Last Thursday, 100 Black Men of Atlanta had their annual President’s Breakfast, that was expected to last a hour and half, as scheduled. But, really how could it? So much, was on the agenda for the common good of the community. The President’s Breakfast is also a time when the 100’s Annual Stakeholders & Community Briefing takes place. As stated on their website, the annual breakfast “provides the opportunity for 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. to present their Annual Report along with an update on current initiatives to the Atlanta community.” And most certainly, I attest it did more than that.

At the breakfast, I, amongst the 600-750 attendees there learned about Project Success and the Phase IV graduates. 100 Black Men of Atlanta facilitates Project Success, a collegiate program for high school students, which aids the students academically and financially, and prepares them for a successful transition to a college or university of their choice.

According to Erroll B. Davis Jr.; Chancellor of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, a keynote speaker at the event, there is a lack of financial support for members of low-income families, in Georgia, to attend college. As Davis stated in his speech, “all should pay for the education of all,” and with the initiative of the 100’s Project Success, all pays for all. And, with all their potential with them, the 2010 Project Success: Phase IV graduates also had their shine at the podium. As they shared their stories of scholastic success and leadership at the President’s Breakfast, the sponsors of the program were also in attendance to hear what good work their money has done.

Speaking of sponsors, the 100 Black Men of Atlanta was presented an $80,000 check, from Aetna, to further support the community initiatives made by the 100.

Gladly, I was a part of that community that morning. A community of Atlanta’s most prominent business owners, public officials, and press coming together for the goal of a common future. A future where the above mentioned, continue to pool their resources and assets together, as to provide the community with programs and campaigns like Project Success, 100 Scholars Robotics Club, and State Farm’s and 100’s collaboration in putting together a collegiate scholarship directory. The directory can be picked up from any State Farm in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, as they will be available for FREE, starting May 17th 2010! As the mother of a teen I can tell you, I will be getting mine, for my daughter's future reference!

For more information on the non-profit, and their community initiatives:
http://100blackmen-atlanta.org/