100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale 2014 Leadership Academy graduates prepare for the future

100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale 2014 Leadership Academy graduates prepare for the future

Pictured (l-r): 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale Leadership Academy graduates Christopher Keel (Charles Flanagan High), Julian Deese (Pompano Beach High), and Alexander Page (Northeast High) sustain the mentoring organization’s 100 percent graduation rate among young Black males who successfully complete the 100’s Leadership Academy.
By Charles Moseley

The recent graduation of three local high school graduates marked the continuation of a tradition for having a 100 percent graduation rate among their mentees who complete the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Leadership Academy. Mentees Christopher Keel, Julian T. Deese, and Alexander Page represent the Class of 2014 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Leadership Academy.

“We are very proud of our seniors. They are on their way towards being educated, powerful leaders in society. The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale will continue to be with them every step of the way,” said Dennis Wright, president of the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Christopher Keel, a recent graduate of Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla. plans to attend Bethune Cookman University, in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he will major in Elementary Education. Keel also ran track and played football and intends to continue his career in track at the collegiate level as a member of The Wildcat’s track team.
“The Leadership Academy helped me in many ways. The program increased my learning skills and knowledge, and it also taught me how to be a role model to the young people coming up behind me. In addition, the program provided me a clear outlook on life. The Leadership Academy helps the community in numerous ways and can also bring the community closer,” said Keel.
Julian T. Deese is a Pompano Beach High School graduate who plans to attend Florida Southern College, in Lakeland, Florida where he will major in Music Management. Deese will tryout for the school’s soccer team.

“The Leadership Academy has been very helpful in the success I’ve had in high school. It is great for the community and getting young kids off the streets so they can become successful men in the future,” remarked Deese.

Alexander Page graduated from Northeast High School in Oakland Park, Fla. who will attend the University of Central Florida where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

These three 2014 Leadership Academy graduates along with former mentees currently enrolled in college will receive scholarship awards during the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday June 21, 2014 at the Palm Aire Country Club in Pompano Beach, Fla.
“The 100 Black Men taught me initiative and responsibility. At a time in which I was jobless and struggling in school, the men of this group picked me back up with the challenging projects they gave us as well as the intellectual conversations they included us in. All in all, I see this program facilitating the advancement of young Black males in our community,” commented Page.
The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc. is a non-profit civic and com-munity based organizations that serves as a catalyst for the disadvantaged and underrepresented segments of the com-munity. The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc. serves as a beacon of leadership by utilizing its diverse talents to create an environment where children are motivated to achieve. Additionally, the mentoring organization work’s to empower people so that they become self-sufficient participants in the economic fabric of Broward County. The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc. is committed to serving our community based upon the following principles: Respect for Family, Justice, and Integrity.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s focus is to provide more educational opportunities for its youth with an emphasis on strengthening their self-awareness. Our youth are our future and the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale will make a substantial investment in our future. In addition to youth development, the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale has developed programs that are more family focused. The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale believes the strength of a healthy family nucleus and the positive impact it has on children. The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale also looks to take an active role in improving our communities with a focus in the Northwest section of Fort Lauderdale.

‘Understanding this area is revitalizing and has a heavy concentration of our youth; it offers the perfect opportunity for our organization to establish meaningful partnerships working to improve the community,” said Wright.

“Members of the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale all share the common goal of improving the economic status of our communities as well as providing programs that enhance and enrich lives through Mentoring, Education, Economic Development, and Health and Wellness. Members of this organization will positively influence lives by serving as positive role models,” added Wright.