100 Black Men Marks 40 Years, Returns to NYC Roots for Annual Conference

NEW YORK, NY – April 01, 2026 – The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is set for a historic homecoming. The organization has announced that its 40th Annual Conference will take place from June 17–21, 2026, at the New York Hilton Midtown, bringing its mission back to the city where the movement was born over 60 years ago. Media credentialing is now open for the milestone event, which will celebrate four decades of national impact on mentoring, education, health, and economic empowerment within African American communities.

This return to New York is more than a logistical choice; it is a powerful symbol of the organization's journey. What began in 1963 as a local initiative among a small group of concerned Black men has since blossomed into a global network dedicated to uplifting youth and strengthening communities. The conference serves as both a celebration of this legacy and a call to action for the work that lies ahead.

A Legacy Returns to Its Birthplace

The roots of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. run deep in New York City's history. In 1963, amidst the turbulence and promise of the Civil Rights Movement, a group of visionary leaders including future mayor David Dinkins and baseball legend Jackie Robinson gathered to address the systemic obstacles facing their community. Their goal was to create pathways to success for young African Americans by providing positive role models and tangible opportunities. This founding group, which adopted the name "100 Black Men, Inc." to signify solidarity, laid the groundwork for a national movement.

The model proved powerful and replicable. After member Dr. William Hayling founded a chapter in New Jersey in 1976, the organization began a steady expansion across the country. By 1986, delegates from nine chapters convened to form a unified national body, officially debuting as 100 Black Men of America, Inc. at its first national conference in Atlanta in 1987.

"Returning to New York for our 40th Annual Conference is both a celebration of our history and a powerful reminder of why this movement began," said Milton H. Jones, Jr., Chairman of the organization. "For more than four decades, our members have remained committed to mentoring and empowering youth, and this conference reflects the collective impact of that work and our continued focus on shaping the next generation of leaders."

Four Decades of "Four for the Future"

The enduring impact of The 100 is built upon its signature "Four for the Future" framework: Mentoring, Education, Health and Wellness, and Economic Empowerment. These four pillars guide the programmatic efforts of its chapters, which collectively reach over 125,000 young people annually.

Mentoring remains the cornerstone, embodied in the motto, "What They See Is What They'll Be®." Through structured programs like "Mentoring the 100 Way Across A Lifetime®," chapters provide consistent guidance and support that helps shape character, build confidence, and inspire ambition in young people.

Education initiatives aim to close opportunity gaps and foster academic excellence. The organization hosts the annual African American History Challenge, sponsored by State Farm, and provides millions in scholarships with support from partners like UPS. It also fosters pathways to higher education through programs like the Collegiate 100 for college students.

Health and Wellness programs tackle critical health disparities affecting the Black community. By partnering with organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, The 100 raises awareness about conditions like dementia, which disproportionately affects older Black Americans, while promoting brain health, nutrition, and access to care.

Economic Empowerment is addressed through programs designed to instill financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills from a young age. The "Dollars & Sense Youth Investment Competition" and the "Junior Investment Club," expanded with a major grant from Wells Fargo, teach students about saving, investing, and building generational wealth.

"We look forward to welcoming our members, partners, and the media as we highlight the work of our chapters, such as our mentorship programs and scholarship recipients, and share inspiring stories of young people whose lives are being transformed every day," said Robert B. Brown, President of the New York chapter, One Hundred Black Men, Inc.

The Power of Strategic Partnerships

The organization's four decades of success would not be possible without the deep, strategic partnerships it has cultivated with the corporate world. The 40th Annual Conference is supported by a roster of prominent sponsors whose engagement goes far beyond financial contributions.

Presenting Sponsors like State Farm, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wells Fargo are deeply integrated into the organization's programming. Wells Fargo, a partner for over 25 years, has invested heavily in economic empowerment, providing a recent $600,000 grant to expand the Junior Investment Club to 30 markets. State Farm is a key supporter of financial literacy and educational programs. The Coca-Cola Company provides high-level sponsorship while its local affiliates support individual chapters.

Other key partners include Registration Sponsor UPS, a long-time supporter of the national scholarship program, and Conference Co-Sponsor JD Finish Line Foundation, which recently committed $250,000 to bolster workforce development through the Collegiate 100 program. The role of Alzheimer's Association as a Community Health Partner highlights a focused, collaborative approach to tackling specific health inequities.

These collaborations represent a powerful model of corporate social responsibility, where corporate resources and expertise are aligned with the non-profit's mission to drive measurable and sustainable social change.

Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders

As the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. convenes in New York, its focus remains firmly on the future. The conference will provide a platform for leaders, mentors, and youth to address the persistent challenges of educational disparity, economic inequality, and health crises that continue to impact African American communities. Through leadership sessions, youth programming, and community engagement, the event will equip attendees with the tools and networks needed to continue the mission.

The organization's structure, which includes the Collegiate 100 for university students and the Emerging 100 for young professionals, ensures a continuous pipeline of leadership committed to service. By investing in young men and women from their earliest years through their professional careers, The 100 is not just providing a service—it is cultivating a movement. The 40th Annual Conference is a testament to the enduring power of that vision, proving that what a child sees truly is what they can become.