100 Black Men of Jackson puts into practice what they ‘preach’

For the last 20 years the 100 Black Men of Jackson, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America organization, has given scholarship money to local colleges and schools to help deserving students continue their education. These scholarship opportunities as well as other services that the 100 provides has made the difference in the lives of many of the young men that the 100 mentors.

Given the dire statistics about the African American male high school drop-out rate, the 100 Black Men of Jackson is committed to making a difference. “We want all children in Mississippi to succeed and especially here in Jackson,” said Leroy Walker, one of the founding members of the Jackson chapter of the 100. “We have a duty and a responsibility to our communities, to the work force and to the lives of these young men. It really does take a village to raise these children.”

Walker, along with several other scholarship committee members, have spent the last several weeks preparing their mentees for the ‘big’ night. “These are our ‘diamonds in the rough’ and our ‘future leaders,’” said Donnell Lewis, vice president of the organization and scholarship committee chairman. “We work hard throughout the year with these students and we are proud to present them during this annual event.”

Shelton Swanier, president of the 100 said, “The 100 Black Men of Jackson chose the theme, ‘What They See is What They’ll Be’ for this year’s 20th Anniversary Scholarship and Mentoring Celebration because it clearly represents the organization’s interest and commitment for delivering support services that both assist and encourage our youth to achieve their educational goals and strive to accomplish their dreams.”

Each year, mentees participate on the program but this year attendees are in for a big surprise. “We are taking this signature event to new heights,” said Dr. Audwin Fletcher, a professor and director of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and public speaking and etiquette coordinator for the mentees.

“Every year we go out and find national speakers to come to our event. Usually, we look for high profile names that could serve as a drawing card. This year one of our member’s son will serve as the keynote speaker.” That’s ninth-grader Justis Gibbs.

Gibbs is the son of attorneys Robert and Debra Gibbs and is an APAC student at Murrah High School. As a kindergarten student at New Hope Christian School, Justis discovered a love for acting when he was cast as Joseph in the School’s Christmas play. Since that time, Justis has appeared in numerous New Stage Theatre’s productions, including “Raisin in the Sun,” “Jr. Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory” and “Jr. Beauty and the Beast.”

Walker said these young men are ready. “You will hear and see some of the best that are in Jackson Public Schools. These kids are saying words and doing things that some of us grown folk would have trouble saying or doing.”

The 20th Anniversary Scholarship & Mentoring Celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center on the campus of Jackson State University.

For additional information please call the office of the 100 Black Men of Jackson at 601-366-8301.