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.
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