Issuu

History of 100 Black Men

The history of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland began when several men traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, at the invite of the late Roosevelt Adams. Roosevelt was a Clevelander who moved to Atlanta and became a successful businessman. Roosevelt introduced Michael Nelson to Thomas W. Dortch, the National Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America and a very prominent businessperson in his own right. Thomas and Roosevelt explained to Nelson that they had met with some Cleveland Black businessmen and community leaders about starting a chapter of the 100. Nelson knew many of the names they mentioned and even indicated that he had participated in at least two attempts to organize a Cleveland chapter. At this point, Nelson promised both men that he would get the ball rolling in Cleveland to get a chapter in place. Nelson concluded that he would hold an organizational meeting of individuals who fit into each category, including representatives from the powerful political factions, Congressman Louis Stokes, former City Council President George Forbes, and Mayor Michael R. White. They were not informed where the meeting would be held until the day. A date was set, and Nelson invited a number of his friends, including Larry Hines, Gregory Clifford, Curtis (Griggs), Tony Smith, Luther Towers, and Julius Singleton, along with Stokes’ rep, Ron Adrine, Forbes’ rep, Darrell Fields, and White’s rep, Nate Gray to meet with Chairman Dortch and Roosevelt Adams. The meeting was held at the nowclosed Eloise’s Restaurant on East 79th and Carnegie. The chapter was established in 1997 and became a fullfledged chapter. These guys were familiar with the 100 through business, political, or family connections. After listening to the impressive Thomas Dortch and about an hour or so of discussion, the decision was made to incorporate formally, set a dues structure of $250 annually, and begin recruiting members. So, in 1997, The 100 Black Men in Cleveland was established. The first significant event was a rollout at the Cleveland Clinic. Over 90 men committed to joining, with about 70

men paying dues. Mayor Michael R. White committed to buying 100 copies of nationally known motivational speaker George Fraser’s book Success Runs in Our Race for each member. George, who attended the opening event, graciously took the time to autograph each member’s copy. The next major event was a fundraising gala featuring nationally known recording artist the late Phyllis Hyman. The event coordinator was the dynamic Richard Johnson, who would probably be considered a significant internet influencer in today’s social media world. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Cleveland, and to say it was a success would be an understatement. Funds raised by that first gala supported the Cleveland chapter’s version of the National 100’s Four For The Future programs of Health/Wellness, Economic Development, Education, and Mentoring. Larry Hines was our first Program Director, assisted by Curtis (Griggs). The parentheses are intentional; that’s how Curtis spelled his last name. The 100 would continue to grow its brand in Cleveland. The group coordinated mentoring programs in many schools, including Daniel E. Morgan Elementary School, Cleveland East Senior High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Shaw High School (East Cleveland), and Warrensville Heights High School. The 100 also held a Saturday morning mentoring program at its offices in Cleveland’s Shaker Square complex. Programs included a reading program at Daniel E Morgan and a stock market competition at East High School. One of the highlights of the plan was the success of our East High Stock Market Challenge team, which traveled to Atlanta and took on some of the nation’s most prominent schools, finishing in a highly respectable 3rd place of the schools that competed. The chapter is still thriving in 2025, celebrating twentyeight years; after seven chairpersons and numerous galas, the 100 Black Men are still mentoring in such schools as Wade Park and Kenneth Clement Boys Leadership Academy, to name a couple.

Welcome from the Chairman

Welcome from the Gala Chairmen

Welcome to our 2026 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Evening of Excellence Honoring Mentoring, Scholarship and Service. We appreciate your attendance and financial support, it is evidence that you personally and Greater Cleveland supports our work and enables us to continue to provide vital services and programs to Greater Cleveland, particularly for African American youth. In addition to the work of the 100 Black Men, in support of young people, tonight we are recognizing individuals who demonstrate remarkable charitable and organizational leadership. Tonight we honor and recognize individuals who exemplify the impact which they have had in advancing our community. To our Chairman, James Wade, 100 Black Men Officers, members, sponsors and supporters, on behalf of the Gala Committee and volunteers, we appreciate and thank you. Enjoy the evening and we look forward celebrating our honorees this evening and for years to come in the important work of improving Greater Cleveland. Thank you and Happy Holidays,

