100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC

Ownership. Innovation. Leadership in action.

On Saturday, March 7, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC hosted our Saturday Leadership Academy, where our young men stepped into the role of real entrepreneurs during “Entrepreneurship 201: From Plan to Pitch.” What unfolded was more than a lesson - it was a powerful exercise in ownership, creativity, and confidence.

Working in teams, mentees explored how successful founders transform ideas into viable businesses. They developed one page business plans, conducted market research, and built out key components of an investor pitch. Each team was tasked with clearly identifying a problem, defining their target customer, presenting a solution, and explaining how their idea could generate revenue. These were not abstract concepts - they were real world applications of critical thinking and innovation.

This experience is especially important when we consider the broader landscape. For many young people, entrepreneurship can feel distant or inaccessible. This session challenged that perception. We did not just introduce business concepts - we made them tangible, practical, and achievable. Our young men were reminded that ownership, innovation, and wealth creation are pathways available to them right now.

The highlight of the morning was the live pitch competition. One by one, our mentees stood in front of their peers, mentors, and judges to present their ideas and respond to questions. Watching them think critically, collaborate with purpose, and confidently defend their vision was inspiring. These moments matter. They build confidence, sharpen communication skills, and prepare our young men for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

We are grateful to American University for providing the space to host this impactful experience and for supporting our continued growth.

The work continues. The lessons are building. The confidence is rising.

And most importantly - our young men are learning that they are not just participants in the economy. They are future owners, builders, and leaders.

This is the 100 Way.

What a moment. What a legacy. What a future in motion.

During Black History Month, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC had the profound honor of celebrating more than 30 young men for excellence in both school and Saturday Leadership Academy.

We hosted our inaugural mid-year mentee achievement awards ceremony.

And it was powerful.

For ninety minutes, we witnessed smiles that lit up the room. We heard names called that represented discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. We saw mothers moved to tears. Fathers standing taller. Families capturing moments that will live on far beyond that day.

You had to be in the room to feel it.

This ceremony was more than recognition. It was affirmation. It was legacy unfolding in real time.

As we honor the giants whose shoulders we stand on, we were reminded that history is not only something we remember - it is something we build. Our young men are walking in that legacy, preparing to become critical thinkers, community leaders, and change agents for the world ahead.

And the excellence was undeniable as we celebrated mentees:

• Who earned the President’s List - All A’s
• Who earned A and B Honor Roll
• Who achieved perfect school attendance
• Who achieved perfect attendance at Saturday Leadership Academy

That is not coincidence. That is culture.

Brother Bowers set the tone with a powerful reminder - belief is a superpower. Each of our young men is a champion with unique gifts. His words anchored the room and elevated the moment.

To our parents - thank you. Your partnership, sacrifice, and unwavering encouragement make this possible. You are the first educators, the first mentors, and the foundation of every success we celebrated.

This was not just an awards ceremony.

It was a declaration.

The future is not waiting.
It is already rising.

And we are proud to stand alongside these young men as they finish the academic year strong and continue to build history - the 100 Way.

We want to thank Richard Wright PCS for hosting us.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC proudly hosted our first Saturday Leadership Academy session of the year - and what a way to begin.

Snow on the ground. Temperatures below freezing. Every reason to stay home.

And yet - they showed up.

While many were digging out from the winter storm, our mentees were digging into something far more important - their potential.

From powerful fellowship and intentional reflection on pride, purpose, and goals for 2026, to high-intensity Muay Thai training that demanded focus and discipline, the day was about far more than participation. It was about transformation.

The sound of gloves striking pads.
Feet moving with intention.
Eyes locked in. Breathing steady.

This was not just physical training. It was leadership development in motion.

Through disciplined movement and controlled pressure, our young men practiced mental toughness, emotional regulation, attentiveness, and confidence. They chose discipline over comfort. Focus over distraction. Growth over ease.

Pressure did not intimidate them. It introduced them to who they are becoming.

