100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. 2025 Program Book by 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc.

December 17, 2025

BRING YOUR TOYS AND JOIN US FOR FOOD, FUN, AND GIVING BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON CIGAR BAR OPENS AT 8:30 PM

History of 100 Black Men

The history of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland began when several men traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, at the invite of the late Roosevelt Adams. Roosevelt was a Clevelander who moved to Atlanta and became a successful businessman. Roosevelt introduced Michael Nelson to Thomas W. Dortch, the National Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America and a very prominent businessperson in his own right. Thomas and Roosevelt explained to Nelson that they had met with some Cleveland Black businessmen and community leaders about starting a chapter of the 100. Nelson knew many of the names they mentioned and even indicated that he had participated in at least two attempts to organize a Cleveland chapter. At this point, Nelson promised both men that he would get the ball rolling in Cleveland to get a chapter in place. Nelson concluded that he would hold an organizational meeting of individuals who fit into each category, including representatives from the powerful political factions, Congressman Louis Stokes, former City Council President George Forbes, and Mayor Michael R. White. They were not informed where the meeting would be held until the day.

A date was set, and Nelson invited a number of his friends, including Larry Hines, Gregory Clifford, Curtis (Griggs), Tony Smith, Luther Towers, and Julius Singleton, along with Stokes’ rep, Ron Adrine, Forbes’ rep, Darrell Fields, and White’s rep, Nate Gray to meet with Chairman Dortch and Roosevelt Adams. The meeting was held at the nowclosed Eloise’s Restaurant on East 79th and Carnegie. The chapter was established in 1997 and became a fullfledged chapter. These guys were familiar with the 100 through business, political, or family connections. After listening to the impressive Thomas Dortch and about an hour or so of discussion, the decision was made to incorporate formally, set a dues structure of $250 annually, and begin recruiting members. So, in 1997, The 100 Black Men in Cleveland was established.

The first significant event was a rollout at the Cleveland Clinic. Over 90 men committed to joining, with about 70

men paying dues. Mayor Michael R. White committed to buying 100 copies of nationally known motivational speaker George Fraser’s book Success Runs in Our Race for each member. George, who attended the opening event, graciously took the time to autograph each member’s copy. The next major event was a fundraising gala featuring nationally known recording artist the late Phyllis Hyman. The event coordinator was the dynamic Richard Johnson, who would probably be considered a significant internet influencer in today’s social media world. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Cleveland, and to say it was a success would be an understatement. Funds raised by that first gala supported the Cleveland chapter’s version of the National 100’s Four For The Future programs of Health/Wellness, Economic Development, Education, and Mentoring. Larry Hines was our first Program Director, assisted by Curtis (Griggs). The parentheses are intentional; that’s how Curtis spelled his last name.

The 100 would continue to grow its brand in Cleveland. The group coordinated mentoring programs in many schools, including Daniel E. Morgan Elementary School, Cleveland East Senior High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Shaw High School (East Cleveland), and Warrensville Heights High School. The 100 also held a Saturday morning mentoring program at its offices in Cleveland’s Shaker Square complex. Programs included a reading program at Daniel E Morgan and a stock market competition at East High School. One of the highlights of the plan was the success of our East High Stock Market Challenge team, which traveled to Atlanta and took on some of the nation’s most prominent schools, finishing in a highly respectable 3rd place of the schools that competed.

The chapter is still thriving in 2025, celebrating twentyeight years; after seven chairpersons and numerous galas, the 100 Black Men are still mentoring in such schools as Wade Park and Kenneth Clement Boys Leadership Academy, to name a couple.

Welcome from the Chairman

Dear Friends and Supporters,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and all our members it is my great pleasure to welcome you to An Evening of Excellence with the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., celebrating Champions of Change: Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship, and Service. Tonight we come together to reflect on the lives we’ve touched, the progress we’ve made, and the promise of what’s still to come.

This evening is a reflection of what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose and heart. The funds raised tonight directly support our mentoring programs; one-onone and group mentoring, leadership development, academic support, and life skills training — all designed to empower the young people we serve to help them realize their full potential.