Glen Shumate 2026 Gala Co-Chair

LaRese Purnell 2026 Gala Co-Chair

Office of County Executive Chris Ronayne

Proclamation Celebrating

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. on the occasion of their 2026 Evening of Excellence

WHEREAS,

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. was founded in 1998 to provide services to African Americans in urban Cleveland and East Cleveland neighborhoods. The organization works to identify, examine, and address issues affecting the community with programs focusing primarily on youth – creating mentoring opportunities that help break cycles of violence that black youth frequently experience in the home and their local communities; and

WHEREAS,

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. is deeply committed to fostering the intellectual development of youth and promoting the economic empowerment of the African American community. Guided by the core values of respect for family, spirituality, justice, and integrity, the organization works to create positive, lasting change in the lives of young people. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland strives to empower the next generation to achieve their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS,

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. has programs with focus on four key areas – mentorship, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. These programs include the Collegiate 100 Chapter mentoring program, Wednesday morning tutoring sessions, and the African American Wellness Walk; and

WHEREAS,

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. hosts its Evening of Excellence on October 3, 2026. This premier fundraising event highlights the organization’s programs, honors individuals who exemplify its mission, and celebrates the achievements of the students it serves. This year’s awardees include: Dennis Harris — Mentoring Award Dr. Todd Kitchen — Education Award Mr. Ted Ginn Sr. — Chairmans Award

Marsha A. Mockabee — Economic Empowerment Award Dr. Margaret McKenzie – Health & Wellness Award David Reynolds – Corporate Impact Award

These honorees are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to mentorship, education, healthcare, economic growth, leadership, and community development NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Executive of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, does hereby recognize and celebrate 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. on the occasion of their 2026 Evening of Excellence. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful event!

Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive

Duly adopted this 3rd day of October, 2026

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE DOLLARS AND SENSE This program strives to improve the financial literacy of our mentees by exposing them to numerous financial basic principles such as the importance of saving, budgeting, and how to use credit wisely. The mentees will work from resources selected by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and will learn from local professionals in the banking and investment industry as well 100 BMOGC, Inc. mentors. This program will prepare our high school students for the opportunity to compete in the dollars and sense competition held prior to our annual National convention, and give them the tools necessary to start successfully on their financial journey. TUTORING - MENTORING This program takes our mentors directly into the schools where we work with students on various subjects to help them succeed. Our mentors work with our younger mentees, at Wade Park elementary school on math and science, with a focus on reading. We know that improving literacy boosts outcomes from academic success to workforce development; to improved health results, to reduced crime. We are able to work both one on one and in group settings which gives us the flexibility to tailor the session for the best possible result. We believe in leading by example and our motto, “What They See Is What They’ll Be” proves it. WELL CONNECTED WEDNESDAY Well Connected Wednesday is in partnership with the Warrensville Heights YMCA and teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by working out and eating right. The program affords our mentors and mentees another opportunity to spend quality time together, benefiting from cardio and weight training. The monthly sessions

begin with an assessment of the mentees strength, endurance and confidence. Goals are established and reassessed at the end of the program session to determine the amount of progress made. GROUP MENTORING PRESENTATIONS This program takes place at Cleveland Central Catholic high school once a week and focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL). The students and mentors explore the process of applying knowledge, mindset, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set goals, and make good decisions. We also share information on the value of soft skills and have a variety of successful speakers who share their stories of achievement and open the minds of the students to think big and devise a plan to make those thoughts become reality. An important component of this program is the time allocated to listen to the students’ concerns and engage the entire group in a discussion with their peers guided by the direction of the mentors. STEM The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland’s mentoring program made its foray into the world of STEM in 2025, with a specific focus on software development. Through a partnership with Mosaic Tech Movement, a local out-of-school computer/data science educational organization, a new programmatic offering was created for the mentees of the 100. Mentees now have the opportunity to attend classes once a week, learning relevant computer science skills in areas such as HTML, JavaScript, and Python. This not only enhances their computational skills but also equips them to seize the rapidly growing STEM opportunities. A significant success for the new STEM program was when a team of three mentees had the chance to travel to the national 100 Black

