100 Black Men of Atlanta Reception
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr.
Plaza Ballroom, Ritz Carlton
Atlanta, Georgia
Over the past seven weeks I’ve received a very warm welcome to Georgia. It’s true what is said about this state’s Southern hospitality. It’s unmatched.
Please know that I am honored by this official reception. Thank you for reaching out and for hosting me in this manner. I am deeply appreciative. And please note that I have been a member.
These events are beginning to worry me, though. Everywhere I go, people are welcoming me and telling me what a great job they know I’m going to do. And the more I hear this said, the more I think, “You know — I could mess this up.” Why doesn’t someone tell me how well I’ve done after I’ve done something! So please know that I will be working very hard to honor your welcome and to fulfill your expectations.
As we move forward with our work, I look forward to continuing the successful partnership we have with organizations such as 100 Black Men of Atlanta. We share your mission: improving the quality of life for our youth — and in your case, that of African-American Youth.
The ties and relationships between the University System and this organization are extensive. I won’t take the time to mention all of the individuals who either work in our System and who count themselves among your members — or those who have worked with us on specific programs. But let me say “thank you” for your involvement.
However, I will note that our longest serving member of the Board of Regents — Regent Elridge McMillan — has been a member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta and Regent Bill Cleveland is a current member. So you are well represented on the Board of Regents. And both of these gentlemen are here tonight. Another member of our Board, Regent Wanda Rodwell, also is in attendance.
Your current president, Bob Haley, is not only an important member of this group, he also is invaluable to Georgia Tech’s president, Wayne Clough, serving as a special assistant and director of Special Projects. And I understand Bob has played a key role in the Board of Regents’ efforts to encourage more African-American males to prepare for and enroll in college through our African-American Male Initiative.
In fact, a number of the leaders of 100 Black Men of America also have been involved in this initiative, so I thank your organization for all of its contributions on behalf of Georgia’s youth.
The 100 and the University System of Georgia share a passion and a dedication for improving the lives and the possibilities of young people. Your work is now more vital than ever.
In fact, the plight of black males is increasingly on the national radar. For example, a major article in this week’s New York Times cited some very troubling statistics: The article noted: “the share of young black men without jobs has climbed relentlessly.”
- In 2000, 65 percent of black male high-school dropouts in their 20’s were jobless — unable to find work, not seeking work, or incarcerated.
- By 2004, that number had climbed to 72 percent.
- In comparison, in 2004, 34 percent of whites and 19 percent of Hispanic high-school dropouts in their 20’s were jobless.
And the article noted things weren’t much better for Black male high-school graduates. Fifty percent of all Black men in their 20’s were jobless — whether they graduated or dropped out, up from 46 percent in 2000.
Even more shocking, the Times piece cited an analysis of 2000 census data which revealed that of all black high-school dropouts in their 20’s, more are in prison on a given day — 34 percent — than are working — 30 percent. These are unacceptable statistics!
So if anyone doubts the need for organizations such as 100 Black Men, this is a sobering reminder of the work that must be done and the continued commitment necessary to change these numbers for the better. As members of this outstanding, national organization, you are committed to giving back to the community in return for the personal success each of you has enjoyed.
As members of the Atlanta chapter, you walk with such greats as Hank Aaron and Andrew Young — internationally recognized leaders who continue to excel in business and world affairs. In fact, we are extremely proud of the fact that the renowned School of Public Policy at Georgia State University bears the name of Andrew Young. This is a very impressive group, a hard-working and committed group, and an organization focused on results.
I look forward to our continued association and our joint progress as we work together to achieve the Board of Regents’ mission of “Creating A More Educated Georgia.” Our youth deserve the role models, support, mentoring and leadership you provide. Again, your efforts are more critical now than ever before.
Thank you, again, for this warm and generous welcome reception. It is an honor to be with you this evening. I look forward to working with you in the future.