The power of mentorship will be front and center this summer as 100 Black Men of America, Inc. hosts its 40th Annual Conference in New York City from June 17 through June 21.
The milestone event will bring together national leaders, educators, corporate partners, youth advocates, and community stakeholders from across the country, all united around one mission: improving the quality of life in African American communities and beyond through mentorship, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment, according to Patch.
Founded in 1963 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, 100 Black Men of America has grown into a global network of chapters dedicated to uplifting underserved communities. Its signature focus on mentorship remains the heart of the organization’s impact, offering young people access to guidance, leadership, and life-changing opportunities.
Organizers say this year’s conference will highlight mentorship not simply as support, but as a transformational tool for building stronger communities and shaping future generations.
For mentees, mentorship provides far more than career advice. It offers access to role models who represent discipline, achievement, and possibility. Through sustained relationships, young people often see stronger academic performance, increased confidence, improved life skills, and greater awareness of future career paths.
Mentors also benefit deeply from the experience. Many report renewed purpose, stronger leadership skills, and the fulfillment that comes from helping shape the next generation. The conference will explore these dynamics while offering attendees opportunities for networking, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving.
A major presence at the conference will be the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc., one of the newest chapters within the national organization. Chartered in 2022, the chapter serves Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and surrounding communities with a focus on mentoring, education, leadership development, and economic empowerment.
The chapter is led by founding president Phil Andrews, a longtime advocate for minority-owned businesses and community advancement. Under his leadership, the chapter has quickly established itself as a major force for positive change across Eastern New York.
The conference is expected to attract young professionals, students, business leaders, nonprofit executives, educators, and families who understand the value of mentorship as a long-term investment.
As the organization celebrates four decades of impact, this year’s gathering serves as both a reflection on its legacy and a roadmap for the future. With its enduring motto, “What they see is what they’ll be,” the conference aims to inspire the next generation of leaders while reinforcing mentorship as one of the most powerful tools for lasting change.