Sharply dressed in new suits and ties from Fauzio's, 22 high-school-age boys were lined up before the 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock Christmas Gala at the Doubletree Hotel on Dec. 20. These were the graduates of the organization's third mentorship program class.
The boys completed the 100 Academy SMART (Success, Motivation, Academics, Respect, Trust) program, and for that, received the new suits, certificates, a personal note from their mentor and a small cash gift. In addition to the graduation, Romine Elementary School was honored with a Community Partnership Award. The chapter reads to the school's second-graders every Friday.
Christopher Payne and Dedjaran Dunbar received Real Men of Service Awards. Board president John Miller noted the two were "real men giving real time."
Braylan Debrow, who graduated from the program last year, was honored as the Peer Mentor of the Year.
Three new members were welcomed into the 100 Black Men service organization: Jason Leffall, Mark Overton and Louis Portlock.
The evening also included a seated dinner and music by Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers.
The Greater Little Rock chapter is one of 110 worldwide. The mission of this group is mentoring, education, health and wellness and community development.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 12/28/2014