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In 1989 , local ministers and community leaders approached Attorney Coleman Eaton with concerns about the lack of leadership and mentoring for Black youth in Clayton and South Fulton counties.
With guidance from Dr. Joseph Hoffman of the Atlanta Chapter of 100 Black Men, the group petitioned the national organization to form a new chapter. Through Eaton’s efforts, the South Metro Atlanta Chapter of 100 Black Men was chartered, with six men ( Attorney Coleman Eaton, James Collier, Attorney Hillman J. Toombs, The Reverend Charles W. Grant, Sherman Lemon, and Randall Ponder ) serving as its founding members.
To provide mentoring, education, leadership training, and role models under the motto “Real Men Giving Real Time.” Its first organizing meeting at the Atlanta Airport Hilton launched a mentoring program with classes and enrichment opportunities to help guide young men into adulthood.
2026 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta, Inc.. Designed by 4THPARK®
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It is an honor to serve as President of this chapter of a national movement that has, for decades, been committed to mentoring, educating, and empowering our youth. Our motto, “What They See Is What They’ll Be,” is more than words, it is a promise to lead by example and to create pathways to success for the next generation.

The Renaissance Awards

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100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta Support City's Youth - 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta, Inc.

From Mentee to President: The Inspiring Journey of Brian K. Jones

Breaking Barriers, Building Leaders: ROP’s Mental Health & Wellness Workshop Empowers Young Men

Brian K. Jones

Mr. Floyd Bryant

Mr. Joe Swanson, Jr.

Mr. Albert Lee

Mr. Deonte’ Burden

Mr. Carlos Scott

Mr. Artie Cobb

Mr. Reginald Collins

Mr. Paris Brown

Mr. Christopher Cooper

Mr. Christopher Jones

Mr. Broderick Talley

Mr. Merlin Knight

Jawhon Moye

Kenrique Jackson

Khylan Dwayne Woodson

Kristopher Martin

Nicholas Shepherd

Ryan Brown

BROTHERHOOD. LEADERSHIP. GROWTH. PURPOSE. What happens when you bring young men together, challenge them to step outside their comfort zones, and create space for honest conversations about manhood, leadership, and their future? Something powerful happens. 💪🏾 This weekend, our Rites of Passage Leadership Academy mentees experienced the true meaning of brotherhood. From our “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” opening exercise and meaningful conversations about becoming men of character in today’s world to canoeing, kayaking, archery, and low ropes challenges, every experience created an opportunity to build trust, sharpen focus, strengthen communication, and work together. Through laughter, challenges, reflection, and a few men-overboard moments 😂, our young men were reminded that leadership isn’t just about how far you go individually. It’s about how you show up for the men beside you. We closed by affirming our Brotherhood Commitment Creed, putting into words the values, standards, and promises that will guide how they will treat, challenge, encourage, and support one another. We’re building more than a brotherhood. We’re developing men of character, confidence, discipline, and purpose who understand that a real brother doesn’t just want to see you win. He helps you become the man capable of winning. This is Rites of Passage. This is brotherhood in action. 💙🖤 #100BlackMen #RitesOfPassage #Brotherhood #100SouthMetro #Mentorship

✨ BUILT FOR THIS ✨ What a night. What a movement. What a legacy in motion. The 2026 Renaissance Awards was more than an event — it was a celebration of excellence, brotherhood, leadership, impact, and the undeniable brilliance of our young men. From the red carpet energy… to the standing ovations… to the tears, laughter, scholarship celebrations, and unforgettable moments of inspiration — this night reminded us what happens when community comes together with purpose. This year, we celebrated: 🎓 19 graduating seniors 🏆 Millions in scholarships earned 🖤 75+ mentees from 47 schools across Metro Atlanta ✈️ Life-changing exposure experiences 💼 Leadership, mentorship, service & brotherhood 🎤 Honorees who continue to shape culture and community at the highest level Special thank you to our incredible community honorees: ✨ @killermike ✨ @fredblankenship ✨ @morehouseprez And a huge salute to our phenomenal host @jmartintv for bringing energy, professionalism, and heart to an unforgettable evening. A special moment of the night was hearing from ROP alumnus chris.ocl — the incoming SGA President of Morehouse College. Watching one of our own return to pour wisdom, inspiration, and leadership back into the next generation was a powerful reminder that this work is producing real impact and real legacy. And the evening was elevated even further by the powerful spoken word artistry of @thasongbird Tha Songbird, whose words brought emotion, energy, reflection, and inspiration to the room in a way that perfectly captured the spirit of the night. To every parent, mentor, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter — thank you for believing in the vision and investing in the future. The Rites of Passage Leadership Academy is not just preparing students for college. We are developing leaders. Scholars. Entrepreneurs. Change agents. Renaissance Men. And we’re just getting started. #BuiltForThis #RenaissanceAwards #100BlackMen #ROPLeadershipAcademy #Brotherhood @chriscooperlive

