The 100 Black Men of America are truly a blessing, they are so caring, helpful, honest and really great mentors to these kids. They are also a blessing to the parents as well. We have been in the program for 9years and it was the best decision I have ever made for my 3 sons. I have 1 son that graduated from the program in 2015. These men are truly dedicated to the kids wholeheartedly and have spent most Saturday mornings giving them encouragement, knowledge, and just being there for them the best way they know how to be. When my twins, Khamal & Khalil need help all they would do is ask for help and they will receive it. My niece, Madyson, loves to come on Saturday mornings because she says she feels special when the guys tutor and talk to her.

My Name is Monica Rosario I am Mother Raising 2sons in a Single Parent Home. My oldest Is Yasha Moncrief a 16 year old Sophmore. I Recently moved here to Virginia about a year ago My stepmother had fell and broke her neck and was helping my oldest Sister I also wanted something BETTER and more Productive for my Children to see and grow from. I heard about the 100 Black Men from my son's School Phoebus High they left a message saying anyone interested go sign up and the Very next day We did! Everyone was Motivated and Inspiring, I knew we were in the RIGHT place for my son to grow into a Productive Black Man. I am very Excited and Blessed to be a Part of this CHAPTER and that this is written in the Chapters of Our Life. Since we have become a Part of the Chapters My son and I have grown and I couldn't ask for a BETTER Group of Mentors for my son.❤

Trevon joined the One Hundred Black Men on September 2014. I wanted to expose Trevon to successful , educated and talented men that look like him. I found that within the One Hundred. These men offer aspiration and opportunities for young people that they may not otherwise encounter at such an early age. Trevon is shy by nature and finds security within his comfort zone. I asked the mentoring program to call upon Trevon for volunteering opportunities, speaking opportunities and leadership responsibilities because I can grantee that he will not raise his hand to volunteer, however, if you ask him, he will not say no. Trevon attended his first gala with the One Hundred April 2014 and was asked to do the "welcoming of the guest". This responsibility was far outside of his comfort zone, but he accepted the personal challenge and did an amazing job! He was so nervous and did not take a breath until he sat at the table. I was so proud of him and can not thank the One Hundred enough for not only listening to my personal plea for my son but also by actually acting on it! This is just one example, the years have been filled with many other speaking points and we look forward to continuing to grow with the One Hundred!

I have benefited as a mentee with the 100 Black Men organization. I feel that the mentors have served as positive role models. Their role is to guide me through academic and social success. I appreciate the support, advice, and encouragement that the mentors provide for me.

When I first started this program, I was a 14 year old freshman at Woodside High School, I was struggling in my APHG class, so one of the mentors offered to give me tutor me in that class. Amazingly, I ended up passing the class by the end of the school year with a high B.

I’m not saying that they put us before any of their own problems, but they make an effort to put a positive impact on our lives and mold our minds into a perfect structure. They take time out of their lives to benefit us and guide us. It doesn’t get any better than that honestly! They also reward us for the good things that we do over the course of the school year. In my opinion, I like it, because I’m a good noodle. But don’t expect something every single time you do something good, be grateful. Being with them has benefited me greatly.

My mother mentioned to them that I played the piano and had an interest in furthering my knowledge. They signed my sister and me up for piano classes. I learned a lot when I was attending those classes. If you tell Mr. Powell about an event coming up, he will try his best to attend. Me, I run track. So I would tell him about my meets or, at least try to because I forgot to tell him from time to time, and he would show up. It’s feels good knowing someone comes to support me and watch me run back and forth across the field trying to do everything because I am a multi-event athlete. Don’t be embarrassed if they use you as an example, it’s not a bad thing. They just like using role models. Mr. Powell is a great man, just like the rest of the men in this program are. Take advantage of the opportunities they provide for us, because you can’t find this everywhere. That is how I feel about 100 Black Men of the Virginia Peninsula.

Although our children are grown and have their own families, my husband & I continue to work with youth and their families in the community in order to enhance their bio-psycho-social and educational well-being. Having gained knowledge of the Mentoring Program of the 100 Black Men of the Virginia Peninsula, we got involved. The program is consistent with the 40 Developmental Assets that empower youth and help them to develop into successful adults. Since 2011 we have sponsored eleven youth. Three of these youth are currently in college. I like the concept of involving the family. The mentors are true-hearted in giving of themselves, & the youth are excited about the activities. They learn through interactions, role playing, challenges, community service, and cultural trips and events. Topics cover everything from setting goals and healthy eating habits to how to conduct one’s self at a formal event. The youth learn to respect the values and differences of individuals and how to manage frustration and anger, as well as choices and consequences. One parent told me that her daughter’s teacher was so impressed with the improvements she had made in class. She wanted to know what she had done to get the positive changes. She asked “Have you been beating her?” The mother responded “No, it was the 100 Black Men that made a difference.”