The 100 BMOSC and the Redwood Credit Union agree to a joint agreement in which the Redwood Credit Union provide support and funding in the amount of $2,500 to back a financial literacy program for the youth we both serve in Sonoma County.

The Male Success Initiative mentoring program meetings continue with the students from SSU under the leadership of Andre Bailey.

We receive and inquiry from Sunrise Rotary Club asking if the 100 Black Men of Sonoma County would be interested in partnering with them in a joint mentoring program.  Jim Gray is reviewing the idea as of this date.

A meeting is planned with Rachael Cutcher, Scholarship Office Director and J Mulineaux, Executive Director of the SRJC Foundation to discuss the Bea and Homer Harris Scholarship.  Marion Walker and Arthur Chaney are taking the lead from the 100BMOSC.  

A Bylaws Review Committee was established by President Chaney to review and propose General Bylaw changes to the membership body. Work continues as of this date. 

On July 17, 2020, Mayor Tom Schwedhelm, Santa Rosa Police Chief Rainer Navarro, Economic Development Division Director Raissa de la Rosa, and Community Engagement Coordinator Danielle Garduño, met with President, Arthur B. Chaney,  Dr. Jim Gray, Gerarde Moret, and Dr. Greg Granderson. 

Discussion Points and Themes
The discussion centered around three areas:

• Training of law enforcement officers,
• Officer accountability, and
• Policy change at various levels of government that influence or impact local law enforcement agencies

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
~ Martin Luther King

​Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family a culture where each person feels seen, heard, and supported.

We acknowledge, respect, and celebrate differences and commonalities.

We work vigorously for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension, all people.

We intentionally build and nurture a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting.

We are unapologetically Black in our positioning. In affirming that Black Lives Matter, we need not qualify our position. To love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a prerequisite for wanting the same for others.

We see ourselves as part of the global Black family, and we are aware of the different ways we are impacted or privileged as Black people who exist in different parts of the world.

We are guided by the fact that all Black lives matter, regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, ability, disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration status, or location.

We make space for transgender brothers and sisters to participate and lead.

We are self-reflexive and do the work required to dismantle cisgender privilege and uplift Black trans folk, especially Black trans women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by trans-antagonistic violence.

We build a space that affirms Black women and is free from sexism, misogyny, and environments in which men are centered.

We practice empathy. We engage comrades with the intent to learn about and connect with their contexts.

We make our spaces family-friendly and enable parents to fully participate with their children. We dismantle the patriarchal practice that requires mothers to work “double shifts” so that they can mother in private even as they participate in public justice work.

We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable.

We foster a queer‐affirming network. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking, or rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual (unless s/he or they disclose otherwise).

We cultivate an intergenerational and communal network free from ageism. We believe that all people, regardless of age, show up with the capacity to lead and learn.

We embody and practice justice, liberation, and peace in our engagements with one another.

The health and safety of our guest, family, community, and members,  are paramount. As your host, we were looking forward to seeing you once again. However, having sincere regret. Due to the COVID-19 health concerns, restrictions, and lacking a clear path forward. We believe it is in the best interest for everyone, that we cancel the golf tournament at this time. 

The good news. We are scheduled to host the 2021 Golf Tournament Scholarship Fundraiser next year, July 16, 2021, Windsor Golf Club.

Please mark your calendar. We are looking forward to seeing you next year.

Best regards and stay safe,
 

Arthur B. Chaney, President
100 Black Men of Sonoma County, Inc.

​Al Dotson Jr: Our community is at a crossroads. Will local leaders step up?
BY AL DOTSON JR.   June 08, 2020 06:00 AM , Updated June 08, 2020 08:08 AM

If Miami wishes to call itself a true international city, then we must rise to a position of leadership around the crisis incited by systemic police brutality and racial profiling in our country. While there is a clear void of leadership at the national level, our local leaders have an opportunity to step up by taking courageous actions that deliver tangible change.

The 1979 murder of Arthur McDuffie, along with the deadly riots following the acquittal of the police officers who took his life, are among the most notorious memories of the cultural conflict in Miami during the late 20th century. To this day, I refuse to call them the “McDuffie Riots,” because McDuffie himself never rioted; he had already been killed. This misnomer captures the misperceptions surrounding race in our community. We should have learned from Mr. McDuffie’s death and the injustice that followed, but we still have significant work to do.