FOUR FOR THE FUTURE Men of America conference this year in New Orleans and compete in the inaugural STEM competition.

workshops and resources to enhance academic skills, explore career pathways, and promote lifelong learning.

The Cleveland chapter mentees’ achievement of winning second place and receiving awards and monetary prizes is a testament to their hard work and dedication. It also marks a promising start for the program, hinting at a bright and exciting future.

Throughout the program, guest speakers address relevant topics such as leadership, resilience, and cultural identity, inspiring and motivating participants to reach their full potential. Exposure field trips provide opportunities for real-world learning experiences, connecting participants with professionals and resources in their community.

SATURDAY ACADEMY The Saturday Academy is a comprehensive program designed to empower and uplift participants in various aspects of their lives. Each session, spanning two hours, may include mentoring, health and wellness, education or financial literacy. Mentoring sessions provide personalized guidance and support, fostering positive relationships between participants and mentors who serve as role models and advocates for their success. Health and wellness activities focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, incorporating exercises, discussions on nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Educational components offer interactive

The Saturday Academy collaborates with community partners, including schools, businesses, and organizations, to provide additional support and resources, fostering a supportive network and promoting community engagement. Parents are encouraged to join a conversation that lets them express their concerns and issues they face with their children. We provide community experts to share resources to help find solutions. Overall, the Saturday Academy serves as a transformative space where young African American males and their families can thrive, grow, and succeed in all aspects of their lives.

one open door can open doors across a community. Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved, supporting people who make a difference and working with community-focused organizations through investments, philanthropy, and volunteering. We believe that together we can keep our communities full of hope, compassion, and opportunity, one open door at a time. KeyBank thanks 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland for making a difference.

An Evening of Excellence with 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Cleveland Marriott East

EVENING PROGRAM Grand Processional Pinning Ceremony 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Members & Candidates Oath & Pledge James W. Wade III Mentee Affirmation 100 Black Men Mentees Welcome Mayor Brad Sellers Invocation Rev. Charles Payton “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Robert Solomon Masters of Ceremonies Welcome Ahmaad Crump & Kyree Aycocks National Leadership Remarks Danielle Kennedy-Jones, CEO Event Co-Chair Remarks & Sponsor Recognition Glen Shumate A Day in the Life of 100 Black Men Corporate Impact Award DAVID M. REYNOLDS Presented by LaRese Purnell

Dinner Youth Performance Youth Reflection Jameer Grays Scholarship Presentation Tyson Mitchell Fund the Mission Glen Shumate & LaRese Purnell Economic Empowerment Award MARSHA MOCKABEE Presented by Glen Shumate Education Award DR. TODD KITCHEN Presented by Robert Solomon Health & Wellness Award DR. MARGARET MCKENZIE Presented by Dr. Ken Griffin Mentoring Award DENNIS HARRIS Presented by Chris Howse Chairman’s Remarks James W. Wade III Chairman’s Award TED GINN, SR. Presented by James W. Wade III Closing Remarks James W. Wade III Benediction Dr. Todd Kitchen

Mentee Participants Kendrick Hosea

Zacariah (Davi) Custodio

JOHN HAY HIGH SCHOOL

Jameer Grays

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL:

BEACHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Jaylin Baccchus

RE EDUCATION SERVICES

Jordan Charles

WADE PARK SCHOOL

Mitchell Allen Reggie Ashong Nathan Morris Demarion Murray TeyShawn Philip Jaydn Small Jamal Wiggins

THANK YOU 100 BLACK MEN FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP,ENGAGMENET AND SUPPORT OF CLEVALND! ENGAGE

