Lee V. Fields

Banker Lee V. Fields has been re-elected chairman of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland for the next biennium. Videographer Gregory Lockhart was elected as Vice-Chair for 2022 - 2024. The elections took place at the group’s recent annual meeting.

The Cleveland chapter was formed in 1998, joining a national organization established in 1986, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The overall concept for the group began to develop in New York City in 1963 when a group of concerned African American men began to meet to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. Those original community leaders included such stalwarts as David Dinkins, Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson.

The group has come to adopt the saying, “What They See Is What They’ll Be”, a reference to the understanding that young black males in particular need role models to help guide them in the development of their God-given potential.

James W. Wade III, an at-large director of the local chapter, told RDP that the maxim is “more than a motto. It is a source of motivation for all members of our 100 Black Men chapter network.” Wade, who runs an internet gospel music station, said the expression “serves as a constant reminder that we must consistently commit ourselves to personify the type of people our children will look up to and emulate.”

Fields, a vice president and community development officer at Premier Bank, joined the 100 Black Men ten years ago, having been introduced to the organization by long-time member Franklin Martin. His resume epitomizes an array of opportunities towards which young black men can aspire, as he worked in public relations, housing development, and aviation before taking his talents to the world of financial services.

Also elected as officers at the annual meeting were Terrance McWhorter as finance director, Brett Horton as secretary, and Anthony Peebles as development director. Rodney L. Brown, Grady Burrows, Brandon Curry, Edwin Hubbard Jr., Darian Johnson, Tyson Mitchell, Dr. Ernest Smoot, and Wade were elected as directors at large.

More information about the group can be obtained by visiting its website, or by email or phone [216.361.9146].

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