One-Hundred Black Men: Exploring the History and Relevance from National Impact to Erie's Chapter
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Roosevelt Robinson, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, broke the color barrier by becoming the first Black baseball player to appear in a modern big-league game. Fifty years later Robinson's number was officially retired, and in 2004, April 15 became officially known as Jackie Robinson Day. Less known is Robinson's active membership in the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), his commitment to the Civil Rights movement, and his role in the development of 100 Black Men.
One-Hundred Black Men began in 1963 began as a concept to organize African American men to explore ways to improve conditions in Black communities. The national organization, The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. was established on October 2, 1986. The organization's objectives are focused on mentorship, leadership development, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.
Join JES Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Parris Baker and Marcus Atkinson, President of the Erie Chapter of 100 Black Men, as they discuss the history of 100 Black, its relevance in light of recent attempts to eradicate significant historic gains of the Civil Rights movement, and the role of the local chapter in addressing community challenges in the African American communities.
*Community Conversation (Free)
*If purchasing a lunch, please register 48 hours in advance. Thank you! Vegetarian option available.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Friday, April 11, 12pm to 1:30pm
Admission: Free; Lunch optional, $5/person (Vegetarian option available)
*If you do NOT receive a letter from gerlock@jeserie.org within 24-48 hours regarding your registration, please check your spam or junk folder. Thank you!
Parris J. Baker, PhD., MSSA, Associate Professor and Director, Social Work, Mortuary Science, and Gerontology Programs, Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, Gannon University. He received his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in social work from Gannon University, Case Western Reserve University, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, and the University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, respectively. In 2011, Dr. Baker became the first African American tenured professor at Gannon University. He most recently became a Jefferson Education Society Scholar-In-Residence and Harry T. Burleigh and Beyond Fellow.
Marcus Atkinson, B.A., is the host of NEXT on WQLN Radio and CEO of The Publix Voice Media LLC. Atkinson is also the Executive Director of ServErie. A native of Erie and a graduate of Strong Vincent, Marcus spent over a decade in Atlanta, GA, where he earned a degree in Business from Clayton State University and immersed himself in political and community organizing. Since his return to Erie in 2005 leading up to his tenure at ServErie, Marcus has been heavily involved in youth empowerment and advocating for the greater Erie community.
