About the 100 in Tampa

In February 2001 a group of men decided that the time was ripe for Tampa Bay to establish a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. These men had a vision of developing a local chapter that would exist for the purpose of overall community enrichment. They desired to create a valuable legacy for future generations of African Americans and other minorities. Research and due diligence was undertaken under the tutelage of learned chapter leaders from Tallahassee (Dr. Charles A. Wright and George Moultrie) and South Florida (Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Esq.). The Tampa Bay men were leaders in business, education, government, and law. Among a host of distinguished men were Charles M. Holloman II, Sam E. Jones, Jr., Henry L. Bell, Jr., Jakale Freeman, and Kevin N. Jackson.

After the incorporation documents were filed with the Florida Department of State, a Think Tank meeting was conducted in November at University of South Florida. Much debate and strategic planning took place during this meeting to ensure that Tampa Bay's chapter had the appropriate infrastructure. The word began to spread round the city, across the nation, and within other 100 chapters that Tampa Bay was on the move.

The following individuals were elected as founding officers:
Charles M. Holloman II (President) Kevin N. Jackson (Secretary) Sam E. Jones, Jr. (Vice President) Henry L. Bell, Jr. (Treasurer)

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Brotherhood Luncheon was scheduled in January 2002 with Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., the third National President elected in 1994 who served until 2004, as a guest speaker. Mr. Dortch took careful note of the interim chapter business and officially blessed its progress with an inspirational message of encouragement. It became very apparent that much work needed to be done to creatively develop effective chapter configurations in order to sustain growth and viability. Notwithstanding the long road to success that lay ahead, the interim chapter was determined to succeed thereby gaining a positive reputation around Tampa Bay for perseverance and dedication to community uplift. Community interest and support spawned increased membership and attendance to events such as the annual Imani Celebration.

On June 5, 2002 in Orlando, Florida, the Tampa Bay chapter was officially chartered and respectfully introduced to the national alliance as the 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, Inc. Since that time the organization has worked diligently towards channeling resources and opportunities into agendas that reinforce the core tenets of the 100 - Mentoring, Health and Wellness, Education, and Economic Empowerment. Initiated by the national organization and collectively known as the "Four for the Future" TM these programs have been earmarked as vital to the future success of African Americans.

Presently, the 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, Inc. is expanding its reach as more leaders join and endeavor towards the mission of improving the quality of life and enhancing the educational opportunities for African Americans. The 100 continue to operate programs within the community such as mentoring at Oak Park Elementary School and The Chronicles of Black Wealth economic summit. Realizing that many impediments to success exist that have stymied the opportunities available to many African Americans, predominantly among young children, the 100 is committed to reversing the trend. The 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, Inc. has proved that our community can and will achieve when we organize and mobilize to take control of our future.