You are celebrating with us tonight because you care - mentors who give their time and wisdom, parents who trust us with their children, sponsors and community partners who invest in our mission, and, most importantly, our mentees, who carry with them a dream; and because of your support, those dreams are being nurtured, guided, and achieved.

A vital part of that support comes through our scholarship program, which helps deserving young men continue their education and pursue their goals beyond high school. These scholarships are more than financial aid - they are a statement of belief. They say to our youth, we see you, we believe in you, and we’re investing in your future.

We also take this moment to recognize and honor community leaders who continue to inspire through their example, commitment, and service. Their dedication reminds us that leadership is not about titles, but about impact. Our four pillars are Mentoring, Health and Wellness, Education and Economic Empowerment; and their work in these areas inspire us to keep going, to reach higher, and to give more.

As we celebrate tonight, let us remember that every contribution, every hour volunteered, and every word of encouragement creates a ripple of change that strengthens our entire community. Take a look around the room. You are the folks who understand the challenge. Together, we are making a difference.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

Gregory Lockhart Chairman, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Welcome from the Gala Chairman

Welcome to our 2025 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Evening of Excellence Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship and Service.

We appreciate your attendance and financial support, it is evidence that you personally and Greater Cleveland supports our work and enables us to continue to provide vital services and programs to Greater Cleveland, particularly for African American youth.

In addition to the work of the 100 Black Men, in support of young people, tonight we are recognizing individuals who demonstrate remarkable charitable and organizational leadership.

Tonight we honor and recognize individuals who exemplify the impact which they have had in advancing our community.

To our Chairman, Greg Lockhart, 100 Black Men Officers, members, sponsors and supporters, on behalf of the Gala Committee and volunteers, we appreciate and thank you.

Enjoy the evening and we look forward celebrating our honorees this evening and for years to come in the important work of improving Greater Cleveland.

Thank you and Happy Holidays,

Glen Shumate 2025 Gala Chairman 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland

Chris Ronayne

The County Executive of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, takes profound pride in recognizing

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

on the occasion of their 2025 Evening of Excellence Champions of Change: Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship, and Service

WHEREAS, WHEREAS,

WHEREAS,

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. was founded in 1998 to provide services to African Americans in urban Cleveland and East Cleveland neighborhoods. The organization works to identify, examine, and address issues affecting the community with programs focusing primarily on youth – creating mentoring opportunities that help break cycles of violence that black youth frequently experience in the home and their local communities; and

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. is deeply committed to fostering the intellectual development of youth and promoting the economic empowerment of the African American community. Guided by the core values of respect for family, spirituality, justice, and integrity, the organization works to create positive, lasting change in the lives of young people. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland strives to empower the next generation to achieve their fullest potential; and

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. has programs with focus in four key areas – mentorship, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. These programs include the Collegiate 100 Chapter mentoring program, Wednesday morning tutoring sessions, and the African American Wellness Walk; and

WHEREAS,

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. hosts its Evening of Excellence, “Champions of Change: Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship, and Service, ” on November 22, 2025. This premier fundraising event highlights the organization’s programs, honors individuals who exemplify its mission, and celebrates the achievements of the students it serves. This year’s awardees include:

Demetruis Johnson — Mentoring Award

Sonny Johnson — Mentoring Award

Felisha Gould — Education Award

Gregory Hall — Health & Wellness Award

Brandy Mickens — Economic Empowerment Award

These honorees are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to mentorship, education, healthcare, economic growth, leadership, and community development

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Executive of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, hereby recognizes 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. on the occasion of their 2025 Evening of Excellence, Champions of Change: Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship, and Service. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful event.

Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga

Duly adopted this 22nd day of November, 2025

County Executive

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition

P R E S E N T E D T O T H E

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c o m m u n i t y

November 22 , 2025 nd

DATE Shontel M Brown Member of Congress

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

DOLLARS AND SENSE

Economic Development

This program strives to improve the financial literacy of our mentees by exposing them to numerous financial basic principles such as the importance of saving, budgeting, and how to use credit wisely. The mentees will work from resources selected by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and will learn from local professionals in the banking and investment industry as well 100 BMOGC, Inc. mentors. This program will prepare our high school students for the opportunity to compete in the dollars and sense competition held prior to our annual National convention, and give them the tools necessary to start successfully on their financial journey.

