The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., a chapter affiliate of The 100 Black Men of America, Inc., this week announced the winners of its annual community awards.
The 2023 Honorees are:
MENTORING AWARD: Dr. Terrance Menefee, Principal, John F. Kennedy High School
EDUCATION AWARD: Ms. Denine Goolsby, Board of Directors, A.S.P.I.R.E. Academy
HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD: Ms. Nicole Ward, Executive Director, “Make Them Know Your Name” Foundation
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AWARD: Mr. Andrew Jackson, CEO, Elson’s International
TRAILBLAZER AWARD: Ms. Meryl Johnson, State Board of Education, District 11
RISING STAR AWARD: Ms. Phoebe Lee, CEO, Acumen Apparel
LEADERSHIP AWARD: Mrs. Gwendolyn L. Kirtley, Great Lakes Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
The first four awards reflect the 100 Black Men chapter’s “Four for the Future” program categories, the areas of focus for the organization’s year-round programming. The selected honorees are being recognized for their achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
The second group of honorees is being recognized for their contributions to the larger community.
All winners will be celebrated at the annual 100 Black Men in Black Ties Scholarship and Awards Gala on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Cleveland Marriott East, 26300 Harvard Road [44122].
Proceeds from the gala will support the 100’s Mentoring, Education, Health & Finance programming that will be featured during the evening. “It is critical that we encourage and empower our youth by providing programming that will give them the confidence and support to lead positive lives and become our leaders of tomorrow” said 100 BM Chairman Lee V. Fields, Jr. in a press release. “We have committed more than 25 years to building a better community and are excited to share with you how we intend to continue our outstanding legacy.”
Cleveland NAACP executive director Edwin Hubbard, Jr. is this year’s Gala chair. DeLaun Dillard of News 5 Cleveland and Jennifer Jordan of FOX 8 will emcee the event, whose principal sponsors include Provide A Ride and Saint Luke’s Foundation.
Forsponsorship and ticket information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; call (216) 288-3656 or visit www.100blackmencle.org.
The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. was chartered in 1997 as a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Its stated mission is to serve as mentors, deliver and support educational and economic opportunity, advocate for institutional change and improve the health and wellness of African American men and youth in particular and the African American community in general.
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