Belmont was the first and only organization to say “Welcome Home” to the students involved in the 100 Kings leadership development program launched in 2003 by the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee (The 100).
The 100 is a nonprofit committed to providing resources that further the academic and social development of Black male students in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee. The 100 presented an award to Belmont to recognize the enduring partnership between the two entities at the nonprofit’s 33rd annual Gala, held June 1.
Belmont Provost David Gregory accepted the award and 100 Kings Executive Director Andre Lee shared remarks about the impact of Belmont’s long-standing commitment.
“In today’s time, it’s rare to have thriving relationships that span decades,” Lee said. “Tonight, we’re highlighting one that has embraced, lifted and nurtured our organization for twenty years. Since 2003, Belmont University has been a home for the 100 Kings program and has supported our growing list of academic initiatives. When we exceed, it’s largely in part due to the blessing Belmont has been.”
The 100 Kings program is intentionally designed for Black male students in 5th through 12th grade. Belmont has served as a host site for twenty years, providing a secure and stable environment to help support the program’s longevity.
“It is incumbent upon us as institutions of higher learning to provide opportunities and ways in which we can help to mentor and help these young men to flourish,” Belmont Chief of Staff and Vice President for Administration Dr. Susan West said. " The 100 Kings program is beneficial in not just the lives of these young men but also beneficial in helping us to realize our true purpose.”
Belmont’s involvement has grown from simply being a host site to contributing to the 100 Kings programs in various ways including providing training space, lunch, facilitators, panelists, scholarships and speakers over the years.
Belmont’s mission to develop diverse leaders of purpose, character, wisdom and transformational mindset, eager and equipped to make the world a better place is being actualized through its support of the 100 Kings program.
“You’ve met your mission with The 100,” Lee said at Saturday's Gala. “You’ve exceeded your goal through our bond, and for this, we are immensely grateful. We’d like to honor your commitment to the betterment of our growing community of young men.”
A marker of success and growth, 100 Kings welcomed a cohort of nearly double the program's historical count for its summer session.
Learn more about the 100 Kings program.