The 100 Black Men of Greater Washington DC aims to develop programs that address the economic underdevelopment of the African American community – programs designed to promote savings, home ownership and entrepreneurship.
Our goal is to instill positive economic values in young people and encourage adults to realize their full economic potential.
Dollars & Sense
The 100 Black Men Greater Washington D.C. Dollars and Sense financial literacy and education program teach students on how to make good financial and life choices. Many American families are struggling in the aftermath of the financial crisis, which reinforces the need for reliable and useful information to facilitate good financial choices. This year we have launched our program in three local High Schools to engage 180 students. We have recruited to act as instructors not only 100 members but also local members of the banking and finance community. Learning and receiving a sound financial literacy education is one of the key indicators of how successful our students will perform when dealing with their own money challenges.
Our dollars and sense efforts do not begin or end with our students in the program. We also include financial literacy in our mentoring program dealing with savings, credit scores and paying for college. We invite parents and members to take part in these sessions. In 2016, Wells Fargo conducted a survey and found out that only 5 percent of people ages 18-21 are confident they will achieve their financial goals. The survey discovered that only 41 percent know what a credit score is; only 28 percent understand annual percentage rates; only 41 percent understand the concept of the 401(K); and only 31 percent understand compound interest.
Homeownership
The 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. Home Preservation program gave grants to those facing financial hardships due to COVID-19 and in need of rental or mortgage assistance. The gift was made possible due to a generous donation by Experian’s United for Financial Health Initiative.
Entrepreneurship
The motto of the 100 Black Men is “what they see is what they will be.” In honor of our commitment to gender pay equity, the 100 Black Men partners with Paradigm One, a woman-owned, Washington, D.C. based small business to facilitate career and education consulting. The 100 Black Men also has a corporate partnership to host our economic empowerment events post pandemic at The Gathering Spot, a Black-owned Washington, D.C. small business.
Securing the Bag: Career Coaching
The 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. Securing the Bag program is a space for young professionals (ages 18 – 40) to create opportunities for career advancement by cultivating an environment that increase competence, fosters community, and amplifies confidence. The 7-week curriculum includes the creation of a resume, LinkedIn profile, and developing an elevator speech.
Level Up: Education Coaching
The 100 Black Men of Greater Washington D.C. Level Up program is a space created to help young adults (18-40) unlock their untapped potential though subject matter expertise on applying to graduate programs that will enhance the quality of their careers. The 7-week curriculum provides instruction on applying for college scholarships, financial aid, and graduate school.