100 Black Men of Eastern New York Advances “Four For The Future” Mission Through Homegrown Heroes of L.I.

GARDEN CITY, NY — March 16, 2026 — The 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. joined community leaders, entrepreneurs, and civic advocates in celebrating the achievements of local changemakers during the Homegrown Heroes of Long Island celebration held on March 14, 2026 at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center in Garden City, New York.

The event, curated by respected community leader and cultural advocate Mrs. Shirley Darkeh, brought together leaders from across the region to honor individuals whose contributions are strengthening Long Island’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.

“Four For The Future” ®

For the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc., participation in Homegrown Heroes reflects the organization’s commitment to its nationally recognized “Four For The Future” ® programmatic model, which focuses on mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.

Through these pillars, the organization works to cultivate leadership, expand opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs, and build sustainable pathways to success for future generations.

Center photo: Dalton Gooding Dad - Left to Right: Sons Micah & Lucas

“Homegrown Heroes reflects the very essence of what our organization stands for,” said Phil Andrews, President of the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. “When we recognize individuals who are mentoring others, building businesses, and uplifting communities, we reinforce our belief that leadership and service must be visible to inspire the next generation. Our motto remains clear What They See, They’ll Be."®

The Homegrown Heroes celebration highlighted individuals whose dedication to service, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and mentorship continues to drive progress across Long Island and beyond. The event also underscored the importance of collaboration among organizations working to expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

Participating Organizations:

The Homegrown Heroes initiative was presented through a collaborative partnership among several organizations committed to advancing economic empowerment and community development:

• 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc.
• Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
• African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.

Together, these organizations work to expand access to mentorship, capital, business development resources, and leadership opportunities throughout the region.

About the Curator — Shirley Darkeh

Mrs. Shirley Darkeh is a distinguished community leader, cultural curator, artist, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for civic engagement whose work has spanned more than six decades. She is widely recognized for her commitment to preserving African American history while elevating the stories of leaders who have shaped Long Island’s cultural and economic landscape.

Darkeh previously served as a director at the Nassau County African American Museum and has been a pioneering voice in community storytelling through exhibitions, media, and civic programming. Her work has consistently focused on honoring individuals whose contributions strengthen communities and inspire future generations.

As the visionary behind Homegrown Heroes of Long Island, Darkeh created a platform that celebrates individuals whose leadership, perseverance, and commitment to service are helping shape the region’s future.

“Homegrown Heroes was created to recognize the extraordinary individuals within our communities who lead, serve, and inspire others every day,” Darkeh said. “By highlighting their contributions, we celebrate their impact while inspiring future generations.”

Advancing Leadership for the Future

By participating in Homegrown Heroes, the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. continues to demonstrate its commitment to building leadership pipelines, expanding mentorship opportunities, and strengthening communities across Long Island and the broader New York region.

Events such as Homegrown Heroes serve as powerful reminders that community transformation begins with recognizing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to service, mentorship, and economic empowerment.

About 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. - The 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life within communities through mentorship, education, health and wellness initiatives, and economic empowerment programs.

Guided by its "Four For The Future" ® model and the motto “What They See They’ll Be" ®, the organization works to cultivate the next generation of leaders while strengthening communities through service and advocacy.