Meet Nicholas Shepherd, a proud member of the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy Class of 2026. A senior at Jonesboro High School, Nicholas has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar-athlete, maintaining an impressive 4.1 GPA while excelling in both academics and athletics. This fall, he will attend Morehouse College to study Software Engineering and continue his basketball career as a member of the team. Throughout his journey, he has stood out as a Dual Enrollment Honor Student, a varsity basketball player, and a Top 5% scholar in his graduating class—earning All-Region Honorable Mention and helping lead his team to two Final Four appearances. But what sets Nicholas apart isn’t just what he’s accomplished—it’s who he’s becoming. As a future Software Engineer, he is committed to discipline, leadership, brotherhood, and using his gifts to create opportunities, uplift his community, and inspire others. And Nick is just one of many. Tonight, May 2nd, we celebrate young men like him—leaders, scholars, and future change agents—at the Renaissance Awards. 🎟️ Join us: www.100Southmetro.org/events 🎓 Support the mission. ✨ Witness the impact. Link in bio 👆🏽 #100blackmen #classof2026 #morganbound #Renaissanceawards #ROPAtlanta

Meet Khylan Dwayne Woodson, a proud member of the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy Class of 2026. A senior at The Lovett School, Khylan will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to study Computer Science. Throughout his journey, he has distinguished himself as a student athlete , actively involved in Varsity Wrestling, American Jewish Committee Black/Jewish Teen Initiative, and Black Affinity Group at his school. But what sets Khylan apart isn’t just what he’s accomplished—it’s who he’s becoming. A future Software Engineer, he is committed to excellence, leadership, and impact. He is Built For This. And Khylan is just one of many. On May 2nd, we celebrate young men like him—leaders, scholars, and future change agents—at the Renaissance Awards. 🎟️ Join us: www.100Southmetro.org/events 🎓 Support the mission. ✨ Witness the impact. Link in bio 👆🏽 #100blackmen #classof2026 #ncatbound #Renaissanceawards #ROPAtlanta

Meet Ryan Brown, a proud member of the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy Class of 2026. A senior at North Clayton High School, at only 16 years old Ryan will be attending Morehouse College and pursue the Dual Degree Engineering pathway to study Computer engineering. Throughout his journey, he has distinguished himself as a 4.0 gpa Scholar and an amazing leader, actively involved in his community as well as his school and church. But what sets Ryan apart isn’t just what he’s accomplished—it’s who he’s becoming. As a future Hardware Engineer, he is committed to excellence, leadership, and impact. He is Built For This. And Ryan is just one of many. On May 2nd, we celebrate young men like him—leaders, scholars, and future change agents—at the Renaissance Awards. 🎟️ Join us: www.100Southmetro.org/events 🎓 Support the mission. ✨ Witness the impact. Link in bio 👆🏽 #100blackmen #classof2026 #morganbound #Renaissanceawards #ROPAtlanta

3 years. One voice. One unforgettable experience. We’re honored to welcome back Jonathan Martin, Emmy-nominated anchor of 11Alive, as the official emcee of the 2026 Renaissance Awards for the THIRD year in a row. And if you’ve been in the room before… you already know. Jonathan doesn’t just host. - He commands the room. - He connects every moment. - He elevates the entire experience. He turns a great program into an unforgettable night. There’s a reason we keep bringing him back. Because this event deserves a voice that matches the moment. And the moment is BIG. ✨ 60+ mentees 🎓 19 graduating seniors 🏫 47+ schools represented 🏆 Honoring leaders like Killer Mike, Fred Blankenship, and Dr. F. DuBois Bowman This isn’t just another event. It’s a celebration of excellence. A red carpet experience. A powerful reminder of what happens when mentorship meets opportunity. And with Jonathan Martin at the helm… You already know—it’s going to be SPECIAL. 📍 May 2, 2026 📍 Impact Event Center, East Point, GA Join Us. Bring your people. Link in Bio 👆🏽 Come witness the next generation rise. Built For This. Called To Lead. #RenaissanceAwards #BuiltForThis #JonathanMartin #11Alive #AtlantaEvents BlackExcellence Leadership MentorshipMatters NextGenLeaders

