The annual gala is the organization’s largest fundraising event during the year, with all proceeds going to support the Mentorship Program.
The event included a reception and silent auction prior to the awards dinner that included honors presented to Aaron Walton and Tamika Williams, as well as for the Pittsburgh Chapter’s founding members Dr. Leon Haley, Dr. Herman Reid and Dr. Lonnie Hudspeth.
“It’s the answer to a dream come true. When we started we had no idea it would evolve into what it’s become,” he said.
“But like the man said, you never know how things will go until you start.”
Hudspeth echoed Reid’s remarks.
“I’m very proud, satisfied and fulfilled to have seen such great work done in the last 30 years,” he said. “What we did when we started was just a fraction of what you see today. So I am very honored to have been a part of it.”
Founding member Leon Haley said as great as the organization’s work has been, it must continue because the need continues.
“The motivation behind creating 100 Black Men still exists today,” he said. “The challenges faced by African American youth, the disparities in income and educational achievement are still there. So the work is needed today maybe even more than before.”
National Chairman of 100 Black Men Inc. Curley Dossman agreed, and assured everyone the work would continue and the organization would continue to grow.
“I have to extend my congratulations to this chapter for 30 years of service, it’s President Ronald Lawrence, and to these gentlemen—they are the people on whose shoulders I stand,” he said. Their initiative is now a movement with over 100 chapters around the country. I’m proud to be here to celebrate their 30 years of service.”
(J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
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