100 Black Men receive National Service Award
Local Chapter recognized at National Convention with Chapter of the Year Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Inc. (The 100) was recently recognized nationally as the 100 Black Men of America’s “Chapter of the Year Award” at the organization’s 19th Annual Conference held in New Orleans.
This is the second time that the Middle Tennessee Chapter has been recognized at the Annual Convention. The first award came in 1998.
Board President Darrell Freeman, Executive Director Adrian Granderson and board member Spencer Wiggins accompanied by 100 KINGS Program Director Rodney Smith and six youth from the 100 KINGS Program traveled to the national conference where they accepted the “Chapter of the Year” Award (Medium Chapter) on behalf of the 58 members of the Middle Tennessee chapter, 107 members of 100 KINGS, and more than 150 parents that the chapter served during the past year.
Along with representatives from the 103 100 Black Men chapters worldwide, The100 participated in convention activities including organizational development and training sessions, speakers ranging from GM Chairman & CEO Rick Wagoner to Bishop T.D. Jakes, the African-American History Quiz Bowl for youth, and a black-tie Gala. <More>
100 Black Men Induct 55 Collegians at TSU
Nashville, TN (Wednesday, September 22, 2004) - The 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Inc. is proud to announce the induction of 55 young men into The Collegiate 100 Black Men program at Tennessee State University (TSU).
Established in 1995, the Collegiate 100 is a university-based organization composed of African-American college men who share the common interests of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee. Operating under the supervision of The 100, the Collegians further the 100 Black Men's mission to enhance and improve the quality of life for young Black males residing in the Middle Tennessee area through The 100' s mentoring and tutoring programs.
The 100 believes that as the next generation of African-American leaders, the Collegians have the rare opportunity to bridge generational gaps. Their mentorship inspires younger boys to behave responsibly, set goals and to aspire to be college graduates. The reliable friendships Collegians establish with at-risk youth counters the lure of under-achievement, delinquency and drug use. By guiding them past the pitfalls and obstacles of life, Collegians help them to overcome!
In addition to the satisfaction they receive from enriching the lives of countless youth, the 100 offers additional opportunities for Collegians to work toward the positive development of both themselves and the youth that we serve. Facilitated by The 100 Black Men, quarterly career development sessions on major areas of career study as well as recognition ceremonies at the end of the spring semester which honor all graduating members of the Collegiate 100 are only two of the many rewards offered to Collegians in gratitude for their work in helping us, help others.
Persons interested in establishing a Collegiate 100 Black Men chapter on their campus or interested in becoming a member of an existing chapter are invited to call The 100 office at 615/248.2721 or visit us on the web at www.The100.org.
100 KINGS Voter Registration Drive: Program introduces 7th graders to the importance of voting Nashville, Tenn. (Thursday, September 23, 2004) - The students and families of 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee's (The 100) 100 KINGS program will hold a voter registration drive at Hickory Hollow Mall on Saturday, September 28, 2004 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Designed as one of the service projects in which the KINGS are required to participate in each year, the voter registration drive began on Saturday, September 11, 2004. Each student and their family were provided with ten (10) voter registration applications, courtesy of the Davidson County Election Commission. The 100 KINGS and their families were asked to register eligible citizens in their various neighborhoods, with a goal of registering 1000 new voters in Davidson County. The applications were returned to The 100's office for mailing.
The project supports the national initiative lead by the 100 Black Men of America to increase voter awareness in the African American community. The 100 is excited about the opportunities the initiative offers. In addition to giving the KINGS an opportunity to give back to their community, The 100 designed the non-partisan project not only for the KINGS, but for the KINGS' families, teaching all the importance of voting and democracy as well as supporting family activism through a family activity.
"This is an opportunity for the young men to experience the power of voting," states Rodney Smith, 100 KINGS Program Director for The 100. "We want the KINGS to realize early that voting is not optional, it is your responsibility as an individual and your right as an American."
"An independent thinker and a vote is a marriage of infinite power," says Adrian Granderson, Executive Director of The 100. "One important receivable that we hope to achieve is that the KINGS become critical thinkers who are attentive, cognizant, and analytical in their thought processes not only as it relates to politics, but in life."
100 KINGS is a seven-year, college preparatory, youth development program that began in 2003 designed to develop 100 6 th grade, at-risk boys into 100 college-bound community contributors by the time they graduate from high school in May 2010. Personally e ndorsed by Mayor Bill Purcell, Metro Schools Director Dr. Pedro Garcia, and host university President Dr. Robert Fisher of Belmont, 100 KINGS uses a powerful collaboration of several leading non-profit and for profit organizations to provide academic enrichment, college preparation, and career development training.