EXCITE

ENLIGHTEN

ACE MENTOR PROGRAM OF CLEVELAND

BAKARI BALLARD

RYSHEEN HOOKSKECK

TYJUAN SWANSONSAWYER

CONNECTIVITY PROJECT DESIGNER PROJECT ENGINEER SUPERINTENDENT IKM ARCHITECTURE GILBANE BUILDING TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

AKWASI DUAH ENGINEER TURNER CONSTRUCTION

ACE is committed to helping black and brown youth succeed in their education and careers ACE Cleveland scholarship program has awarded $2.3 million in college and trade scholarships. Our paid internships and mentoring program have given nearly 3000 young people the chance to develop real-world skills.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACE ! www.acecleveland.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 100 BLACK MEN OF GREATER CLEVELAND, INC. The Board of Trustees and staff of the Saint uke’s oundation of Cleveland proudly congratulates the 00 Black en of reater Cleveland on its 2026 Evening of Excellence. We celebrate your continued commitment to mentorship, leadership, brotherhood, and creating opportunities for the next generation. our +ork strengthens our community and demonstrates +hat is possible +hen Black men lead +ith purpose, invest in others, and inspire excellence. Dedicated to Health Equity for All

Thank You to our Sponsors GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

COLLABORATION. INNOVATION.

Co QUALITY.

LEARN

EDUCATION AWARD

Dr. Todd Kitchen

Dr. Todd Kitchen serves as President of the Eastern Campus at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio, where he provides strategic leadership focused on student success, workforce development, community engagement and institutional excellence. In his role, he works to empower learners, ignite purpose and impact the regional economy, advancing opportunities that strengthen both individual lives and the communities Tri-C serves. He is also actively engaged in the College’s Vision 2030 Strategic Transformation Plan, which seeks to activate people and potential, align path and purpose, and amplify community impact across Northeast Ohio. A native of rural Missouri, Dr. Kitchen began his academic journey at Moberly Junior College studying music before earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Friends University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Central Missouri, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Kitchen brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education, having served as a director of admissions, faculty member, dean, associate vice president for academics and vice president of student affairs before joining Tri-C as Eastern Campus President in 2021. Throughout his career, he has championed student success initiatives, institutional transformation and strategic innovation. During his tenure in Arkansas, he helped lead major student success efforts and contributed to the development of the state’s inaugural higher education funding formula strategy. Recognized repeatedly for his leadership and impact, Dr. Kitchen has received numerous honors throughout his career, including Phi Theta Kappa’s Distinguished College Administrator Award. He is the recipient of the inaugural General Carter F. Ham Distinguished Community Leadership award, and is an Aspen Presidential Fellow, a distinction awarded to outstanding community college leaders. His work has earned recognition both within higher education and across the communities he serves for advancing educational access, economic mobility and social impact. His professional interests include leadership, leadership development and the non-cognitive factors that influence student success. A respected mentor and executive coach, Dr. Kitchen has supported aspiring leaders across the country and provided leadership coaching for Fortune 500 organizations. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Kitchen served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, bringing a lifelong commitment to service, leadership and opportunity to every aspect of his work.

HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD

Dr. Margaret L. McKenzie

Margaret L. McKenzie, MD, MS, FACOG is Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer at Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital. Thirty-eight years ago, serendipity led her to a chance meeting with the residency director who became her mentor, best friend and peer buddy that changed the entire trajectory of her career. She came to Cleveland from Washington University in St Louis medical school which led her from training at University Hospitals of Cleveland in Obstetrics and Gynecology to private practice at University Hospital to being part of the team to reintroduce Obstetric Services to the Cleveland Clinic 30 yrs ago. She allowed herself to be transformed from being an OB/GYN generalist to an educator winning multiple excellence in teaching awards, becoming the Clerkship Director, a Section Head, a member of the Cleveland Clinic Board of Governors and a Cleveland Clinic hospital President, to serving on multiple local and national boards and a national and international speaker and author. She learned the importance of mentoring to be mentored, promoting others so that you can be promoted, teaching others so that you can become a good learner and speaking up for issues that matter most to patient care whether the conversation was easy or tough. In effect, becoming vulnerable, surrendering herself to mentoring and coaching, the relentless pursuit of rejuvenation, reinvention, self-care and finding her passion, and pushing herself to seek out support to try new things and new competencies. Currently, she is serving as the leader for the Executive Team at South Pointe Hospital. In this capacity, she has developed a curriculum and trained aspiring physician leaders who now lead as part of the hospital’s Physician Leadership council to fill gaps in the multidisciplinary leadership teams at the hospital. She also leads the philanthropy efforts to support medical education of osteopathic medical students and residents, and the community Wellness Initiative with the hospital’s Board of Trustees and key community leaders and stakeholders in the area of Warrensville Heights. She continues to practice gynecology including the surgical care of female patients. Mostly, she is a peer faculty motivator who all faculty including peer presidents, institute chairs, mid-level and junior faculty seek out when they lose their way and need a roadmap back to their path. Today she will motivate you and encourage you to think ahead of how you would go about scaling your leadership should your career path lead you to manage a large team for success. She will also challenge you to reignite and reinvent your career passion.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AWARD

Marsha A. Mockabee

Marsha A. Mockabee is President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. For more than a decade, Marsha has dedicated her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals, families, and communities throughout Greater Cleveland. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, she has become one of Northeast Ohio’s most respected advocates for equity, economic empowerment, education, workforce development, and social justice. Since assuming leadership of the Urban League in 2011, Mockabee has transformed the organization into a thriving community institution that serves as a catalyst for opportunity and change. Under her leadership, the Urban League has expanded its reach and impact across the region, increasing organizational revenue by more than 400 percent and growing its staff from 13 to 32 employees. Through strategic vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service, she has helped position the organization to meet the evolving needs of the community while preparing it for future generations. A hallmark of Mockabee’s leadership has been her ability to bring people together. Whether working with business leaders, educators, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, or neighborhood stakeholders, she understands that meaningful change happens through collaboration. Her leadership was showcased on a national stage when Cleveland successfully hosted the 2025 National Urban League Conference, bringing together thousands of leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across the country. Throughout her career, Mockabee has championed a holistic approach to community impact. She has helped build an organization that supports individuals and families through workforce development, education, economic development, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment. Programs such as the Urban League’s Financial Opportunity Center continue to provide pathways toward economic stability and long-term success for countless families throughout the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mockabee demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience. Under her guidance, the Urban League successfully adapted its service delivery through technology while also helping local businesses navigate digital transformation so they could remain viable during an unprecedented period of uncertainty. Her ability to lead through challenges further solidified her reputation as a trusted and innovative community leader. Beyond her role at the Urban League, Mockabee remains deeply engaged in efforts that strengthen the Greater Cleveland community. She co-leads the City of Cleveland’s Racism as a Public Health Crisis Initiative, serves as Facilitator for the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Urban League Affiliates, and collaborates with the NAACP, faith-based organizations, and civic leaders on policy, advocacy, and voter engagement efforts. She is also an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Greater Cleveland and serves as a Ministry Leader and Sunday School Teacher at the Cleveland Church of Christ.

