What Is 100 Black Men Of America, Inc.

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is an international nonprofit civic organization founded in 1963 in New York City to improve educational, economic, and social opportunities for African Americans. With over 116 chapters and 10,000+ members, the organization mentors and impacts more than 125,000 youth annually through programs focused on mentoring, education, health & wellness, and economic empowerment.

Key Facts

Founded in 1963 by concerned African American professionals in New York City, including David Dinkins and Jackie Robinson
Held its first national conference on May 27, 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia with Nathaniel Goldstein as first president
Currently operates over 116 chapters internationally with more than 10,000 active members
Impacts over 125,000 youth annually through mentoring and development programs across the United States and abroad
Four core program areas: Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment

Overview

100 Black Men of America, Inc. is an international nonprofit civic organization dedicated to improving the quality of life within African American communities and enhancing educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans. The organization was officially established in 1963 when a group of concerned African American men in New York City began meeting to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. These visionary founders, including prominent business and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate, Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson, recognized the need for structured community engagement and youth mentorship.

The organization grew beyond New York when Dr. William Hayling formed the 100 Black Men of New Jersey in 1976, sparking a national movement. Chapters were subsequently established in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area, Nassau/Suffolk, and Sacramento. On May 27, 1987, the organization held its first national conference in Atlanta, Georgia, officially incorporating as 100 Black Men of America, Inc. with businessman Nathaniel Goldstein as its first president and chairman of the board. Today, the organization stands as the nation's top African American-led mentoring organization.

How It Works

The organization operates through strategic programming and community-based chapters that focus on four core areas:

Mentoring Programs: Members serve as mentors to African American youth, providing guidance, role modeling, and support to help young people navigate academic and personal challenges while building confidence and leadership skills.
Education Initiatives: Programs focus on improving academic performance and college preparation through tutoring, scholarship support, and educational advocacy in partnership with schools and educational institutions.
Health & Wellness: The organization addresses critical health disparities through awareness campaigns, health screenings, and wellness programs that promote physical and mental health in African American communities.
Economic Empowerment: Members provide entrepreneurship training, job placement assistance, and professional development opportunities to help African Americans achieve economic self-sufficiency and career advancement.

In 1994, the organization expanded its reach by establishing Collegiate 100, an auxiliary composed of college-enrolled young men who receive mentoring from chapter members while providing support to their local chapters. In 2010, the organization created Emerging 100, focusing on young professional men ages 22-35 to ensure consistent recruitment and engagement of men throughout their careers.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	100 Black Men of America	General Mentoring Organizations
Founding Year	1963 (nationally chartered 1987)	Varies widely by organization
Focus Population	African American youth and communities	Often non-specific to demographics
Current Reach	125,000+ youth annually across 116+ chapters	Varies; often smaller regional focus
Program Areas	Four core areas: mentoring, education, health, economic empowerment	Typically mentoring-focused only
Membership Type	Male professionals, businessmen, civic leaders, educators (10,000+)	Often includes volunteers of all backgrounds
Leadership Model	African American-led with structured national governance	Varies by organization structure

Why It Matters

Closing Educational Gaps: By providing mentorship and education support, the organization helps African American youth excel academically and pursue higher education, addressing persistent educational disparities.
Economic Opportunity: Through job training and economic empowerment programs, members help young people and adults achieve financial stability and career success, building wealth in underserved communities.
Positive Role Modeling: The organization creates pathways for young African American men to connect with successful professionals who demonstrate achievement, integrity, and community commitment.
Community Strength: With over 116 chapters, the organization builds strong community networks and social infrastructure that support collective progress and mutual support.

100 Black Men of America, Inc. represents a critical institutional response to systemic inequities facing African American communities. The organization's impact extends beyond individual mentees to strengthen entire communities through sustained commitment to education, health, and economic development. By mobilizing thousands of accomplished men as mentors and advocates, the organization creates ripple effects that benefit families, schools, and neighborhoods. As demographic changes and economic challenges continue to shape American society, the work of 100 Black Men of America remains essential in ensuring that African American youth have access to opportunities, guidance, and support necessary to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.