The J100 Welcomes 2018

J100 President looks forward to changing the narrative on African American males in 2018.

Dear Members and Friends,

As we begin another year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments and efforts of the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. (J100). We’ve been busy, and confident that our energy has translated into positive outcomes for our community. With an emphasis on mentoring African American males, the work of the J100 is strategic in its programmatic indicators and outcomes. Now in my second year of my second term as President, I am extremely proud of our members, mentees and volunteers as we work together to change the narrative about African American males through black male achievement.

Charles Griggs, President, 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc.

As in previous years, 2017 proved to be full of progress and potential. The year began with another successful J100 Infinite Scholars College Fair. The college fair saw more than $2 million in scholarships awarded to attendees. Eight weeks later, we followed up with our Let’s Go to Charlotte College Tour. More than 50 students attended the three-day trip, while vising four schools. The J100 Bernard V. Gregory Scholarship (BVG) Fund continued to provide financial assistance to deserving students as they start and matriculate through college advancement. Our BVG endowment continues to support education as intended by the founders of the J100. All of the J100 education support activities are directly tied to the hard work of our Education and Scholarship Committee.

In 2016 the J100 launched the Project Success Mentoring and Leadership Development Program. In 2017, the J100 completed the first year of this group mentoring effort. Members of the J100 participated as support for program day activities designed to engage students. Project Success is group mentoring program led by the J100 Mentoring Committee. In 2018, Project Success will be supported by grant funding for our youth entrepreneurship initiative, Pathways to Success. This will mean expanded program activities and resources for our youth. A special thank you to all members and volunteers who have worked to implement this program.

A new component to the 2017 Project Success curriculum was the J100 Delfeayo Marsalis Youth Jazz Experience. The event was intended to expose and educate youth on the impact of jazz on today’s culture. Through the J100, participating students will continue engage Marsalis in Jacksonville and New Orleans.

The J100 Health & Wellness efforts in 2017 took on a very special relaunch on behalf of our brothers. The J100 Men Tackling the Big C Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education initiative brought together partners throughout the community. The program features an online prostate cancer risk assessment and promotional radio commercials. In 2017, the MTBC educated more than 3,000 men about the risks of prostate cancer.

Structurally, the J100 is sound. We continue to enjoy a healthy reputation in the community, and in 2017 we raised more funding to support program activities than in recent years. In 2018, new members will be joining the J100 Executive Committee to improve and fortify current and future program activities. And as president, I will continue to use my position as Board Member of the 100 Black Men of America to inform and support the work of the J100.

As I said at the beginning of 2017, we are men. We are mentors. And my expectation for us all is to carry out the J100 mission through love and respect for each other, and the community we serve.

In 2018, the J100 is poised to help change the narrative on African American males by providing an additional vehicle for achievement. As we enter the new year, I am enthusiastic about our membership, talent and commitment to serve the community while impacting lives for the better.

One mission. One cause. One network.

Happy New Year Brothers, Mentees and Friends!

A Message from the President: Happy New Year!

Dear Members and Friends,

In many respects, most people have determined that 2016 was a tough year. While there may have been some disappointments, I believe every day is a blessing. It is through this lens that I believe 2016 was a successful year of engagement for the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville (J100). As president, I am very proud of the work that you have done to assist our community, both through mentoring and standing up on issues that touch thousands of lives in Duval County.

2016 saw the success of another J100 Infinite Scholar College Fair. Our Bernard V. Gregory Scholarship Fund continues to provide financial assistance to deserving students throughout the community. In 2017, we will also congratulate Le’Andre Fox and Aviance McKenzie for receiving scholarships from the 100 Black Men of America. The J100 continues to support education opportunities for youth in our community to encourage successful matriculation. This achievement is a credit to the work of our Education and Scholarship Committee as they provide leadership and guide resources where most effective. In 2017, with continued committee leadership, outcomes will be even more promising.

As 2016 drew to a close, many members were involved in the design and implementation of the upcoming Project Success Mentoring and Leadership Development Program. In 2017, this promises to be the J100 signature mentoring effort. It will be “all hands on deck,” to empower our students with the knowledge and exposure of what we have to offer. This aggressive group mentoring program will be led by the Mentoring Committee, and will feature a diverse injection of professional and social skills development designed to engage and inspire our youth towards their greatness.

Also in 2016, the J100 successfully partnered with Teen Leaders of America to execute a two-day, three-school college tour for 24 students to Savannah, Georgia. This year, as a key part of Project Success curriculum, we will again partner with Teen Leaders of America for a three-day college tour to Charlotte, North Carolina. It is our hope as an organization that college tour exposure remain an important and active effort for the J100.