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

TUTORING - MENTORING

Mentoring

This program takes our mentors directly into the schools where we work with students on various subjects to help them succeed. Our mentors work with our younger mentees, at Wade Park elementary school on math and science, with a focus on reading. We know that improving literacy boosts outcomes from academic success to workforce development; to improved health results, to reduced crime. We are able to work both one on one and in group settings which gives us the flexibility to tailor the session for the best possible result. We believe in leading by example and our motto, “What They See Is What They’ll Be” proves it.

WELL CONNECTED WEDNESDAY

Health & Wellness

Well Connected Wednesday is in partnership with the Warrensville Heights YMCA and teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by working out and eating right. The program affords our mentors and mentees another opportunity to spend quality time together, benefiting from cardio and weight training. The monthly sessions begin with an assessment of the mentees strength, endurance and confidence. Goals are established and reassessed at the end of the program session to determine the amount of progress made.

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

GROUP MENTORING PRESENTATIONS

Mentoring

This program takes place at Cleveland Central Catholic high school once a week and focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL). The students and mentors explore the process of applying knowledge, mindset, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set goals, and make good decisions. We also share information on the value of soft skills and have a variety of successful speakers who share their stories of achievement and open the minds of the students to think big and devise a plan to make those thoughts become reality. An important component of this program is the time allocated to listen to the students’ concerns and engage the entire group in a discussion with their peers guided by the direction of the mentors.

STEM

Education

The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland’s mentoring program made its foray into the world of STEM in 2025, with a specific focus on software development. Through a partnership with Mosaic Tech Movement, a local out-of-school computer/data science educational organization, a new programmatic offering was created for the mentees of the 100. Mentees now have the opportunity to attend classes once a week, learning relevant computer science skills in areas such as HTML, JavaScript, and Python. This not only enhances their computational skills but also equips them to seize the rapidly growing STEM opportunities. A significant success for the new STEM program was when a team of three mentees had the chance to travel to the national 100 Black Men of America conference this year in New Orleans and compete in the inaugural STEM competition.

The Cleveland chapter mentees’ achievement of winning second place and receiving awards and monetary prizes is a testament to their hard work and dedication. It also marks a promising start for the program, hinting at a bright and exciting future.

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE

Health & Wellness

Education

EconomicMentoringDevelopment

SATURDAY ACADEMY

The Saturday Academy is a comprehensive program designed to empower and uplift participants in various aspects of their lives. Each session, spanning two hours, may include mentoring, health and wellness, education or financial literacy. Mentoring sessions provide personalized guidance and support, fostering positive relationships between participants and mentors who serve as role models and advocates for their success.

Health and wellness activities focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, incorporating exercises, discussions on nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Educational components offer interactive workshops and resources to enhance academic skills, explore career pathways, and promote lifelong learning.

Throughout the program, guest speakers address relevant topics such as leadership, resilience, and cultural identity, inspiring and motivating participants to reach their full potential. Exposure field trips provide opportunities for real-world learning experiences, connecting participants with professionals and resources in their community.

The Saturday Academy collaborates with community partners, including schools, businesses, and organizations, to provide additional support and resources, fostering a supportive network and promoting community engagement. Parents are encouraged to join a conversation that lets them express their concerns and issues they face with their children. We provide community experts to share resources to help find solutions. Overall, the Saturday Academy serves as a transformative space where young African American males and their families can thrive, grow, and succeed in all aspects of their lives.

2025 Mentee Participants

Vincent Cheatam

14 years old

Freshman, Superior School of Performing Arts

Emcee

Eric Paul

16 years old

Junior, Beachwood High School

Emcee

J’Lyn Lee Dukes

14 years old

8th grader, Warrensville Heights Middle School Reflections

Zacahariah Custodio

16 years old

Junior, John Hay Academic Campus Reflections

one open door can open doors across a community.

Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved, supporting people who make a difference and working with communityfocused organizations through investments, philanthropy, and volunteering. We believe that together we can keep our communities full of hope, compassion, and opportunity, one open door at a time.

KeyBank thanks 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. for making a difference.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Lavell Borum

Warrensville Heights High School

Will attend South Carolina or Howard University

Geovanni Hester

Warrensville Heights High School

Will attend Louisiana State University A & M or The University of Tennessee

Dalonte Clay

Rhodes College and Career Academy

Naijal Hawkins

Davis Aerospace and Maritime Academy

Quincy Boyd John Hay

Isiah Heyman

Warrensville Heights High School

Kingston Jackson Richmond Heights

Eric Paul

Beachwood High School

James T. Nolan

Warrensville Heights High School

Douglas Taylor

Brush High School

GREA COMMU

Make a difference in your community.

Greater Cleveland Community Credit Union (GCCCU) is a full service, federally insured financial institution that has served people of the Greater Cleveland community for over 85 years; offering personalized service including loan and deposit products. Among other designations, GCCCU is a Minority Depository Institution and certified Community Development Financial Institution. Your savings, checking, and certificate of deposit accounts are safe, secure, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to a total of $250,000. We also offer among some of the lowest interests available on our loan products.

Thank You to our Sponsors

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc

Sessions on:

•Mentoring • Education • Health & Wellness • Economic Empowerment

•Provide mentoring for personalized guidance and support

•We promote leadership and opportunity through expert speakers and exposure with field trips

•Interactive workshops to enhance skills and explore career pathways

•A collaboration with community partners

•Parental participation encouraged

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An Evening of Excellence with 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. C hampions of C hange: Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship, and Service

November 22, 2025

Masters of Ceremony - 100 Black Men Mentees

Grand March

New Member Pinning Ceremony

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc

Gregory Lockhart & Member Sponsor

Mentee Afirmation Mentees

Every V oice & Sing

Invocation

Welcome, Goal of the Evening, Acknowledgments

Title Sponsor Remarks

The “100” - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Youth Performance

Reflections

Michael A Baston, J D , Ed D , Member

Glen Shumate, Event Chairman

Alan Groedel, President

Gregory Lockhart, Chairman

De’Vyonne Yarbrough

D inner is Served

J’Lyn Lee Dukes

Zacahariah Custodio

Award Presentations Leadership

Scholarship Awards

Closing Remarks

Benediction

Tyson Mitchell, Member

Gregory Lockhart, Chairman

Robert L Solomon, Esq., Member

Mentoring Award

Sonny Johnson, the son of Pastor William and Narbell Johnson, has four siblings: Juby, Meechie, Celina, and Charity. During his junior and senior seasons, the Garfield Heights native consistently dominated statewide. As a sophomore, he averaged 20 points per game, as a junior, 26 points and as a senior, averaging 34.1 ppg and 15 rebounds. He was a multiple-time Plain Dealer Player of the Week. His high school success cemented him as one of the top prospects in the state.

Following high school, Johnson played collegiate basketball, beginning at Cleveland State before eventually continuing at Ohio University. At Ohio, he made a name for himself as a highly impactful sixth man in the Mid-American Conference. He was the top 6th man with 15 points as a junior and 15 as a senior.

After his playing days, Johnson returned to his roots. He became head coach at his alma mater, Garfield Heights High School, using his experience and passion to mentor young players. He also founded Northeast Ohio Youth Elite (NEO Youth Elite), an organization dedicated to skill development, exposure, and mentoring for youth basketball players in the nation. Under his leadership, Garfield Heights has become a powerhouse, consistently producing collegiate talent.

Johnson comes from a family with strong basketball roots. He has two brothers who also played Division I basketball. More recently, his legacy as Mr. Basketball has been matched by his son, Marcus Johnson, who in 2025 became Ohio Mr. Basketball as a junior, making them the first father-son duo in Ohio history to claim the award.

