Global Leaders, VIPs Convene in New York City to Discuss Education

ATLANTA, June 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Global leaders, celebrities and business executives recently convened in New York City for the 23rd Annual 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Conference that focused on education in the African-American community. More than 3,000 attendees participated in the four-day conference that drew notable leaders such as: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, New York Governor David Paterson, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, The Honorable Douglas Wilder -- the nation's first African American governor since Reconstruction, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and more.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090617/DC34076)

"There is an enormous achievement and opportunity gap impacting African-American youth as it relates to grade level education and higher education opportunities. This year's record setting conference tackled these issues from a global perspective, finding solutions to educating our young men and women and directing our members to act and inspire others to act on the solutions discussed," Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Al Dotson, Jr., Esq. This year's historic event broke conference attendance records for members, spouses, youth and corporate partners. In addition to the generous support of the corporate sponsors, a number of partnering organizations made significant financial investments and launched a number of programs during the conference. "Thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners, we are able to impact lives globally as we better our communities, strengthen our families and prepare our youth for a brighter future," added Dotson.

The conference drew the world's most influential figures including a historic gathering of Governor Paterson and former Governor Wilder during the Black Tie Gala & Concert. Additionally, the 100 awarded its prestigious leadership award to General William E. "Kip" Ward -- the only active-duty, four-star African-American general. Additional attendees and presenters included: actress Vivica Fox, Warner Music Executive Kevin Liles, recording artist Maxwell, best-selling author Terry McMillan, Marc Morial -- President of the National Urban League, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor, Dr. John Jackson- President Schott Foundation for Public Education.

Secretary Duncan praised the work of the international organization. "This is why I am such a big fan of what the 100 Black Men are doing around the country," said Secretary Duncan.

"When our children have the opportunity to be surrounded by adults that care passionately about them and stick with them for the long haul, they will do fantastic."

The 24th Annual Conference is scheduled June 16-20, 2010 at the Westin Diplomat in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. For more information on the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., or to view footage from this year's conference, visit www.100blackmen.org.

About 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with 10 chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. Today, under the direction of Albert E. Dotson, Jr., the organization has 116 chapters in the United States, England and the Caribbean. The 100 serves as an international coalition focused on creating educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, addressing health disparities and creating positive mentoring relationships.

Additional photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39449194@N07/

Photo Credit: Margot Jordan

SOURCE 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.100blackmen.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39449194@N07/