A special thank you to the Collegiate 100 of Howard University for standing shoulder to shoulder with our mentees throughout the session. Their presence, leadership, and relatability continue to serve as a powerful bridge across generations - modeling what sustained mentorship looks like in real time.

Confidence. Critical thinking. Commitment to service.
This is what leadership looks like - one intentional decision at a time.

The 2025-2026 Saturday Leadership Academy year is underway, and if January 31 is any indication, the future is not waiting. It is preparing.

One Team.

On Saturday, January 17th, 2026, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC opened the year with a powerful statement about ownership, preparation, and financial health.

Our chapter proudly hosted the Stock Market Challenge, where 80 Saturday Leadership Academy mentees, alongside 50 parents, 30 Collegiate 100 members, and 50 chapter members and guests, filled the room with energy, focus, and purpose. After 60 days of research, collaboration, and decision-making, mentees presented investment portfolios with confidence, professionalism, and clarity well beyond their years.

Equally important was our Hands On Banking experience, delivered in partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation. By intentionally inviting both mentees and parents into the conversation, we reinforced a critical truth - financial health is strongest when families learn, plan, and grow together. Starting the year with this shared language around budgeting, saving, and long-term planning sets the tone for everything that follows.

A special thank you to Victor Burrola, Senior Lead Community Impact and Sustainability Specialist, and the entire Wells Fargo volunteer team for their leadership, preparation, and commitment to our families.

This was not just a program. It was a declaration of mindset for the year ahead.

STEM the 100 Way - Igniting Futures Through Innovation

On Saturday December 6th, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. proudly hosted another transformative STEM the 100 Way Academy experience at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), welcoming nearly 90 students from across the DMV region - including a strong showing from our Saturday Leadership Academy. The day was filled with hands-on innovation, exploration, and inspiration designed to expose our mentees to the power and potential of STEM.

Through events like this, we are intentionally working to create access, exposure, and opportunity for the next generation of engineers, coders, scientists, and innovators.

The day began with a warm welcome from UDC President Dr. Maurice Edington, introduced by UDC Trustee Grayson, who inspired our students with a discussion of the university’s rich history and commitment to community. Members of his administration also led an engaging UDC Corner segment that showcased academic pathways and even rewarded several students for their outstanding engagement.

From building and simulating rocket launches to exploring analog technology, cryptography, and cybersecurity, students were immersed in interactive workshops that challenged them to think critically and creatively. Throughout the day, mentees asked thoughtful questions, took risks, and began to see themselves in spaces where they are too often underrepresented.

This program’s success was made possible through the tireless leadership of Brother Rashid Farrell and the Education Committee, the dedicated mentors of the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C., and the incredible support of the Collegiate 100 of Howard University. We extend our deepest gratitude to UDC President Dr. Edington for graciously hosting us on campus.

Every experiment, conversation, and connection made during STEM the 100 Way plants a seed - one that will grow into confidence, curiosity, and careers that change lives. Together, we are building a pipeline of young Black excellence in STEM and beyond.

Saturday Leadership Academy – Stock Market Simulation Workshop

On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. hosted another engaging and impactful session of the Saturday Leadership Academy at American University. The session, titled "Stock Market Simulation Workshop," was led by Brother Justin Matthews and the Economic Empowerment Committee and introduced mentees to the fundamentals of stock market investing through an interactive, team-based challenge that will span the next 60 days.

Building Owners, Not Just Consumers
This session focused on shifting perspectives—helping our young men understand that investing is a powerful tool for wealth creation and long-term financial stability. By learning early to let money work for them, our mentees are developing the mindset of corporate owners rather than simply consumers of products.

Throughout the day, mentees were divided into teams guided by members of the Collegiate 100, each selecting a portfolio of stocks to track. Over the coming weeks, these teams will monitor performance, analyze market trends, and make strategic investment decisions.

