NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Inc. (The 100) was recently recognized nationally as the 100 Black Men of America’s “Chapter of the Year Award” at the organization’s 19th Annual Conference held in New Orleans.

This is the second time that the Middle Tennessee Chapter has been recognized at the Annual Convention. The first award came in 1998.

Board President Darrell Freeman, Executive Director Adrian Granderson and board member Spencer Wiggins accompanied by 100 KINGS Program Director Rodney Smith and six youth from the 100 KINGS Program traveled to the national conference where they accepted the “Chapter of the Year” Award (Medium Chapter) on behalf of the 58 members of the Middle Tennessee chapter, 107 members of 100 KINGS, and more than 150 parents that the chapter served during the past year.

Along with representatives from the 103 100 Black Men chapters worldwide, The100 participated in convention activities including organizational development and training sessions, speakers ranging from GM Chairman & CEO Rick Wagoner to Bishop T.D. Jakes, the African-American History Quiz Bowl for youth, and a black-tie Gala.

“It is an amazing honor for us,” said Freeman. “I am truly humbled to serve as President of an organization of leaders who epitomize the national slogan ‘Real Men Giving Real Time.’ We give because we care, and we feel blessed by this recognition.”

“Our goal has always been and continues to be the positive growth and development of these young men,” said Granderson. “To be recognized nationally for our efforts is icing on the cake. It is also a testament to our sponsors who support what we do. Our sponsors should be equally as proud.”

As a mid-sized chapter, The 100’s ground-breaking initiative, the 100 KINGS Program—a seven-year college preparatory youth development program which began in 2003 to transform 100 5th grade, at-risk boys into 100 college bound community contributors by the time they graduate from high school in May 2010—has proven to be among the most intensive programs of any chapter across the nation.

The 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to nurture and enhance the growth, development and opportunities for young black males of Middle Tennessee.” The organization is made up of some of Nashville’s top African American men of business and industry who all strive to improve the quality of life for youth by serving as role models dedicated to encouraging young men to reach their highest potential through academic excellence and career and leadership development.

Founded in New York City in 1963, 100 Black Men of America began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, industry, public affairs and government. Today, the organization has 103 chapters, in the United States, England, Africa, and the Caribbean with over 10,000 members from a myriad of professions, including corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, entertainers, elected officials, professional athletes, educators, and men from numerous other professions.