MENTORING AWARD

Dennis L. Harris

Coach Dennis L. Harris is from the heart of Cleveland’s Lee-Seville (Harvard-Lee) neighborhood to the iconic “Horseshoe” at The Ohio State University, the journey of Dennis Leon Harris reads like a cinematic testament to resilience, faith, and purpose. A proud 1975 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, he showcased his early discipline as a track athlete and musician in the marching band and orchestra—learning early that rhythm and speed are the heartbeat of a true leader. When early adversity hit and he was cut from his high school football team, Dennis refused to let a setback define his story. Driven by unshakable faith, grit, and determination, he walked onto the gridiron for legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce from 1977 to 1979, proving that “impossible” is simply a matter of perspective. What began on the collegiate field evolved into a lifelong divine assignment: becoming the guardian of Cleveland’s youth and an “Architect of Hope”. Beginning in 1982, Coach Harris established himself as a cornerstone of athletics at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), serving a combined quarter-century as Assistant Football Coach and Head Men’s and Women’s Track Coach. Simultaneously, he spent decades bridging the classroom and the locker room as a dedicated Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) educator and coach at JFK High School, South High School, and Carl F. Schuler Middle School. His championship legacy on the sidelines includes leading JFK to a City Championship in 1981 and its first State Playoff appearance in 2010, assisting South High’s girls basketball program, and helping coach South’s varsity football team to a City Championship in 2005. Coach Harris’ defining legacy took center stage in 1996 when he became Director of the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at CWRU and Ohio’s NYSP State Coordinator. A pivotal turning point came in 2006 when the federal government completely eliminated funding for the program nationwide. As over 200 programs across the country shut down, Coach Harris stood in the gap. Refusing to let Cleveland’s youth be left behind, he took his fight to Capitol Hill, raised millions of dollars, and transformed CWRU’s program into the nationally celebrated “Last Camp Standing”—a beacon of sports, education, wellness, and the arts. Partnering with the U.S. Department of State and the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, he expanded that sanctuary into a global bridge, impacting youth across 15 countries and 4 continents while taking Cleveland students to Australia and the Dominican Republic at no cost to their families. For over 40 years, Coach Harris has empowered thousands of young lives with the guiding truth: “Once you stop learning, you stop living.” Supported throughout his extraordinary journey by his wife of over 40 years, Vanessa, their children, grandchildren, and a vast village of mentees, his story remains a powerful force of mentoring, scholarship, and service across Greater Cleveland and around the world. This is the cinematic journey of Coach Dennis Leon Harris—a story of an all star athlete who became the most enduring guardian of Cleveland’s youth. Today, he stands as the leader of the “Last Camp Standing,” a man who turned a local summer program into a global bridge connecting Cleveland to the world.

CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD

David M. Reynolds

David M. Reynolds is a Managing Director and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. David works closely with individuals, families and business owners who have accumulated substantial wealth and seek a trusted advisor to transform their hard work into meaningful legacies. A native of Cleveland with more than 30 years of industry experience, he delivers the global capabilities of J.P. Morgan directly to clients to help guide them across the stages of their financial lives. With a practice that lies at the intersection of wealth management and philanthropy, David builds relationships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for positively impacting the people around them. He is a leader and entrepreneur in the Cleveland community, and his particular interest is in enhancing educational opportunities for at-risk children. David is a former Governor-appointed trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Cleveland State University. He sits on the Board of Directors at the Great Lakes Science Center and is a member and former Chairman of the Board of Cleveland’s Karamu House, the oldest African-American Cultural Arts Institution in the country. He is also a member of the Professional Advisory Counsel for College Now of Greater Cleveland, Chairman of the Board of Friends of Ginn Academy, and sits on the Board of Directors of The Crew Foundation. In 1987, David began his career at Dean Witter in New York City, then was the Director of Northern Indiana for Merrill Lynch before joining J.P. Morgan Private Bank in 2009. Most recently, he held senior Private Banking Executive roles with KeyBank for seven years before returning to J.P. Morgan. David earned a B.A. in Finance and Management from Walsh University and was a member of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2011. He is a Pathfinders Hall of Fame Business recipient at Maple Heights High School, a Cleveland Crain’s Notable Black Leader in 2024, a 2025 Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, and a 2025 Marquis Who’s Who in America listed in the Library of Congress. David has served in the Outreach Ministry of The Word Church to help provide food to those in need; he currently sings in the Word Church choir. David and his wife, Cynthia, a leader in her own right, reside in Solon and have two adult children, David, Jr. and Brandon, who live in the greater Cleveland area.

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Theodore “Ted” Ginn, Sr.