The challenge will culminate on January 17th, 2026, when each team will present its results and insights to a panel of professionals. The winning team will be determined based on both their portfolio performance and the quality of their final presentation.

Brother Matthews encouraged mentees to think critically about money, markets, and their role in shaping economic futures. He reminded them that financial literacy is not just about wealth—it is about empowerment, ownership, and generational progress.

This session stood as a powerful example of the Saturday Leadership Academy's Four for the Future principles—Mentoring, Education, Health and Wellness, and Economic Empowerment—in action. Each mentee left with new insight, greater confidence, and a clearer vision for what financial independence can look like in their future.

Pathways to College: Empowering the Next Generation of Scholars

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. hosted the inaugural Pathways to College Scholarship Fair at the Accenture Bank Building in Washington, D.C. Over 60 mentees and parents from across the region participated in an inspiring day focused on access, preparation, and opportunity.

The day featured four signature sessions — Scholarship Bootcamp, College and Scholarship Fair, Military Options to Pay for College, and College and Scholarship Essay Workshop. Each session provided students with the tools and insights needed to prepare for higher education and beyond.

Families connected directly with representatives from the University of Maryland, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the United States Army Reserve, the Rudolph W. Snowden Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ivy Vine Charities, and The Collegiate 100 at Howard University.

Special thanks to Accenture for hosting us, The Scholarship Workshop LLC for serving as the keynote presenter, and to Michael Wilson and the Scholarship Committee for leading this impactful event.

Together, we’re building real pathways to higher education and empowering the next generation of scholars.

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. proudly launched the 2025-2026 Saturday Leadership Academy year at the historic Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage.

Mentees arrived with every disposition imaginable - excited, reluctant, nervous, joyful, even a little anxious. But by the end of the session, there wasn’t a single young man who wasn’t smiling, energized, and filled with pride. The transformation in just a few short hours reminded us why this program is so critical: every mentee left standing taller, ready to embrace the year ahead.

The session, “SLA 100: Introduction to the Saturday Leadership Academy,” laid the foundation for a year of growth, mentorship, and impact. Together, we:

1. Completed our annual entrance survey to better understand mentees’ goals and expectations

2. Engaged in a goal-mapping workshop using the SMART framework, equipping our young men with the tools to track progress and success

3. Reviewed program expectations, structure, and ground rules

4. Built strong initial connections between mentors and mentees through intentional introductions and team-building

Perhaps the most defining moment of the day came from Mentor Lyles, who posed an important question: “What does progress look like to you?” He reminded our mentees that one of the goals of SLA is not perfection, but progress - the daily growth that shapes them into confident leaders.

The energy was undeniable, and the commitment was clear. With 20 sessions ahead, each aligned with our Four-for-the-Future pillars of Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment, we are ready to make the 2025-2026 SLA year our biggest and best yet.

5th Annual SLA Cookout & Kickball Kick-Off

On Saturday, September 6th, 2025, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. proudly kicked off the 2025-2026 Saturday Leadership Academy with our 5th Annual SLA Cookout & Kickball Kick-Off at Langdon Park Recreation Center.

This year was one for the history books - 300+ guests filled the park, making it our largest SLA kickoff to date! Families, mentors, and mentees came together for a day of fun, fellowship, and purpose as we celebrated the power of mentoring and community.

From kickball and flag football to a spirited tug-of-war, the competitions were fierce but friendly, reminding us that teamwork, determination, and camaraderie are lessons that extend far beyond the field. With music from , delicious BBQ from , and the perfect setup from , the energy was unmatched. We are deeply grateful to the parents, community members, first responders, and vendors who supported this unforgettable day.

Now, the real work begins. With 20 SLA sessions ahead this year, our young men will dive into the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C.'s Four for the Future pillars - Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment.

We are ready to make this our biggest and best SLA year yet.

Here’s to another year of mentorship, growth, and leadership. The journey continues - and what they see is what they’ll be.

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