Larry Lester Works To Memorialize Negro League Players

webmaster — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:07:17 +0000

The New York Times highlighted the efforts of the Negro Leagues Grave Marker Project, a team dedicated to raising money and placing headstones (sometimes by hand!) on the unmarked graves of Negro Leagues players. Larry Lester, a member of the 100 BMKC and Negro Leagues baseball historian is part of this effort.

Cause For Alarm Event Promotes Fire Safety

webmaster — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:00:49 +0000

From Zac Narcisse, Health & Wellness Chair….

First off, I want to send a SPECIAL thanks to the mentors of the 100 for your participation in the Cause for Alarm event this past weekend. These mentors included: Zachary Narcisse, Ottawa Williams, Cleveland Woodson, David Ford, Rory Kirk, and Denzil Ross. I am pleased to say that the mentees outnumbered us this past weekend. The mentees included: Dontae Carter, Perry Davis, Trinton Davis, Kevon Parnell, Jaequan Prevo, CJ, and Darius Amos. We had an excellent time with the boys and they were very excited about the work they were doing. This event gave us an opportunity to not only do some good community work but also some individual mentoring as we canvassed throughout the neighborhoods. With the addition of Cleveland’s guest, we were able to make our goal of 14 volunteers on behalf of the 100 Black Men. Thanks again to all of you for your efforts.

The “Cause For Alarm” Program is dedicated to promoting fire safety throughout Kansas City. Volunteers from “the 100″ canvass local neighborhoods to distribute and install fire alarms and safety equipment and to discuss fire prevention.

Thanks guys!

1st Annual Father of the Year Award- PRESS RELEASE

webmaster — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:59:13 +0000

KANSAS CITY, MO. March 15, 2010. In June, the nation will once again celebrate Father’s Day. In consideration of the holiday, the 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, and Kansas City Healthy Start’s Dedicated Dads program are partnering to salute African-American fathers for their first annual Father of the Year Award. The award ceremony will be Saturday, June 5, 2010, at their “Celebration of Fathers” awards reception at the American Jazz Museum.

Youth are encouraged to nominate their father by submitting 1) a photo of their father and 2) an essay—one page or less—on “What my father means to me and why he should be named Kansas City’s Father of the Year”. Nominations are due by May 1, 2010.

“The Father of the Year award gives kids a chance to put into words the positive influence their father has on their lives. We are excited to provide this opportunity to spread the word about the many excellent African-American fathers in our community,” said Anthony Williams, president of the 100 Black Men of KC.
The importance of committed fathers cannot be taken for granted. Research shows that half of all children, and 80 percent of African-American children, can expect to spend at least part of their childhood living apart from their fathers. Yet, involved fathers benefit their child directly and the larger community. According to a report by the National Fathering Initiative, involved fathers reduce the risk for children to be poor, become teen parents, fail in school and come in contact with the criminal justice system. In addition, it lessens the estimated $100 billion cost in federal programs that support father-absent homes.

“Being a father is the most important job any man can have, but it’s not just about being there for the big events in your child’s life,” said Tyrone Yarbrough, Kansas City Healthy Start community mobilizer. “When we think back on our own childhoods, we remember the little things, like playing catch or shooting baskets with our dad. That’s why Kansas City Healthy Start is proud to offer an afternoon of activities fathers and children can enjoy together in conjunction with the Father’s Day Award.”
In addition to the awards program, fathers will have an opportunity to participate in seminars to share and improve their fathering skills. For more information and to nominate your father, visit 100blackmenkc.org or mail your essay, contact information and photo by May 1st to P.O. Box 12500, Kansas City, KS 66112.
For sponsor opportunities, please call 866-560-8865 or e-mail info@100blackmenkc.org.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City is devoted to improving the quality of life for African-Americans, particularly young males in the Kansas City metropolitan area, through programs focusing on mentoring, education, health & wellness and economic empowerment.

Kansas City Healthy Start is a program of Mother & Child Health Coalition. Their Dedicated Dads program was developed to connect fathers and men to community resources that help them become better role models for their children and families.
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is currently serving his third term representing the Fifth District of Missouri in the House of Representatives and sits on the exclusive Financial Services Committee, Homeland Security Committee and the Speaker’s Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.