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100 Black Men establishes program to develop sixth-graders

By CHRIS JONES
For The Tennessean (original article)

Torino Frazier remembers the day she received a letter that gave her a reason to jump and shout.

''Yes!''

''My neighbors thought I was crazy,'' she said. 'I called my husband, and I was so excited he thought maybe someone had died.''

What had Frazier so ecstatic was a letter announcing her son Keyone Reams' acceptance into the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee's newest initiative, Kings.

Frazier and several other parents gathered yesterday with city officials and top Belmont University administrators for the kick-off celebration of the organization's long-term youth development program.

Since 1991, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee has reached out to at-risk black youngsters through programs such as The 007s and 100 Scholars — both scholarship projects.

But in an attempt to affect youth during their most crucial years of development, 100 Kings was born.

''We're hoping to produce academic support to help these young men become college graduates, good community citizens and give back,'' said Darrell Freeman, chairman of the board for the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, ''and not a part of the criminal system.''

In this new seven-year comprehensive program, 100 black sixth-grade males will take part in developmental training to prepare for higher education.

Endorsed also by Metro Mayor Bill Purcell and Metro schools director Pedro Garcia, the initiative was developed from a study done by the organization, which revealed that youth who participate in long-term, year-round, high-quality enrichment programs have better peer relationships, conflict-resolution skills and academic performance.

Three participants and three alternates were selected from each area middle school by Metro principals. Standards for selection varied according to the students' interaction within the classroom.

The youth will attend summer classes at Belmont University five days a week, beginning this summer. And during the regular school year they will dedicate every other Saturday to academic remediation courses. The 100 Kings participants will also experience various speakers and field trips provided by outside sponsors.

''We want to help these youth to develop a holistic appreciation of the arts,'' said Derek Young, the program committee chairman and main speaker for yesterday's ceremony.

When asked how the program will affect her child, Suzette Webster of Nashville responded, ''I know my son will achieve in morale and esteem.

''It will make him succeed in life, no doubt,'' she said. ''I'm just so excited to be here because it's a blessing.''

When Freeman called Webster's son and other participants to the front, he was moved to tears. ''I wanted to tell him to scoot over and I'll come up and cry with you,'' Webster said.

100 Black Men starts program, 100 Kings

By Nicole Troutman ntroutman@nashvillecitypaper.com
April 14, 2003 (original article)

Baron Acklin, a fifth-grade student at W.A. Bass Middle School, stands with Adrian Granderson, with 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, at an induction ceremony Saturday at Belmont University. Photo by Mike Strasinger.

One hundred African American fifth-grade boys have been chosen for a program that promises an extra push in the areas of social, academic and personal development, from now until they graduate.

The fifth-graders were inducted into a new seven-year college-preparatory program, 100 Kings, founded by the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee and supported by local businesses. 100 Black Men is a non-profit organization that enhances opportunities for young black males.

The induction ceremony took place at Belmont University, which will house the students as they take part in a seven-year program, two Saturdays per month and six weeks out of the summer. With the support of area businesses and organizations, the boys will learn library skills, get extra academic preparation, be exposed to the arts, and their parents can take part in parenting classes
as well as get financial advising. For extra social interaction, through Senior Citizens Inc., the boys will have a foster grandparent.

Metro Schools Director Pedro Garcia called the program “a map for a child to make wise choices. …”

“You’re bright. You’re powerful beyond your own understanding,” Garcia told the students. “You can be successful … and be anything beyond your imagination.”

Garcia, Mayor Bill Purcell, Belmont University President Robert Fisher and representatives with 100 Black Men took part in the ceremony.

“You’re not a guest anymore, you’re a member of our family,” Fisher told the boys.

Derek Young, 100 Kings program chairman, had words of encouragement for the students.

“Today you are making a very significant statement as a young black man,” Young said. “You are saying to the world that ‘I care about myself, I care about my future and I care about my community.’”

Darrell S. Freeman Sr., president of 100 Black Men, spoke to the parents.

“We have plans for these kids because we know … the dope man has plans, that the prison system has plans, …” Freeman said. “We understand that programs like this are needed. We’re off to a great start.”

For parent Jessie Patterson, the program is “to help young black kids get a start.”

“It’s empowerment,” she said.

Her son Xavier, who attends Jere Baxter Middle School, will take part. She said the program would help expose every side to a child, including cultural.

“For some of those who [wouldn’t] get the chance, they will with this program,” she said.

Parent Terri Short agrees and likes that the university will serve as a backdrop.

“It’s a strong motivation for the kids to achieve and to want to be in this city – to want be college-bound and feel like it’s an attainable goal.”