What Is 100 Black Men

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is a nonprofit mentoring organization founded in 1963 in New York City that focuses on improving educational and economic opportunities for African Americans. With over 116 chapters and more than 10,000 members nationwide, the organization emphasizes lifetime mentorship and community development to enhance the quality of life in African American communities.

Key Facts

Founded in 1963 in New York City by concerned African American businessmen and leaders including David Dinkins and Jackie Robinson
Held first national conference on May 27, 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia with Nathaniel Goldstein as first president
Expanded from 1 chapter in 1963 to over 116 chapters in major U.S. cities by 2024
Membership grew to more than 10,000 dedicated men committed to youth development and community improvement
Core mission focuses on mentorship, educational enhancement, and economic opportunity creation for African Americans and minorities

Overview

100 Black Men of America, Inc. is a prominent national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life within African American communities through mentorship, educational advocacy, and economic opportunity development. The organization originated in 1963 when a group of visionary African American men in New York City came together to explore meaningful ways to strengthen their community. These founding members recognized the need for sustained, professional engagement in addressing systemic challenges affecting African Americans and established the foundation for what would become one of the nation's most influential mentoring organizations.

The organization's formal establishment as a national entity occurred on May 27, 1987, when the first national conference convened in Atlanta, Georgia. Nathaniel Goldstein served as the organization's first president and chairman of the board, setting the direction for its growth and expansion. From this pivotal moment, 100 Black Men of America evolved into a network spanning over 116 chapters across the United States with more than 10,000 active members dedicated to the organization's core mission of empowering African American youth and strengthening communities.

How It Works

The organization operates through a structured chapter-based system with coordinated local and national initiatives:

Mentorship Programs: Members provide one-on-one and group mentoring to young African Americans, offering guidance across academic, professional, and personal development areas throughout their lives, from elementary school through adulthood.
Educational Initiatives: Chapters sponsor scholarships, tutoring programs, and academic enrichment activities designed to improve educational outcomes and prepare youth for college and career success.
Economic Empowerment: The organization facilitates job training, career development workshops, and business networking opportunities that create pathways to economic stability and professional advancement.
Youth Development: Programs focus on building character, leadership skills, and self-confidence in young men and women through organized activities, community service projects, and life skills training.
Community Engagement: Members participate in community outreach, advocacy initiatives, and collaborative partnerships to address local issues affecting African American neighborhoods and families.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	100 Black Men of America	Typical Youth Mentoring Organizations
Founding Year	1963 (national structure 1987)	Varies widely by organization (1950s-2000s)
Geographic Reach	116+ chapters nationally with international presence	Often limited to single cities or regions
Membership Size	10,000+ professional and business men	Typically 50-500 members depending on organization
Primary Focus	African American community and cultural empowerment	General youth development and mentorship
Member Composition	Professional men from diverse industries and backgrounds	Varies; often includes volunteer mentors and educators

Why It Matters

Community Impact: 100 Black Men addresses critical educational disparities and economic inequities affecting African American youth by providing direct mentorship from successful professionals who serve as role models and advocates for change.
Lifetime Mentorship Model: Unlike many organizations offering limited-term programs, 100 Black Men emphasizes sustained mentoring relationships that follow individuals from youth through adulthood, creating lasting behavioral and developmental impacts.
Economic Mobility: By connecting youth with job training, internships, and networking opportunities, the organization directly contributes to breaking cycles of poverty and creating pathways to professional success within African American communities.
Cultural Representation: The organization provides visibility and leadership opportunities for African American men in professional and business sectors, challenging systemic underrepresentation and inspiring younger generations.

The significance of 100 Black Men extends beyond individual participant success to broader community transformation. The organization's work addresses documented disparities in educational achievement, economic opportunity, and social mobility affecting African American communities. By leveraging the expertise and resources of over 10,000 accomplished members, 100 Black Men creates tangible pathways for youth advancement while strengthening the social fabric of communities nationwide. The organization's six-decade commitment to mentorship demonstrates that sustained, intentional engagement by successful community members can drive meaningful change in educational outcomes, career opportunities, and overall quality of life for African Americans.