LI Leaders Highlight 100 Black Men Conference Returning To NYC For 40-Year Milestone

The June event will bring together leaders and youth for four days focused on mentoring, education, health, and economic empowerment.

By Kepherd Daniel, Patch Staff

Apr 20, 2026 4:58 pm EDT

Micah and Lucas Gooding stand beside their father, Dalton Gooding, who is featured in the “Homegrown Heroes” of Long Island exhibit highlighting local leaders making a difference, on display at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. (Courtesy Creative Focus Designs)

NEW YORK CITY, NY — The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has opened media credentialing for its 40th Annual Conference from June 17 through June 21 at the New York Hilton Midtown.

The event marks four decades of national impact and returns to New York City, where the organization was founded in 1963.

Organizers said the conference will bring together leaders, mentors, corporate partners and youth from across the country for four days of programming focused on mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.

The conference will spotlight mentorship programs, scholarship recipients and stories of young people impacted nationwide.

The event also carries strong local significance across Long Island, including for 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc., which continues to support mentoring and community initiatives in the region.

“As the 100 Black Men of America arrives in New York, this moment represents both legacy and forward progress,” said Rose Ward. “Their presence underscores a continued commitment to the ‘Four for the Future’ focus areas — mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. As the first woman to serve on the board, I am honored to help advance this mission while opening doors for this generation and future generations to achieve greater success through the work of ‘The 100.’”

Local leaders said the organization’s impact is rooted in mentorship and long-term investment in young people.

“The power of mentoring is truly the gift that keeps giving, and it aligns directly with ‘The 100’s’ Four for the Future’ mission,” said Phil Andrews.

The annual gathering will include leadership sessions, youth programming, community engagement activities, and networking opportunities aligned with the organization’s “Four for the Future” focus areas.

“Mentorship is more than guidance — it is a commitment to shaping the future by investing in the potential of our youth,” added John Jabari Michel, health chairman of the Eastern New York chapter. “Through education, support and consistent presence, we empower the next generation to rise with confidence, purpose and resilience.”