100 Black Men of America, Inc. hold Annual Conference in New York City

Pictured are mentees of the Savannah Chapter of the 100 Black Men who participated in the conference held in New York City. They are L-R: Christal Walker, Cleveland Harding, Khadia Henry, Angelo Davis, and Keiara Brown. Global leaders, celebrities and business executives recently convened in New York City for the 23rd Annual 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Conference that focused on education in the African-American community.

More than 3,000 attendees participated in the fourday conference that drew notable leaders such as: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, New York Governor David Paterson, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, The Honorable Douglas Wilder- the nation's first African American governor since Reconstruction, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and more. "There is an enormous achievement and opportunity gap impacting African- America youth as it relates to grade level education and higher education opportunities. This year's record setting

conference tackled these issues from a global perspective,

finding solutions to educating our young men and women and directing our members to act and inspire others to act on the solutions discussed," Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Al Dotson, Jr., Esq.

In addition to the generous support of the corporate sponsors, a number of partnering organizations made significant financial investments and launched a number of programs during the conference.

“The impact of this year's conference for both the members and participating youth was phenomenal,” said H. Lee Perry II. “We walked away enlightened, educated and empowered to make a significant change in education for our young people.” The conference drew the world's most influential figures including a historic gathering of Governor Paterson and former Governor Wilder during the Black Tie Gala & Concert.

Additionally, the 100 awarded its prestigious leadership award to General William E. “Kip” Ward- the only active-duty, four-star African-American general.

Additional attendees and presenters included: actress Vivica Fox, Warner Music Executive Kevin Liles, recording artist Maxwell, best-selling author Terry McMillan, Marc Morial-President of the National Urban League, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor, Dr. John Jackson- President Schott Foundation for Public Education.

Secretary Duncan praised the work of the international organization.

“This is why I am such a big fan of what the 100 Black Men are doing around the country,” said Secretary Duncan. “When our children have the opportunity to be surrounded by adults that care passionately about them and stick with them for the long haul, they will do fantastic.”

The 24th Annual Conference is scheduled June 16-20, 2010 at the Westin Diplomat in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963.

The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with 10 chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. The 100 serves as an international coalition focused on creating educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, addressing health disparities and creating positive mentoring relationships.