You can call it coincidence or you can call it divine that 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc. will celebrate their 20th anniversary during the inaugural term of the country’s first black president. It is almost impossible to imagine that a relatively young black man could secure the office without the encouragement and support of a group like 100 Black Men of America Inc.
The chapter South Florida chapter — which is comprised of 85 members — is one of 116 chapters worldwide and has provided service to more than 10,000 young men in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The organization has awarded scholarships to more than 40 college students and has raised over $150,000 toward sickle cell disease awareness, aid and research.
The chapter’s vice president of development, Jonathan Dotson, is a Miami business consultant who has been with the organization since its first Leadership Academy in 1989. When asked about a defining moment in the 100 Black Men history, he reminisces about the organization’s inaugural class. “Those students have graduated high school, matriculated through college and are now professionals. We look back and talk about things that they felt impacted their lives and how we made a difference in their lives. That to me is the greatest satisfaction, being able to help those who otherwise would have been overlooked.”
For the 20th anniversary 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc. will hold a Golf Classic tournament on Oct. 1 as well as an exclusive gala “Preserving the Legacy in Paradise” on Oct. 2 at the spectacular Doral Resort and Spa in Doral, Fla. According to Dotson, if you are attending the gala you can expect to be wowed, “It’s going to be a testimony of how over 20 years we’ve reached across color barriers, gotten our sponsors involved in the process and there will be some great entertainment. It’s a celebration of excellence and taking the organization to the next level.” –nicole barrett