The J100 continues to make an impact on one of the most important health issues facing African American men, prostate cancer. Growing nationally, the J100 has made a bold commitment to participate in prostate cancer research, advocacy and policy recommendations as it relates to screening, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life issues. In 2017, we will begin officially coordinating Health and Wellness Committee efforts with the Florida Department of Health to build sustainability and capture resources for our work. As a result, much of the work we have invested and been engaged in will inform programming for the next 100 Black Men of America National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 7-11.

The close of 2016 also saw change to our organization. Through recently held elections, we will swear in a new slate of officers to begin terms in 2017. For those turning over the reins, I am proud to have served with you in guiding the J100. Brothers, job well done. To our new executive leadership members, you will now be entrusted with a higher level of commitment to your community and the J100. As your president, I am truly thankful for your confidence in my leadership and service. My promise to you is to always lead on behalf of the community and the J100. I will always be open to your ideas and concerns. We are men. We are mentors. And my expectation for us all is to carry out the J100 mission through love and respect for each other and the community we serve.

In 2017, we will be focused on improving our capacity to care for and support the community where we work, live, and play. As your President, I could not be more excited about the potential for success in impacting the lives of those we serve.

One mission. One cause. One network.

Happy New Year Brothers!

President
100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc.

100 Black Men of Jacksonville host 100 Black Men of America Leadership Summit

Pictured are: Chairman 100 BMOA Curley Dossman; President 100 Black Men of Jacksonville Charles Griggs; Florida State Senator Audrey Gibson; President 100 BMOA Bryan Pauling and Managing Partner Law Offices of Holland & Knight Daniel Bean during 100 BMOA Leadership Summit Chairman’s Reception

The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. (100 BMOA) held their 2015 Leadership Summit December 3-5, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Jacksonville. The 100 BMOA Leadership Summit was attended by more than 120 chapter presidents, delegates and staff of the 100 BMOA.

The focus of the summit was to provide capacity building support for chapter development and the mission of the 100 BMOA. Workshop topics included Bolstering Mentoring and Education Programs for IMPACT, Keys to Building and Sustaining a Firm Foundation, and Creating Development Models to Enhance Your Chapter’s Sustainability. The summit also featured 100 BMOA Delegate Assembly to conduct the business of the organization.

Serving as local host to the Leadership Summit, the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville hosted a Chairman’s Reception at the Law Offices of Holland & Knight. Entertainment was provided by the Groove Coalition and catering by Ashley Street Caterers.

100 Black Men of America, Inc. seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing the diverse talents of its members to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve, and to empower young men and women to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.

J100 spearheads “Men Tackling the Big C” Prostate Cancer Support Group

The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. (J100) announce the Men Tackling the Big C Prostate Cancer Support Group (MTBC) initiative. The initiative is an effort to provide support, awareness and collaboration of resources related to prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The J100 will host MTBC Support Group meetings beginning November 24, 2015, 6:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Urban League, 903 West Union Street. The meetings will continue the fourth Tuesday of each month at the same location.

“Unfortunately, there is a disparity in prostate cancer rates among black and white men,” said Charles Griggs, president of the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. “We are very excited about this opportunity for men to share and build a community around prostate cancer awareness, research and policy.”

The MTBC Support Group initiative is a collaboration with the Black Male Prostate Cancer Coalition (BMPCC). The BMPCC is a collaboration of advocates and supporters working to inform men, their families and stakeholders on the benefits of screening, educational materials, support groups, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.

“As a prostate cancer survivor, the meetings provide an opportunity for me to share my experience with other men so they will know more about prostate cancer,” said BMPCC member A.J. Merriweather. “By spreading the word about prostate cancer, more men will have the best information available for their personal situation.”

A recent study published in the JAMA Oncology highlighted data that says black men with prostate cancer seem more likely to receive poorer quality of care that costs more compared to white men. This and other disparities related to prostate cancer make it necessary for the J100 MTBC to concentrate on support group efforts.

The focus of MTBC meetings will be to provide an agenda-based approach to dealing with issues related to improving prostate cancer outcomes and post treatment quality of life. Meetings will feature urologists, oncologists, prostate cancer survivors and other subject matter experts.

The J100 MTBC Prostate Cancer Support Group is the most recent program in the organization’s effort to draw attention to men’s health disparities. The J100 previously implemented a prostate cancer screening, awareness and education campaign effort in 2009. In 2011, the success of the program earned the J100 “Chapter of the Year for Health and Wellness” from the 100 Black Men of America.