Johnson prides himself on working tirelessly for players to make sure they have the opportunity to attend college on basketball scholarships. He does this by training, mentoring, and advocating for his players. Since 2004, Coach Johnson has developed and trained over 25 Division I basketball players and secured numerous basketball scholarships, placing over 100 kids in college. Sonny Johnson has won over 71% of his basketball games; he has been in 12 district finals, won 8 district finals, and been to four high school Final Fours. His record 375 wins and 110 losses. Sonny Johnson is a great family man with his four beautiful children: Sonny, Serena, Marcus, and Mia.

Demetrius Johnson was born on February 5, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, to William and Narbell Johnson. From an early age, he was passionate about basketball, often playing with his older brothers, Sonny and Julius, at local parks and in their backyard. That passion turned into purpose in middle school when he scored an incredible 58 points in a single game, a performance that ignited both his confidence and his dream of playing in the NBA.

Demetrius attended Warrensville Heights High School, where he made an immediate and impressive impact. As a 6’4” freshman point guard, he came off the bench as the sixth man and helped lead the team to a state championship in 2000. His high school career only soared from there. In his sophomore year, he led the team in scoring and took them back to the state finals, posting 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the title game. That season, he averaged 23 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game.

As a junior, Demetrius averaged 29 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors and leading his team to a 22–3 record. His senior year was his best yet: he averaged 34.1 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, recorded five tripledoubles, and was again named Gatorade Player of the Year and MVP of the Lake Erie League. He was an All-American nominee, ranked among the Top 100 players in the country, and led the state in scoring, with a season-high of 50 points in a single game.

Demetrius began his college basketball career at Kent State University before transferring to Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). Despite battling a knee injury, he made history at IPFW by recording the school’s first-ever tripledouble. As a senior and team captain, he averaged 8 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds over 25 games, notching six double-doubles and earning Player of the Week honors three times. His performance attracted scouts from the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, and he entered the NBA Draft. That season, he ranked nationally in several categories, including second in assists per 40 minutes and third in rebounds among point guards. He earned his bachelor’s degree from IPFW and went on to play professionally in Laško, Slovenia, where he averaged 8 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Beyond the court, Demetrius is a devoted father to four children: Demetrius Jr., who is the starting point guard for South Carolina men’s basketball, Noah, Aniyah, and Naudia, all of whom are following in their father’s footsteps by playing basketball. He spent 13 years coaching boys’ basketball as an assistant at Garfield Heights High School alongside his brother, who served as head coach.

Today, Demetrius is the head boys’ basketball coach and a Behavior Specialist at his alma mater, Warrensville Heights High School.

Sonny and Demetrius Johnson

Education Award

Dr. Felisha Gould is a visionary, transformational, and servant leader. Dr. Felisha Gould is a distinguished and visionary educational leader with nearly three decades of experience driving transformative change in educational systems. Her leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in student-centered practices, collaboration, mentoring, effective communication, and parent and community engagement, guides her work.

She is known for her expertise in strategic planning and her unwavering commitment to educational equity. This philosophy, guided by the core belief that every student’s success is paramount, has led to a proven track record of fostering academic excellence and systemic improvement.Dr. Gould’s passion for STEM education is evident in her career. Born in Birmingham, AL, and educated in Detroit, MI, she developed a deep love for science inspired by influential teachers.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology/PreMed from Talladega College and received a full scholarship to The University of Akron, where she obtained multiple advanced degrees. Her Doctor of Philosophy from Concordia University in Chicago focused on the leadership competencies of Superintendents and School Boards in high-performing school districts.

Dr. Gould’s career is marked by significant achievements in various roles. She began as an environmental specialist for the Department of Commerce for the State of Ohio, where she managed regulatory requirements for underground storage tanks in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit Counties. Her passion for science and her dedication to excellence paved the way for her transition to high school science teacher, where she inspired and mentored countless students. She then took on the role of building principal, and several office administrative roles where she implemented innovative strategies to improve student outcomes. Her success in these roles led to her current position as the Superintendent of the Stow-Munroe Falls School District, where she continues to lead with vision and dedication.

