Photo By B.K. Chappell
With a rich history of serving the community, 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc. — known simply as the 100 — is making a profound difference, particularly in the lives of young men.
“Real Men, Giving Real Time” is not only the organization’s tagline — it defines its mission.
Pierre E. Rutledge, president of the 100, explains that the 501(c)(3) corporation “seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing its diverse talents to create an environment where local children are motivated to achieve and to empower our people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the community we serve.”
Rutledge, 60, who has led the organization for three years, was inspired to take on his role by both the broader movement (100 Black Men of America) and local efforts in his Miami community, as it relates to the 100’s four core pillars: mentoring, education, health and wellness and economic empowerment.
The organization’s roots trace back to 1976, when Dr. William H. Hayling founded 100 Black Men of New Jersey, sparking a nationwide movement. Men across the country soon established their own chapters, leveraging collective talent and resources.
Today, the 100 has more than 116 chapters and 10,000 members throughout the United States.
“We started here in Miami in 1989 and had the same focus and call to action that they had at the national level [to explore ways of improving conditions in African American men’s communities],” Rutledge says.
Among its key programs is the Dr. Harold Guinyard Leadership Academy, a mentoring initiative for boys in grades six through 12 and beyond.
“We have an in-school component that happens during the day called PYD (Positive Youth Development) and presently have three middle schools — Madison Middle School, Jose De Diego Middle School and Frank C. Martin K-8 Center — participating,” Rutledge says.
The 100 also sponsors a Thanksgiving Food Drive in partnership with Publix and a Christmas Shopping Spree hosted by its corporate partner, Walmart, at its Miami Gardens location. During the event, each underserved child receives a $100 tax-free budget to shop for themselves and their families.
Looking ahead, Rutledge hopes to remain a key stakeholder in the Miami-Dade community and expand the nonprofit’s existing service-focused programs.
For more information or to support 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc., call 305-846-8935 or visit 100blackmensf.org.