On Saturday, Oct. 14, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., an assembly of eager students and their parents converged on the UIC’s Dorin Forum to attend the 100 Black Men of Chicago’s 21st Annual College Scholarship Fair.
Despite the persistent rain, this event lived up to its reputation as one of the largest college fairs in the Midwest. High school students showed an unwavering determination to gather information from over 150 colleges and universities, acquire insights into higher education and scholarship opportunities via workshops, and cultivate essential networking skills vital for their collegiate pursuits.
The 100 Black Men, Inc. traces its origins back to New York, where a group of Black men recognized the need for community improvement. The organization was founded by visionary individuals like Jackie Robinson, David Dinkins, Andrew Hatcher, Robert Mangum, Nathaniel Goldston III, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III and Livingston Wingate.
Over the years, this organization has expanded to encompass 116 chapters with over 25,000 male members and 125,000 youth participants. 100 Black Men, Inc. is a legacy institution that strives to nurture young men by instilling guiding principles and fostering community bonds among its members.
One of the primary objectives of 100 Black Men is to enhance the “quality of life in our communities and expand educational and economic prospects for African Americans.”
It is no wonder that the organization is deeply committed to ensuring that children have access to such scholastic opportunities. 100 Black Men makes it convenient for students to learn, grow and excel by bringing colleges and universities directly to them.
The 100 Black Men of Chicago firmly aligns with the mission “To improve the quality of life and enhance the educational opportunities of African-American males throughout the Greater Chicago area.” This commitment is vividly reflected in their actions.
Board Chairman Jeffrey Jackson emphasized, “We know that it’s more than just getting to college. It’s about how do you succeed and, graduate, and find gainful employment. We are committed to making sure that our young people, especially those who may be underserved and coming from not-so-privileged backgrounds, have equal opportunity and access to information resources that can help them be successful in life.”
100 Black Men understand the scope of community, and they are able to host such events through the support of their members, families of their mentees, sponsors and dedicated volunteers.
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