for the Future" is a signature program of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. and is a strategic plan that targets four areas regarded as essential to the success of youth and community at large: anti-violence, economic development programs, education, and youth mentoring (One Hundred Black Men, Inc.). The Wimberly Initiative on Disproportionality is designed to pinpoint the cause and diminish the disproportionate amount of referrals for children of color to special education. Initiating "school-based projects to support feasible exits from special education and subsequent success in the academic mainstream," is the task undertaken by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. To accomplish the task of improving the practices and policy in special education, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. have aligned themselves with the Policymakers Partnership of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). With funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education, the Wimberly Initiative "is one of four linked national project to involve key constituencies in support of the 1997 IDEA amendments" (One Hundred Black Men, Inc.). The Policymakers Partners consist of the following organizations and seek to "uplift, help develop, and foster the dreams and aspirations of African-American youth." These partners include:
A crucial component within One Hundred Black Men, Inc. is the desire to establish the "ties that bind" and the concept of male validation. Men who choose to take part in the organization assume the role that designates them as models with attributes of a "real man." In our society, images of material wealth earned by sports figures, actors and music artists who make millions of dollars often inspire young males to seek fast cash by whatever means necessary. One Hundred Black Men, Inc.'s motto, "What They See Is What They'll Be," acknowledges that there is a need to redefine the values of the younger generation by reaching out and investing the needed time. Young males must be exposed to this segment of society that, in most circumstances, they would not normally interact. The intergenerational contact allows the transference of values between boy and man, father to son, and brother to brother that is often missing in the African American community. This contact and transference of values promotes the ideals of altruism or giving philanthropically through selflessness and compassion for others. Helping young men gain the knowledge that one's self-value is not defined by his possessions, but rather the content of his character, with ethical guidelines, proves invaluable to the well being of that individual.
The following is a small sampling of One Hundred Black Men, Inc.'s list of distinguished gentlemen. Although all of their names may not be widely recognized, their valiant efforts are crucial (One Hundred Black Men, Inc.).
Black Elks is one of many African American fraternal organizations with similar missions to that of One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc. Formed in 1899, the Black Elks is a historically Black non- profit charitable fraternal organization still in operation. Formally named the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, they were founded in Cincinnati, Ohio because African Americans during the 19th and the first half of the 20th century were denied membership into white fraternal organizations. The Black Elks served their communities and provided financial, spiritual and emotional support (http://www.aaregistry.com/african_american_history/2232/ Black Professional Men, Inc., based in Baltimore, Maryland, seeks to "ensure the future of the African American male." Programs include health, education, economic and community development (http://www.bpminc.org). Circle Brotherhood Association, is committed to improving the lives of other Black men and youth by means of mentoring, economic development, promoting educational excellence and spiritual guidance (http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/circle/circle.html). National Organization of Concerned Black Men, Inc., established in 1975, has chapters located in 22 states and abroad. Their enrichment programs focus on education, health and self-improvement through leadership development and community grass-root efforts (http://www.cbmnational.org). Progressive Black Men, Inc. is a brotherhood of college students, alumni, faculty and veterans who have pledged their time, talent and treasure for the sole purpose of "promoting positive images for black men in the community and working to reconstruct and redefine the image of the Black Male through volunteer work, humanitarian aid, and community service." Founded on the campus of Florida State University in 1989, these role models excel in academic excellence, use their "collective knowledge, collective effort, and collective strength" to eradiate the stereotypes of African American males often portrayed as criminals, thugs, womanizers, ignorant and uncivilized in the media and entertainment (http://grove.ufl.edu/~ufpbm/history.html).
Black History.com Website, at http://www.blackhistory.com, provides a forum for African Americans to share their stories, articles, and research papers. Black Collegian Online Website, at http://www.black-collegian.com, offers information regarding African-American Issues, a Job Bank, X-Tra Curricular Activities and much more. Black Seek.com Website, at http://www.blackseek.com, provides a forum for articles, stories, news and personal Web pages for African Americans. Bibliography and Internet Sources All About Black Health. "Violence Report." [Accessed 24 April 2004]. http://www.allaboutblackhealth.com/violencereport.htm Browne, J. Zamgba. "One Hundred Black Men turns 40." Amersterdam News: Black Press USA. [Cited 11 November 2003; Accessed 23 April 2004] Florida State University Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc. http://www.fsu.edu/~activity/pbm/aboutus.html. Hall-Russell, Cheryl. Kasberg Robert H. African American Traditions of Giving and Serving: A Midwest Perspective. Indiana: Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, 1997. 24-30. ISBN: 1-884354-14-9. Martin, Mark. Harlem Live: Harlem's Youth Internet Publication. "One Hundred Black Men." [cited 26 April 2004]. http://www.harlemlive.org/community/orgs/hundmen. NARA: U.S. National Archives & Records Administration. [Accessed 26 April 2004]. National Urban League [Accessed 27 April 2004]. http://www.nul.org. One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc. [Accessed 22 April 2004]. One Hundred Black Men of Albany, New York Capital Region, Inc. [Accessed 22 April 2004]. http://www.albany.edu/cuyt/100BlackMen/NEW100BM.html. One Hundred Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. [Accessed 22 April 2004]. http://www.100blackmen-atlanta.org. One Hundred Black Men of Chicago, Inc. [Accessed 22 April 20 http://www.100bmc.org. One Hundred Black Men of Houston, Inc. [Accessed 23 April 2004]. One Hundred Black Men of Silicon Valley, Inc. [Accessed 23 April 2004]. Putnam, Robert D. Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1993. 171-177. ISBN: 0-691-03738-8. United States Dept. of Justice - Office of Justice Programs |
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