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The Foundation of a Legacy

Our history, our foundation and its recognizable impact.

The overall concept of “The 100” began in 1963 in New York City when a group of concerned African American men began to meet to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate, Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. On October 2, 1986, representatives from 100 Black Men Chapters converged in Washington, DC, for a final meeting to establish a national organization. During previous meetings, they determined the structure, governance and model that would provide the most effective physical and financial resources to support the communities and Chapters. At the final gathering, the organization’s name – 100 Black Men of America, Inc. – was unveiled and attendees elected four accomplished, professional men from within their ranks to serve as its first and founding officers.  

Each of the four were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to give back in a holistic way that addressed the educational, social, emotional, and cultural needs of youth in their own communities. They put their hands to the plow and did the hard work necessary to establish a foundation for a network of Chapters in their infancy, which today is an international nonprofit organization that positively impacts more than 125,000 youth across the United States and abroad. Throughout our history, the leadership of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has been impeccable. The men chosen as national leaders all have contributed to the growth and strength of the organization. Their unique contributions have helped The 100 to become one of the premiere mentoring organizations anywhere. Consider the impact each leader has made. On May 27, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, this newly formed mentoring organization held its first national conference and introduced itself to the nation. Noted speakers included the late Alex P. Haley and the late Honorable Maynard H. Jackson.

Throughout 100 Black Men of America, Inc.’s history, our organization has been recognized for its powerful and impactful outcomes that empower our youth and communities. Here are just a few of the honors The 100 has received over the years.

Circle Logo

1963

The Beginning: New York City

The origins of the movement began in 1963 in New York City when a group of concerned African American leaders and professionals came together to address the economic, educational, and social inequities impacting Black communities. Among those leaders were Dr. William H. Hayling, Nathaniel R. Goldston III, David Dinkins, Jackie Robinson, Robert Mangum, Livingston Wingate, Andrew Hatcher, and Dr. William F. Gibson.

This coalition of African American leaders and professionals formed One Hundred Black Men, Inc. in New York City to create opportunities and advocate for equity and advancement within the Black community. What began as a collective effort grounded in leadership, accountability, mentorship, and community service would eventually evolve into one of the nation's most respected mentoring and youth development organizations.

Today, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. continues to uphold the founding principles of the movement while serving as the organization's founding chapter and historical cornerstone.

Sepia photo of two men in suits seated together, in conversation

1976

The Expansion to New Jersey

Dr. William Hayling relocated to Newark, New Jersey, and established the second chapter of the organization, marking the beginning of the movement's expansion beyond New York.

1980's

1983 - Washington, D.C. Meeting

September 21, 1983: meeting to establish a national organization attended by representatives from New York, New Jersey, St. Louis, Alton, and Los Angeles.

1984 - Las Vegas, Nevada Meeting

May 11 - 14, 1984: meeting to further discuss mission, expansion, and governance.

1985 - Growth Across Major Cities

As the mission gained momentum, chapters were established in metropolitan areas across the country. This period of growth laid the foundation for a unified national movement rooted in mentorship, leadership, and community impact.

1986 - Las Vegas, Nevada Meeting

May 16 - 18, 1986: meeting where representatives agreed upon organizational structure.

Sepia group photo of four men in suits standing together

1986

National Incorporation

Representatives from the growing network of chapters convened in Washington, D.C., to formally organize as a unified national body under the name 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Five chapters were represented at the meeting, including Los Angeles, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Alton, and New Jersey. Dr. William Hayling was elected the organization's first national president. Other founding officers elected were Moses Gray (Indianapolis), secretary; Oliver Lofton, Esq. (New Jersey), vice president; and Jesse C. Swanigan (St. Louis), treasurer. Together, these officers established the framework for coordinated national leadership, governance, and growth. This milestone marked a defining moment in the organization's history and the beginning of a nationally unified movement.

Aerial photo of the Atlanta, Georgia skyline

1987

Public Debut & First National Conference

100 Black Men of America, Inc. made its national debut during the organization's first national conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The goal was to hold the first conference in a city where two African American men had been elected mayor. Both later became members of the chapter. Keynote speakers included Alex Haley and Maynard H. Jackson.

Photo of a young man in a graduation cap and gown looking at his reflection in a mirror

1992

What They See Is What They'll Be®

The 100's mark "What They See Is What They'll Be®" became a registered trademark on September 2, 1992.

Photo of men in suits escorting a group of youth in school blazers

1992

Real Men Giving Real Time

The 100's mark "Real Men Giving Real Time" became a registered trademark on November 30, 1992.

1993

Atlanta Braves

1993: Atlanta Braves Organization Appreciation Award for outstanding contributions in the development and growth of youth.

