100 Black Men 15th Anniversary Holiday Mixer
by Dianne Anderson
Not everyone gets that special invite to be in the room for the ringing of the Wall Street bell – most are there because they earned it.
That high standard also applies to a group of 100 Black Men of Long Beach youth, who experienced the same thrill as big moneymakers on the floor for taking first-place winnings on their Wells Fargo Stock Market game.
Jessee Johnson, head of programs, said couldn’t have been more proud of the boys for bringing home the prize, competing against about 230 other “100” teams across country, with some from England and the Caribbean.
But financial acumen isn’t their only quality. He said they consistently make the academic grade, they are motivated, and the program is a proven success story all around. The mentees also recently received recognition at City Council.
“We were chapter of the year in 2022 and more importantly our youth and our mentors continue to be very productive, they’ve written four novels,” said Johnson, who founded the 100 BMLB program charter in 2008.
On Friday, December 20, the local chapter welcomes the community out to celebrate the 100 BMLB 15th Annual Fundraiser, featuring youth achievement recognition, a scholarship presentation, and a live auction and entertainment by Torrence Brannon Reese, a charter member of the legendary Delfonics with his 10 piece band.
The event is held at Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus in Room T1200, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., located at 4901 East Carson Street Long Beach. Tickets are $50 at the door or $25 for youth 12 and under.
Everyone is asked to bring a toy and an educational book to redistribute back to the community. Toys and books collected go back to those in need in the Greater Long Beach area.
Since the local chapter was founded, he said they have reached about 1,000 boys and youth, tracking schoolwork, getting students linked to higher education financing resources, and helping with career goals. Program mentors are all professional Black men in a spectrum of careers, legal, medical and academic.
Among the community superachievers, this year’s honorees include Ambassador Diane E. Watson, Mayor Ed Wilson of the City of Signal Hill, the late Vice Mayor Doris Topsy-Elvord and Port of Long Beach Board President, and City of Long Beach Councilmember Al Austin.
Johnson commended Ms. Watson, a Former U.S. Congresswoman, for her countless community accolades, locally, nationally and internationally, starting in education. She served as a psychologist in the school system, which led to numerous programs and committees. She also served as a United States Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.
Wherever she goes, including a recent swearing-in of County Supervisor Janice Hahn, she is instantly recognized.
“They treat her like a superstar and rightfully so,” he said. “ At the swearing in, everybody and their mamma came and said hello and thanked her for all the things she’s done and continues to do in so many capacities.”
Trailblazer close to the community’s heart, the late Doris Topsy Elvord, “Mother Doris” worked as a California Youth Authority counselor, and with Los Angeles County Sheriffs and the Probation Department. She was the first Black woman to serve as a city councilmember and twice as Vice Mayor. She also served as the President of the Port of Long Beach.
“She was a powerhouse in the City of Long Beach, especially when it came to people who looked like her. There were so many people in situations and she helped them out. She helped everyone, but she definitely took care of her own,” he said.
For decades of civil service, outgoing Vice Mayor Edward H.J. Wilson is credited with making a huge impact on homelessness in his city of Signal Hill, and recently held his farewell party as he steps down from service.
Among his numerous positions, Wilson served on the Signal Hill City Council since 1997, and is recognized for 28 years of service, including six terms as Mayor, where he held key roles in the city’s development, major economic projects and affordable housing.
As a long-time treasured member of “the 100,” he served as the treasurer within the organization.
“He’s the longest-standing Black public official,” Johnson said. “He was the first to have when it comes to homelessness to have zero homelessness in his city.”
Also honored at the fundraiser is outgoing Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin II.
“He’s worked with the union for many years, and helped the community and especially the Black community in many ways. He’s done an outstanding job as councilman of the 8th district,” Johnson said.
Looking over the years of impact for the 100 BMLB, Johnson feels it’s great to hold up such exceptional community leaders today, and recognize how their influence impacts the youth of tomorrow.
“We continue to induct other [100 BMLB] members that have the same drive and commitment that we have to bring the organization to the next level and expand what we do to improve the community. There is an ongoing need to help young Black brothers especially, and others in the community.”