The 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee is a nonprofit organization whose mission is "to nurture and enhance the growth, development and opportunities for young black males of Middle Tennessee." The organization strives to improve the quality of life for youth by serving as mentors, tutors and role models dedicated to encouraging young men to reach their highest potential through academic excellence and career and leadership development. For more information about the 100 Black Men, please visit the website at www.The100.org or call 615/248.2721.
A Feast For KINGS: A Luncheon with Senator Bill Frist
On Friday, December 5, 2004, approximately five hundred guests assembled in the Main Ballroom of the Renaissance Nashville Hotel to support the 100 KINGS Program of 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
Hailed "A Feast For KINGS," the luncheon's business formal atmosphere was the perfect midday treat for several influential Tennessean's to assist the seven-year initiative's $250,000 operations budget. Designed to guide 100 sixth-grade African-American boys through their high school graduation in 2010, the program promotes personal growth, academic enrichment and career preparation.
KING Austi Taylor recounted his experiences in the program and said that because of them he feels that he is on his way to becoming a lawyer. His mother Elizabeth Taylor, told the assembly how much the program means to her son and said that she has seen improvement in young Austi already.
A select group of KINGS looked on as the event's keynote speaker, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist praised the initiative as a model for effective community activism. The Tennessee senator noted the organization's work to motivate youth as the kind of support necessary to ensure that all children reach their potential.
"As we look to the future, all of us as individuals can make sure the next generation inherits the American Dream," said Frist. "We need to do every we can as parents and as a community to raise children in loving homes and make sure they can learn." He continued, "All of you are making that happen."
Board Chairman of The 100, Darrell Freeman was delighted to have the city of Nashville support the organization's tremendous cause. "We do no take it lightly that a man of the Senator's position knows about our programs and sees merit in what we do. We are grateful to Senator Frist for his generosity in giving of his time to speak to our boys and all youth nationwide," continued Freeman.
"We have one of our country's highest-ranking public officials speaking on behalf of our program - this is an awesome occasion" said Adrian Granderson, Executive Director of The 100. "This is also a great example for our boys that no matter what you achieve in life, it is your responsibility to continue to help others achieve."
Friday Nite Live!
Friday Nite Live! is the newest initiative of 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Inc. In conjunction with the CEO Academy, the Northwest Y.M.C.A. and The 100's new youth development program is changing the lives of young African American males across Middle Tennessee.
On January 16, 2004, the inaugural group of about twenty (20) boys met at the Northwest Y.M.C.A. for a night of fun and learning. Divided into two groups of ages 8-12 and 13-17 respectively, the boys began a six-session interactive training course called "I Have a Purpose!" Led by Terri Chapman, President of CEO Academy, the session encouraged the students to find their talents, develop a personal mission statement, sharpen job interview skills and answer probing questions such as "Why was I born?"
The program's concept is to provide a consistent group mentoring experience that assembles positive African-American men and underserved African-American youth. As first-rate mentors, the role-models provide lifeskills training through male camaraderie and informal relationship building practices.
The 100 and CEO Academy are each responsible for half of the program's 25-30 youth target enrollment, while the Northwest Y.M.C.A. serves as host for the program's monthly meetings. Its basic components include exciting interactive sessions, business skills training, team-building and physical, emotional and mental health activities.
For more information feel free to contact The 100 office at 248.2721, Terri Chapman, President of CEO Academy at 320.3232.
Granderson Leads the Charge!
Since April 2003, Adrian Granderson has led the charge of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Inc.'s operation and delivery of programs that encourage African-American boys to be successful, and live the American Dream!
Granderson has been affiliated with the programmatic and administrative sides of The 100 since 1995, when he began volunteering for the organization as a member of the Collegiate 100. As a founder the TSU chapter, he helped to structure the service-model for the group of college students who believe and assist in the goals and mission of The 100.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Granderson graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications and Theatre. In 1998, Granderson joined the staff of The 100 as a Programs Assistant. And later moved to Administrative Assistant and on to Special Projects Coordinator duties, under then-Executive Director and now Tennessee Commissioner of Corrections Quenton I. White. Granderson left The 100 to pursue a Masters in Business Administration degree, also from TSU, and returned amid graduation in 2001 as the group's Marketing and Development Coordinator.
"I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help further the mission of The 100 as its Executive Director," explains Granderson. "Through my involvement with The 100, I learned countless things from my experiences. To now have the chance to help lead the charge toward academic success for our youth is an amazing honor."
Over the years, Granderson has continued to serve both inside and outside of The 100. He has served on committees, boards, and/or volunteered for Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Adventure Science Center, the Mayor's Office of Children and Youth, Community IMPACT! and the African American Heritage Society Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the Associate of Non Profit Executives. He is a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church as well as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and is a graduate of Young Leaders Council. He currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
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