My most memorable encounter with racial profiling in Miami came during college. I was home visiting family when two Miami-Dade police officers stopped me during a bike ride in my neighborhood, demanded identification, and asked why I was riding on Old Cutler Road. I had been lectured on how to interact with cops, so I survived the conversation. After the officer made a sarcastic remark, the officers let me go without providing any rationale for detaining me.

The incident was especially unsettling because of my family’s background: My grandfather was in law enforcement, and I have siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews serving in police departments and the military. Having been surrounded by men and women in uniform my entire life, I respect officers of the law who wield their power responsibly. However, I am continually troubled, saddened, and angered by members of law enforcement — and private citizens — who believe it is their right to administer an immediate death sentence on their own accord, simply because of a person’s race. No judge. No trial. No jury. Just execution.

We have seen this time and again. Emmett Till in Mississippi. Alberta Spruill in New York. Michael Brown in Ferguson. Freddie Gray in Baltimore. Breonna Taylor in Louisville. Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge. Philando Castile in St. Paul. Eric Garner in New York. The list goes on. The names and places change over decades, but the circumstances are unfortunately and inexcusably the same: An unarmed Black person receives the death penalty and is executed at the hands of irresponsible members of law enforcement.

For all the progress minorities in America have accomplished — ascending to the Oval Office, leading public companies, and rising to prominence in communities everywhere — the notion of equal access to opportunity still rings hollow for too many children, college graduates, the unemployed and those who simply want to walk, ride their bike, or breathe in public.

Former President Barack Obama urged Americans on Wednesday to use the urgency of the George Floyd protests to spark "real change" in the United States. Mr. Obama's comments come after more than a week of demonstrations sparked by Floyd's death in Minneapolis. 

"In some ways as tragic as these past few weeks have been, as difficult and scary and uncertain as they've been, they've also been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying trends," Mr. Obama said. "And they offer an opportunity for us to all work together to tackle, to take them on, to change America and make it live up to its highest ideals."

​The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County Inc. (100 BMOSC) graciously honor and respect the constitutional, “…right of freedom of speech, or the press, or the right of the people peaceable to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievance.” The 100 BMOSC stand firmly in opposition of the unlawful destruction of public and private property.

The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County deplore and detest the senseless murder of Mr. George Floyd. Our hearts and prayers are extended to his family and friends. Mr. Floyd’s death by the cowardly members of the Minneapolis Police Department is a disgrace to the law enforcement profession. Unfortunately, a segment of our society view the women and men in law enforcement, who serve honorably as part of the  systemic problem. They were not responsible, but their uniforms are soiled with the unjustifiable and abusive conduct of the accused officers. However, we believe that the majority of law enforcement officers are good people and have the desire to help their local community. Law enforcement personnel receive extensive training before they are allowed to, “Work on the street”. Officers should be compelled by honor and trustworthiness to report misconduct, without fear of backlash. Many officers have complained of the ramifications of taking this action. They should be supported by leadership. 

Mr. Floyd’s demise is a continual reminder of the ugly underside of the enduring history of racism, as practice in the U.S. and directed specifically against the Black, Latin, and Native American communities. The circumstances around Mr. Floyd’s unjustifiable death was unmasked by video shown around the world. The video showed the practice of the ignoring complaints of mistreatment and disrespect towards people of color. Repeated incidents, whereby law enforcement reports clearly do not mirror the images captured on video, will continue to foster the public’s distrust of the law enforcement community.  

The death of Mr. Floyd has penetrated the subconscious of most American citizens and raised to a conscious level the hidden and ignored axiom, “Black Lives Matter”.  This statement does not mean other lives do not matter. Mr. Floyd’s spirit will forever be an historical marker in police brutality. The national protests sparked by his death, has resulted in meaningful examination of the physical, mental, and economic abuse of black and other minority communities. Hopefully, this is the moment in time whereby structural change, will be the byproduct of protracted national and international protests, specifically propelled by courageous multiracial young people. Collectively, they openly demonstrate their willingness and desire to finally confront the hidden presence of racism everywhere. 

The premise of this statement is to inform the residents of Sonoma County of the position of the 100 BMOSC. We stand ready to discuss the subject matter concerning the death of George Floyd and the underlying issue of racism in America. 

On behalf of the 100 Black Men of Sonoma County, to our local community, statewide, across the nation and abroad, please stay safe. Remember, we have not passed the era of COVID-19.

Best regards,
 

Arthur B. Chaney, President
100 Black Men of Sonoma County, Inc. 