Meet Kenrique Jackson, a proud member of the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy Class of 2026. A senior at Tri-Cities High School, Kenrique will be attending THEE Morehouse College to study English on a Pre-Law track. Throughout his journey, he has distinguished himself as a Leader and Scholar, actively involved in Student Government Association, National Honors Society, National BETA Club. But what sets Kenrique apart isn’t just what he’s accomplished—it’s who he’s becoming. A future Corporate Lawyer, he is committed to excellence, leadership, and impact. He is Built For This. And Kenrique is just one of many. On May 2nd, we celebrate young men like him—leaders, scholars, and future change agents—at the Renaissance Awards. 🎟️ Join us: www.100Southmetro.org/events 🎓 Support the mission. ✨ Witness the impact. Link in bio 👆🏽 #100blackmen #classof2026 #Morehousebound #Renaissanceawards #ROPAtlanta

Meet Jawhon Moye, a proud member of the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy Class of 2026. A senior at Global Impact STEM Magnet Academy, Jawhon will be attending Morgan State University to study Industrial Engineering. Throughout his journey, he has distinguished himself as a leader and scholar, actively involved in academic coursework, career preparation programs, and leadership development through ROP and Youth Lead Georgia. But what sets Jawhon apart isn’t just what he’s accomplished, it’s who he’s becoming. A future industrial engineer, he is committed to excellence, leadership, and making a lasting impact in his community and beyond. He is Built For This. And Jawhon is just one of many. On May 2nd, we celebrate young men like him—leaders, scholars, and future change agents—at the Renaissance Awards. 🎟️ Join us: www.100Southmetro.org/events 🎓 Support the mission. ✨ Witness the impact. Link in Bio 👆🏽 #100blackmen #classof2026 #morganbound #Renaissanceawards #ROPAtlanta

Meet Kristopher W Martin, a proud member of the Rites of Passage Leadership Academy Class of 2026. A senior at Impact Academy, Kristopher will be attending Morehouse College in the Fall to study business and finance. Throughout his journey, he has distinguished himself as a scholar and leader, actively involved in many leadership roles and internships. But what sets Kris apart isn’t just what he’s accomplished—it’s who he’s becoming. A future businessman, he is committed to excellence, leadership, and impact. He is Built For This. And Kris is just one of many. On May 2nd, we celebrate young men like him—leaders, scholars, and future change agents—at the Renaissance Awards. 🎟️ Join us: www.100Southmetro.org/events 🎓 Support the mission. ✨ Witness the impact. Link in bio 👆🏽 #100blackmen #classof2026 #morehousebound #renaissanceawards #ROPAtlanta

The weather may be cold outside today, but the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy emanates through your hearts and minds. His words inspired, his actions pushed for uplift and change, and his energy ignited a movement for civil and human rights that we are still fighting today. May we we continue the fight through our service and advocacy work in the community. #MLKDay #100SouthmetroAtL #eastpoint MLKDayofService #adayonnotadayoff @100southmetroatl

Today is Giving Tuesday! Whether you can give a small one-time donation or become a regular donor, your help goes a long way! 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta would appreciate your support in helping us to empower the youth that we mentor. Your tax-deductible donation fuels our mission and creates real opportunities for our mentees and their families, in ways such as these: - Academic scholarships - Mentoring and life skills programs - Education and tutoring services - Financial literacy workshops for youth and families Give via our donate link in our bio.

Support South Metro Atlanta for Giving Tuesday! TOMORROW, December 2, the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta would appreciate your support in helping us to empower the youth that we mentor. Your tax-deductible donation fuels our mission and creates real opportunities for our mentees and their families, in ways such as these: - Academic scholarships - Mentoring and life skills programs - Education and tutoring services - Financial literacy workshops for youth and families Give via our donate link in our bio.

Show Support for Youth Mentoring in This Season of Giving Looking for a worthy cause to support this Giving Tuesday (December 2)? Your tax-deductible donation fuels our mission and creates real opportunities for our mentees and their families, in ways such as these: - Academic scholarships - Mentoring and life skills programs - Education and tutoring services - Financial literacy workshops for youth and families Visit our donation link in bio.

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