ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Origin of the 100
The overall concept of the 100 Black Men organization was born in New York City in 1963, when a diverse group of concerned and successful African American men began to meet to explore ways of improving conditions in their communities. They envisioned an organization that would implement programs designed to improve the quality of life for African Americans and other minorities.
These members were successful black men from various walks of life who decided to pool their skills and experiences to ensure the future of their communities by aiming an intense number of resources toward youth development. They eventually adopted the name 100 Black Men, Inc. Among the founders were David Dinkins, Livingston Wingate, Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson.
In the 1970s, the concept of developing individual, independent chapters in other cities took hold, and in 1976, the 100 Black Men of New Jersey was formed by Dr. William Hayling and other colleagues. A movement had been born. Men across the country began to form 100 Black Men organizations in cities like Los Angeles, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, San Francisco/Oakland Bay area, Nassau/Suffolk, and Sacramento.
In 1986, the nine successful chapters met and voted to create 100 Black Men of America, Inc. as a national confederation. Currently, there are more than 100 chapters and more than 10,000 members. The Board of Directors consists of the presidents of the local chapters. For the past four decades, chapters across the nation have touched the lives of over 60,000 young people.
Madison Chapter History
100 Black Men of Madison, Inc. began its operation in 1994 and was incorporated in 1995 as a nonprofit organization comprised of members from many professional disciplines in the greater Madison area. The Madison chapter was established with the concept that it would make a positive difference in the lives of area youth, especially African American males, through mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic development programs. 100 Black Men of Madison, Inc. is an affiliate of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
