By Carla Thomas

The 100 Black Men of the Bay Area hosted their 35th Annual Scholarship Benefit and Awards Gala at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis on Saturday, Dec. 9. Themed “Making a Change 100 at a Time,” the event was headlined by singer Chanté Moore with performances by 16-year-old saxophone jazz musician Ayo Brame.

Community service award recipients included Alton Management Corporation, Roots Health Center and Bay Area broadcaster Dave Clark.

Maxine Reynolds, the widow of Alton Management Corportion’s late principal Al Reynolds, who passed away in April, graciously accepted the award. Over 31 years ago her husband and his business partner, Billy Hutton joined forces to form Alton Management Corporation with the intent on training and hiring young brothers and sisters in the housing industry. The property management firm worked with housing cooperatives and other organizations specializing in affordable housing throughout the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Atlanta recovering financially troubled properties.

“Many families have access to safe and affordable housing because my husband and the company are committed to serving clients in a dignified manner,” said Reynolds. “Billy Hutton carries on the company’s legacy.”

Kevin Mitchell, Director of Resource Development for the Roots Community Health Center in Oakland accepted the organization’s award. “There is a life expectancy difference of 15 years for individuals living in the hills as opposed to the inner-city flatlands,” he said. “We are changing the narrative because we are not fighters, we are healers.” Roots, through its medical and behavioral health care, health navigation, workforce enterprises, housing outreach and advocacy supports of those impacted by systemic inequities and poverty.

Beloved KTVU Channel 2 broadcaster Dave Clark was also honored for his community coverage. Clark spoke from the heart about his pursuit of reporting the good news in the Black community in the midst of the often negative news of the world. Originally from Philadelphia, Clark said he was determined to be a broadcaster and his parents supported his dream of trailblazing. Clark went on to win awards for reporting on the landmark O.J. Simpson trial and the Northridge Earthquake. “I’m able to stand before you today because of the support from my amazing wife Lucretia,” said Clark. Lucretia was Clark’s classmate in the 3rd grade.

Alameda County Supervisor (D-1) Keith Carson was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Carson, though not in attendance, was recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between resources and disparities in the community representing District 1 and roles chairing the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, the Alameda County Budget Work Group Committee, the Alameda County Personnel, Administration and Legislation Committee, and the Alameda County Health Committee.

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life within the Bay Area and beyond by advancing the social, economic, health and educational progress of African Americans,” said 100 Black Men president Chuck Baker. “We focus on the low to moderate income community, and offer programming and resources to support wise financial, health and lifestyle choices that can lead to family-sustaining wages and long-term career and life success.”

“Our motto, ‘What They See Is What They’ll Be’ refers to a ‘lead by example’ approach that resonates with our youth who often lack the exposure or positive behavior modeling from caring and successful African American men,” said 100 Black Men board member, Dr. Lawrence VanHook, pastor of The Community Church.

Gala Chairman Danny L. Williams, was excited to celebrate the occasion with singer Chanté Moore performing. “Moore is a class act,” he said. “She performed for our 25th gala and we are proud to have her 10 years later at our 35th year gala.”

Young adult speaker, Ricky Jackson said because of the mentoring of the organization he went from a troubled teen to a dual degreed student in his twenties.

Joseph Simmons, Pastor of Greater St. Paul in Oakland was awarded as 100 Black Man of the Year. “He embodies our brotherhood creed and is all about the work to be done,” said President Chuck Baker.

For more information visit: www.100blackmenba.org

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post