Dr. Gould has been honored with numerous local, state, and national awards, including the AASA Aspiring Female Superintendent Academy Cohort 1, Akron Urban League Educator of the Year, Benjamin Banneker/Louis Latimer Award, Ohio Black Women Caucus for Women in STEM, and OASSA Middle School Principal of the Year.Dr. Gould’s most significant award is that of Servant Leader. She married the love of her life, Michael Gould, Sr., and serves along with her husband at The Arlington Church of God in several ministerial capacities. Michael and Felisha are the proud parents of Regina and Michael, Jr., who both reside in Atlanta, Georgia. Felisha’s life embodies “To Whom much is given, Much is required.”

Health & Wellness Award

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of Williams College, Dr. Greg Hall is an internal medicine physician and an expert in African American health. He serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine and as an Associate Professor in both the Internal Medicine and Integrative Medical Sciences departments at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Dr. Hall was appointed by the governor to the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and served as Chairman for many years. He is currently the Board President of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

Dr. Hall wrote “Precision Medicine for African Americans: A Concise, Evidence-Based Guide to Important Differences and Better Outcomes,” which is the first comprehensive book detailing the optimal clinical care of African Americans. He also recently published “Better Black Health,” a comprehensive guide for African American families. Additionally, he is the founder of VitaCode, LLC, which produces GNetX Sequence Multivitamins for African Americans using a formula based on research-confirmed population outcomes.

He established the non-profit National Institute for African American Health, which mentors Black pre-med and medical students in their studies, facilitates research initiatives in partnership with academic institutions, and provides an online resource for consumer health education. He also hosts the podcast “Better Black Health,” which interviews Black medical specialists about specific diseases affecting the Black community and features patients discussing their health journeys.

At University Hospitals, Hall was awarded the Edgar B. Jackson, Jr., MD Endowed Chair for Clinical Excellence & Diversity, and he is the Medical Director of University Hospitals’ Cutler Center for Men, which takes a multidisciplinary approach to improving all men’s health.

Mickens

Economic Empowerment Award

Brandy Mickens is a respected leader in the financial services industry and community. After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, she began her career in the financial industry. During that time, she helped develop the Retirement Benefits Group in Texas. The group focused on educators’ financial needs and ascended to the #1 RBG branch within Equitable Advisors. Additionally, within her first two years, she was named the Dallas RBG Associate of the Year and received the Fast Start Award. She went on to build a personal practice of over 2,000 clients and lead the partnership with one of the largest school districts in Texas.

In 2014, she pursued a leadership role and became a Vice President with Equitable Advisors. She coached and developed a team of successful advisors who helped clients reach their financial goals. Her success led to her being recognized as the #2 TSM in the company in Hiring and Development in 2015. She was also selected for Equitable’s Emerging Leaders Program from 2016-2018. During this time, she also served on Equitable Advisors’ Black Advisor Field Advisory Council, where she provided guidance and advice to advisors from across the company.

Brandy’s success and leadership throughout her career led her to be appointed Executive Vice President over Equitable Advisors Mid America Branch in 2020. She became the first Black Female EVP within Equitable Advisors. She and her business partner oversee offices in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Since her appointment, the Branch has been recognized as one of the top 10 branches in the company and began the company’s Impact Day Program. Additionally, Brandy was awarded the CEO Award in 2020, Recognized by Crain’s Cleveland as a Notable in Finance in 2022, elected to the Honor Guard Executive Committee in 2022 and 2023, selected for the 2023 Class of Leadership Cleveland, and awarded Equitable’s Cultural Leadership Award in 2022, and Chief Diversity Officer Choice Award in 2023. She’s also served as a speaker for the National Black MBA Conference, Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit, and Finseca’s LAMP conference.