Small icons representing the four pillars (mentoring, education, health & wellness, economic empowerment)

1993-1995

Four For The Future℠ Framework

In 1994, the organization locked in its core strategic focus by establishing its signature "Four for the Future" programmatic initiatives:

  • Mentoring – Providing long-term emotional and social developmental guidance to tens of thousands of youth annually.
  • Education – Delivering scholarships, academic enrichment, and supporting localized school programs.
  • Health & Wellness – Championing disease prevention, mental health awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices within minority communities.
  • Economic Empowerment – Teaching financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and supporting minority-owned business development.

These pillars continue to guide the mission and impact of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. today.

Collegiate 100 logo/wordmark

1994

Collegiate 100®

The organization formally introduced the Collegiate 100® auxiliary program to engage college students in leadership development, mentorship, and service.

1995

Eureka Communities

October 1995: Eureka Communities Award for exemplary volunteer service to children and families.

Graphic of an open door with a certificate/award plaque

1995

Presidential Award

April 27, 1995: U.S. President's Service Award for exemplary volunteer service from President Bill Clinton.

Photo of a wall plaque/award reading "100 Black Men of America, Inc."

1997

National Headquarters Building

National Headquarters building on historic Auburn Avenue was officially instituted in 1997.

Photo of a trophy/award

1997

Community Conscience Award

November 15, 1997: Community Conscience Award for Dollars & Sense Financial Literacy and Investment Program.

2000-2004

January 2000

As more communities sought mentorship, leadership, and support, the movement responded with the continued growth of chapters nationwide.

October 2000

Points of Light Foundation certification as a Connect America National Partner, working to more effectively engage people in community service to help solve serious social problems.

August 2003

August 20, 2003: Saluted by Volvo Cars of North America for contributions to minority entrepreneurs.

June 2004

Former Miami Mayor David Dermer proclaimed June 9 as 100 Black Men of America Day.

2005-2009

September 2005

September 25, 2005: Honored by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for supporting and promoting FDIC's Financial Education and Money Smart Program.

2006 Mentoring the 100 Way®

The 100's Mentoring the 100 Way became a registered trademark on December 12, 2006.

"Real Men Vote" campaign logo

2006

Real Men Vote Initiative Launched

The 100 launched the Real Men Vote initiative and committed to activating voter education and awareness efforts ahead of every midterm and general election.

Emerging 100 logo/wordmark

2010

Emerging 100

The Emerging 100 was formed to recruit, engage, and groom young professional men between the ages of 22 and 35 for future leadership roles within the national body.

Photo of men in suits seated around a conference table in discussion

2011

Mentoring the 100 Way Across A Lifetime℠

The 100 adopted the strategic direction and curriculum Mentoring the 100 Way Across a Lifetime.

Group photo of founding officers and organizational leaders

2010-2020

Leadership Across the Years

A historic gathering of founding officers and organizational leaders whose dedication helped shape the legacy of the organization.

2010-2020

April 2012

April 4, 2012: SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., Inc.'s award for excellence in education during SCLC's 33rd Anniversary celebration.

November 2013

November 15, 2013: Recognized by Voices for Georgia's Children with the Big Voice Award for impactful efforts in leadership and advocacy.

January 2016

January 27, 2016: Excellence in Mentoring Award from MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.

October 2019

The inaugural C100 Next Gen Conference took place in Indianapolis, Indiana from 10/3/2019-10/5/2019.

Cover of the "Manning Up" commemorative publication marking 25 years of achievement

2012

Manning Up

Manning Up: A Celebration of 25 Years of Achievement published in 2012.

2020

The 100 Movement & Work of the 100 Continues

The movement continues as new members and leaders join the ranks to support growth and strengthen communities through critical local impact.

Photo of the group at the New York Stock Exchange closing bell ceremony, with NYSE screen displaying "100 Black Men of America"

2022

October 2022 NYSE Closing Bell

Chairman, members, and friends of the 100 rang the NYSE Closing Bell at 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, October 24, 2022.

2024-2026

Real Men Vote

Reactivated the Real Men Vote initiative through a national voter education and awareness tour.

Photo of the on-stage interview / screen display

2024-2026

June 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris is interviewed by Steve Harvey at the 38th Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.

Economic Empowerment Business Summit

Created an annual summit to advance personal wealth building and business development.

Photo of an individual receiving an award/certificate on stage

2024-2025 New 100 Awards

Jesse C. Swanigan Award, Fannie Lou Hamer Award, Volunteer Service Award, and Emerging 100 Leader Award.

June 2026

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Collegiate 100 totaled 76 chapters nationwide, strengthening the leadership pipeline and expanding opportunities for students on college campuses across the United States.

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