In The Beginning…

100 Black Men Of Syracuse Inc. initially began as an idea conceived by Jerome Walker and Walter Eiland following their participation in 1995’s Million Man March.

Their plan to build a grassroots organization that would pursue many of the ideals they brought back from the March would take root in their consciousness over the next few years. In 2007, they convened about 25 to 30 black men who shared their common concerns about the state of the Syracuse community. The group recognized the necessity for a stronger presence of African-American males working to halt the deterioration of their neighborhoods and acting on a strong desire to rebuild a sense of community from within.

They looked at the national organization 100 Black Men Of America as a feasible model that could help them begin this process. Hence, the 100 Black Men of Syracuse interest group was formed. During this first year, members of the group:

• adopted bylaws
• opened an office at the South Side Innovation Center in Syracuse
• held its first elections

At the same time, the organization launched a wide range of initiatives and activities consistent with its mission of improving the quality of life within the community it serves and enhancing educational and economic opportunities. After working to develop its programs and build collaborations with other organizations, the group submitted its application for membership to 100 Black Men of America Inc. in March 2009. In June of the same year, 100 Black Men of Syracuse Inc. was inducted into and awarded a formal charter at the national organization’s 2009 Annual Conference held in New York City.

In addition to sponsoring group mentoring programs at four Syracuse public schools, 100 Black Men of Syracuse started what it called its Manhood Training program, which later rebranded as STEP 1 and now includes females, though in separate mentoring groups. Sessions were held outside the school setting and were designed to guide young men and later females through those rites of passage into adulthood.

The organization’s work with youth also included its sponsorship of SAT prep classes and participation in the Percy Hughes School “Bookmen Day” reading program, as well as the financial assistance provided for local teens traveling on tours of Historical Black College and trips to the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Imagine RIT Innovation and Creativity Festival.

Members also display their willingness to collaborate with other groups by their participation in community events, such as Mary Nelson’s Annual Youth Day Barbecue, Community Wide Dialogue’s Duck Race to End Racism, Juneteenth Festival, Youth Impact Program, “A-OK Acts of Kindness Weekend” and, more recently, a summer interactive summer camp for middle school and high school students.

In recognition of the tireless volunteer efforts exhibited by its members, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.’s Chi Pi Chapter honored 100 Black Men of Syracuse in 2011 as its Organization of the Year. Two years earlier, the Syracuse/Onondaga County NAACP presented its Community Service Award to the 100. More recently, 100 Black Men received the 2020 Community Service Award presented by Upstate Medical University.