The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. is an affiliated chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. The mission of the J100 is to serve as accessible and committed leaders for positive change by developing and implementing responsible solutions to issues facing the African American community. The J100 areas of focus are mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.

For more information on the J100 MTBC Prostate Cancer Support Group, contact Donald Mitchell at 904-716-0167.

J100 & Valor participate in 5K to Celebrate Life through Healthy Living

The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. (J100) and the young men of Valor Academy of Leadership participated in the Tenth Annual Johnson YMCA Celebrate Life 5K Walk/Run. Participation was part of the J100 and Valor’s Healthy Living Project: 100 STRONG (Students Tackling Reducing Obesity with Nutrition & Goal-setting).

The Healthy Living Project is a mentoring initiative of the J100 and Valor. The J100 has been partnering with Valor to present Saturday Success Academy for students participating in the 100 STRONG initiative. Along with additional 5K events, future efforts will include: health education workshops, cooking demonstrations, and garden projects.

College Fair nets more that $1 Million in Scholarships

Jacksonville, FL – The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. (J100) hosted their 11th Annual Infinite Scholar College Fair, January 17, 2015 at the Schultz Center. This event featured more than 20 National, Regional, and local colleges and universities that included various historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s). About 200 students and parents participated as more that more than $1.1 million in admissions and scholarships were awarded on the spot.

Local admissions and financial aid personnel also conducted workshops on financial aid, understanding the planning process and college freshman survival tips.

Pictured left to right: Charles Griggs, President, 100 Black Men of Jacksonville; Briana Osborn, Senior, Paxon School for Advanced Studies; Le’Andre Fox, Senior Paxon School for Advanced Studies; Angela Diggs, Senior Admissions Counselor, Virginia State University. Fox and Osborn were awarded full Presidential STEM Scholarships by Virginia State University valued at $112,000 each.

J100 host Infinite Scholar College Fair: We are serious about education

Student and parents are poised to take advantage of opportunities offered by colleges and universities during the 11th Annual J100 Infinite Scholar College Fair.

The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. (J100) will host their 11th Annual Infinite Scholar College Fair, January 17, 2015 at the Schultz Center, 4019 Boulevard Center Drive. This event will feature more than 30 National, Regional, and local colleges and universities to include various historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s).

Local admissions and financial aid personnel will conduct workshops on financial aid, understanding the planning process and college freshman survival tips. Their will also be scholarships awarded on site.

Students should come prepared with transcripts, ACT/SAT scores (if taken), resumes and dressed for interviews.

Participating schools in the past have included, Florida State College of Jacksonville, University of North Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Hampton University, Florida A&M University, the United States Naval Academy, Bethune Cookman University and the Mayo School of Health and Sciences. The organization is still accepting additional schools for the event.

For more information, call 904-607-0660.

Continue reading

J100 present Annual Infinite Scholar College Fair

The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. (J100) once again will be assisting the high school students of Jacksonville as they host their 11th Annual Infinite Scholar College Fair, January 17, 2015 at the Schultz Center, 4019 Boulevard Center Drive. This event will feature more than 30 National, Regional, and local colleges and universities to include various historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s).

Local admissions and financial aid personnel will conduct workshops on financial aid, understanding the planning process and college freshman survival tips. There will also be scholarships awarded on site for qualified students.

Students should come prepared with transcripts, ACT/SAT scores (if taken), resumes and dressed for interviews.

Participating schools in the past have included, Florida State College of Jacksonville, University of North Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Hampton University, Florida A&M University, the United States Naval Academy, Bethune Cookman University and the Mayo School of Health and Sciences. The organization is still accepting additional schools for the event.

For more information, please contact the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville office at

904-764-2445. Or visit, www.100blackmenjax.org, or http://www.infinitescholar.org.

Election Day: Let your voice be heard

As Election Day approaches, I am reminded of the words of Carter G. Woodson:

“If you make a man feel that he is inferior, you do not have to compel him to accept an inferior status, for he will seek it himself.”

We could debate all of the issues involved in pursuing positive change in the African American community. We could also place blame for the injustices that become barriers to success for many in the black community. And it would be easy to give up on each other, and resolve to think things will never get better.

However, the power of change is embedded in each of us. As we ponder the many things that can be done to move our community towards better outcomes, the one thing you can do is let your voice be heard.

On this Election Day, don’t be compelled to accept an inferior status.

Know the issues and vote for the policy, or candidate of your choice.

One mission. One cause. One network.