The 100 Black Men of Long Island Inc. presented its 38th Annual Scholarship Gala Benefit event on Saturday, March 10, 2012. The organization was founded 49 years ago, and the Long Island chapter was founded shortly after in 1974. This year’s theme for the event was: Celebrating Education; Mentoring & Leadership, and the theme of the program was addressed by its distinguished guest speaker Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence Magazine and founder of the National CARES Mentoring Movement.
Dominic Carter, RNN—TV political commentator and author of No Mama’s Boys served as master of ceremonies and the 2012 distinguished honorees were: Lionel J. Chitty, president, Hicksville Chambers of Commerce; Bishop Lionel Harvey, presiding pastor of First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury; Juanita Holmes, deputy commanding officer, 81st Precinct in Bedford Stuyvesant; William T. Rolack, Sr., director, Global/Marketplace Diversity & Inclusion for Adecco Group North America and chairman of the board of the Urban League of Long Island and State Farm.
The event was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club, 83-25 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, New York. The Crest Hollow Country Club is Long Island’s premier venue for events, providing immaculate service to its guests. The gala benefit supports educational scholarships and mentoring programs for deserving African American young men to not say, “We cannot afford to go to college”.
For over 38 years the 100 Black Men of Long Island has “chosen mentorship as the path to nurture and grow our people,” a spokesman said. “As community mentors, our goals are to promote intentional learning, which includes aptitude-building through methods such as instructing, coaching, providing experiences, modeling and role-modeling.
“The primary focus of 100 Black Men of Long Island Inc. is to prepare young people who may be at risk for the future by assisting in the enhancement of their academic skills and increasing their educational opportunities.
“The programs that directly address our focus are: Dollar & Sense Financial Literacy program, Mentoring, Scholarship, Achievement Awards, African-American History Bowl, Job Training, and Health& Wellness.
For membership opportunities, sponsorship inquires, or to make a tax deductible donation, the group may be contacted at 516-538-6318 or by email at ohbmli@live.com. For more information on programs, activities, or membership opportunities you may write them at 100 Black Men of Long Island Inc., 9 Centre Street, Hempstead NY, 11550.