As a society let us demonstrate positive synergy. Our strength is in our unity, the power of our knowledge, our collective life experiences, our willingness to share, and innate desire to help someone in need are  great qualities. We are more powerful moving forward together.

​The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County scholarship program will undergo a few new changes. These changes will offer the opportunity for our organization to participate in the process. However, Marion and 10,000 Degrees will make all program decisions. 

First, all existing recipients will be asked to submit a 3-5 minute video detailing how the scholarship has been beneficial to them and their families. Marion asking that the videos be due upon notice of awards for the coming year.  We plan to feature their testimonials on our web site and use the videos for fund raising purposes. 

New award recipients will not be required until their second year on the scholarship program.  We will ask the student and if necessary his or her parents sign our video release form.  We plan to feature their testimonials on our website. 

Marion and the organization as a whole believe that It is imperative our students understand that giving back is part of the process.

​For helping high school seniors from low-income backgrounds get into college, whether by enrolling at a four-year college or starting at a local community college. The 10,000 Degrees organization has worked for many years with the 100 Black Men of Sonoma County accepting and processing scholarship applications.  

“Nothing in life that’s worth anything is easy.”
President Barack Obama

​As part of the 100 Black Men of America Inc. (National Organization) traditions, all new members are asked to wear the 100 lapel pin while in public. The pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of all new members into the 100 Brotherhood. New members are pinned by the President in front of the membership.

Robert Gray was Athletic Director and coach for many years, Rincon Valley Christian.  He has lectured to various organizations regarding kinesiology, teamwork, goal setting. He feels deeply about teaching youth and placing God first in their lives. Has a passion about mentoring to our youth. 
​
Aubrey Gray was a teacher now retired with membership in both the Santa Rosa Teacher's Assn and CA Retired Teacher's Assn.  He is a Lifetime Member Sonoma County NAACP.  Mr. Gray attended Santa Rosa Junior College and transferred to Chico State to play football. He was elected to the Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1971. He is a devoted member of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.  Finally, Aubrey loves coaching women basketball and mentoring to the young men and women of Sonoma County. 

The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County have ways believed that there is a profound  benefit to community service. That being stated our organization follows the top five reason for community service:
​

1. Community service develops an increased sense of social responsibility – a global view of society and a heart for ‘giving back’ and helping others.
   
   
2. Community service provides an opportunity to apply academic learning to real life events.
   
   
3. Community service builds relationships and ‘social connectedness’ with peers and adults, and exposes students to diversity and multiculturalism.
   
   
4. Community service improves lifelong communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
   
   
5. Community service helps students find their passions and interests that may lead to a career choice they may have not considered.

​The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County believe that - Mentoring is the cornerstone of what the organization brings to the community to by guiding young men and women in life experiences and self- respect, encouraging excellence in education, and the pursuit of positive life-long goals. “What they see is what they will be.”

The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County believe that – Educating and empowering young people can ensure that more African American men and women have access to college opportunities and educational resources. We believe that it is vital that high school and college students have the tools to understand how to navigate the college experience and receive the proper funding to do so. 

​The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County believe that - Health & Wellness is a vital component of a thriving community. The 100 partners with other non-profit organizations to promote preventative health strategies deliver screenings and provide education on prevalent African American diseases.

​The 100 Black Men of Sonoma County believe that - Economic Empowerment programs focus on 3-primary areas: Financial Literacy, Family Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship. Through comprehensive seminars and training classes, these programs work to promote economic self-sufficiency.

“Nothing in life that’s worth anything is easy.”
~ President Barack Obama

​At the peak of the Civil Rights Movement in New York during the early 1960s, a group of determined professional men, consisting of public officials, businessmen, lawyers, retailers, government personnel and others who were then known as One Hundred Men agreed to change their name to One Hundred Black Men. 

The hope was that through re-identification with our Black heritage and with collective effort, they could help chart the direction in human rights and improve the quality of life for Blacks and other minorities.  The original chapter, founded in New York City by J. Bruce Llewellyn in 1967, set an example to which all successive chapter aspire.

Now with more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members strong and still growing, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. remains committed to its founding mission: To improve the quality of life in African American communities by improving the educational, economic and social status of African Americans across the entire nation.  Dedicated members of 100 Black Men have mentored more than 125,000 youth across the nation. 

100 Black Men of America’s Four For The Future TM signature program areas are Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, Economic Empowerment. Leadership Empowerment serves as an overlay to the 100’s Four For the Future programs.