Personally, Brandy has always been involved in her community. She is a mentor, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and serves on the boards of Intertwined and Finseca. Her faith is the cornerstone of her life. She is married, and has a beautiful and intelligent daughter, and a fun-loving pup. She and her family reside in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

NEW MEMBERS

Curtis Bloxson

Clayton Eason

Dr. Terry Echols

Gregory Ensley

Anthony Franklin

Michael Houser

Aubrey Morgan Dr. Cameron Redden

Jayson Richardson

Antwan Steele

Proclamation of Congratulations

WHEREAS, the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. was established in 1997 through the leadership of Michael Nelson, Esq., bringing together civic and community leaders dedicated to improving the quality of life for African Americans through mentorship, education, health, and economic empowerment; and

WHEREAS, guided by the principle “What They See Is What They’ll Be, ” the organization has become a pillar of hope and progress in Greater Cleveland, shaping young lives through its Four for the Future programs: Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment; and

WHEREAS, early supporters such as Council President George L. Forbes, Congressman Louis Stokes, Mayor Michael R. White, Architect Robert P. Madison, and Judge Ronald Adrine along with past leaders including Gregory Clifford, Anthony Peebles, Dr. Gary Carrington, Lee V. Fields, Jr. and Terry Maynard build a legacy of service and leadership that continues today under Chairman Gregory Lockhart; and

WHEREAS, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, the organization will host An Evening of Excellence at the Signature of Solon, honoring “Champions of Change: Mentoring, Scholarship, and Service” and recognizing:

• Demetrius Johnson and Sonny Johnson – Mentoring Award

• Dr. Felisha Gould – Education Award

• Dr. Gregory Hall – Health & Wellness Award

• Mrs. Brandy Mickens – Economic Empowerment Award; and

WHEREAS, through decades of dedication, the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland has inspired academic success, community leadership, and personal growth for countless youth, ensuring that opportunity and excellence remain within reach for all

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Benjamin I. Holbert, III, Mayor of the Village of Woodmere, on behalf of our residents and administration, extend congratulations and appreciation to the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., its leadership, and honorees for their lasting contributions to the Greater Cleveland community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Village of Woodmere to be affixed this 22nd day of November, 2025.

Benjamin Holbert III Mayor, Village of Woodmere, Ohio

Very Special Thank You

To these very special people who helped to make An Evening of Excellence with 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland a success!

COMMITTEE AND LEADERSHIP

Gregory Lockhart, Chairman of the Board

James W. Wade, III - Vice Chairman of the Board

Terrence McWhorter - Director of Finance

Glen Shumate - Gala Chairman

Chris Howse - Committee

Robert Solomon - Committee

Valerie Love - Volunteer Coordinator

Vicki Dansby, Imagine That . . . Event Consultant

PARTNERS

Provide A Ride - Title Sponsor

Keybank - Silver Sponsor | RPM - Silver Sponsor | Step Forward - Silver Sponsor

Dollar Bank - Bronze Sponsor

TABLE SPONSORS

ACE Cleveland | Case Western Reserve University | City of Warrensville Hts. | CLE Consulting

The Cleveland Foundation | Coleman Spohn | Construction Employers Association

Cuyahoga Community College | Equitable Advisors | Erie Bank | First Federal Lakewood

Friendly Inn | Robert Solomon & Greater Heights Church of Christ | Dr. Gregory Hall

Martha Holden Jennings Foundation | PNC Bank | Village of Highland Hills | YMCA

PATRONS

Charles Payton - Mentoring | Charles Payton - Economic Empowerment | Robert Dix - Leadership

VOLUNTEERS

100 BLACK MEN MENTEES

Vincent Cheatam | Zacahariah Custodio | J’Lyn Lee Dukes | Eric Paul

AND ESPECIALLY . . .

Harry Boomer | Brian Smith Photography | Call & Post Newspaper | Center for Arts-Inspired Learning

Clark’s Cuisine | Cleveland 19 News | Cynthia Crawford | Wayne Dawson | Jennifer Coiley Dial

FOX 8 News | GAP Communications | Hear Cleveland | Chris Howse | Christian “CJ” Howse

Lo-Key Entertainment | Remi Murrey | Pretti Parties | LaRese Purnell | Glen Shumate

SRM Awards | David Thomas | Wake Up Call Media