Godfrey, Jr.’s name is linked to one of the most anticipated student competitions associated with the 100 Black Men of America.
It’s only fitting that the name Brace Godfrey, Jr. receives recognition during Black History Month. Chair Emeritus for the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Curley Dossman, Jr., grew up with Godfrey, Jr. in Ville Platte, LA. He says his lifelong friend had a passion for African American history even as a child. “One of his favorite high school teachers was a history major. And so, I think that kind of got Brace started down that path,” Dossman remembers.
In 2024, Godfrey, Jr.’s name is linked to one of the most anticipated student competitions associated with the 100 Black Men of America. He started the African American history challenge, which now culminates each year during June’s annual conference. Mentees from all over the country showcase their knowledge about Black culture and accomplishments by competing.
Brace Godfrey, Jr. passed away in 2010. But his legacy continues through the Baton Rouge chapter, which he founded, the AAHC, and his son, Brace B. Godfrey III, nicknamed Trey. “My father began his career as the first Black staff attorney in the state legislature,” Trey explained. However, Brace Godfrey, Jr. Trey notes that his dad was always a community leader. In that capacity, he founded the Baton Rouge chapter of the 100 in 1993.
Vice Chair for the 100, Michael Victorian, became a 100 member partly because of his respect and friendship with Brace Godfrey, Jr. and Godfrey’s incredible leadership ability. “Brace was visionary,” Victorian recalls. “We’re still building on the platform and programs he created…30 years ago.”
Brace Godfrey, Jr’s far-sighted understanding of community development changed his entire town. In 2008, he helped revitalize Baton Rouge’s eroding city center and turned the Kress building, erected in 1887, into a living/work space that thrives today.
Brace B. Godfrey, Jr. could never have predicted that attacks against Black history knowledge would continue more than 20 years into the 21st century. Yet, he did know something many have come to embrace as a universal truth and that a culture that doesn’t remember its history will perish. For that reason, he was passionate about making sure Black history became an important topic for young people nationwide through the excellent organization of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