Theodore “Ted” Ginn, Sr. has devoted nearly five decades to coaching, mentoring and creating opportunities for young people in Cleveland. A Glenville High School alumnus, Coach Ginn played linebacker and center for the Tarblooders before beginning his coaching career as a volunteer in 1976. After serving as an assistant coach, he became Head Football Coach in 1997 and has since built a program recognized for excellence both on and off the field. Under Coach Ginn’s leadership, Glenville became the first Cleveland municipal school to reach the state football playoffs in 1999 and numerous subsequent playoff appearances. His teams have earned multiple Senate League championships and state and national recognition. In 2022, Coach Ginn led Glenville to its first football state championship, followed by additional state titles in 2023 and 2025. Named Head Coach of the Glenville High School Boys’ Track Team in 2002, Coach Ginn led the program to five consecutive state championship titles. The Tarblooders earned additional back-to-back state track and field championships in 2022 and 2023 and finished as state runner-up in 2024. In 2004, Glenville’s Boys’ 4x100 Meter Relay Team also captured the Penn Relays High School Division title. Despite an extraordinary record of athletic achievement, Coach Ginn has consistently emphasized that championships are not the ultimate purpose of his work. “It’s about saving lives and saving souls,” he says. “Football and track are just the vehicles we use to ride in.” That philosophy has shaped generations of student-athletes. Coach Ginn has assisted more than 300 young people to attend college, including helping 100+ student-athletes earn Division I scholarships. When major college programs were not coming to Glenville to recruit, he took his athletes to them, creating an annual college tour that exposed young people to campuses and opportunities throughout the country. The initiative grew beyond Glenville and became available to student-athletes across Northeast Ohio. Over the years, Coach Ginn has mentored and coached a roster of athletes who went on to collegiate and pro careers, including Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, Donte Whitner, Pierre Woods, Cardale Jones, Marshon Lattimore, Justin Hardee and Shane Wynn. He also coached his son, Ted Ginn, Jr., who became a standout at Ohio State before a long career in the National Football League. Coach Ginn’s vision has never been limited to producing successful athletes. In 2007, his dream became reality with the establishment of Ginn Academy, an all-male public school in Cleveland created to provide education, mentorship, discipline, support and exposure to greater possibilities. His broader vision includes creating a boarding-school environment where young men at risk can receive the support necessary to thrive. Coach Ginn and his wife, Jeanette, are the proud parents of two children, Tiffany and Ted, Jr., and three grandchildren, Theodore III, Kyrsten and Kendal. His commitment to family reflects the same values of faith, guidance and responsibility that have defined his life’s work.

What you do empowers us all. We are proud to support 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. One Leader. Generations of Impact. Case Western Reserve University proudly congratulates Dennis “Coach” Harris, director of CWRU’s National Youth Sports Program, on being honored for mentoring by 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Dollar.Bank

RPM International Inc.

is a proud supporter of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland’s An Evening of Excellence. $7.4B

Net Sales

~17,800

Employees Worldwide

118

Manufacturing Facilities

RPM International Inc., in Medina, Ohio, owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services.

For every care in the community. We proudly support An Evening of Excellence with 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Thank you for your dedication to improving the quality of life within our community and enhancing educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.

ClevelandClinic.org/SouthPointe

CU YAHOG A COMMUNI T Y COLLEGE ( T RI- C ®)

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT an Evening of Excellence with

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc. CONGRATULATIONS to Tri-C Eastern Campus President Dr. Todd Kitchen for receiving the Education Award, along with all the honorees. Thank you for your commitment to education, health and wellness, economic empowerment and mentoring for leadership development.

tri-c.edu 216-987-6000

26-0587

SAVE THE DATE Salute to the 2026 Black Professional of the Year

Wesley Gillespie PRESIDENT, ERIEBANK

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 7, 2026

6:00 PM

HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER OF CLEVELAND 1 St. Clair Ave., NE, Cleveland, OH 44114

BECOME A SPONSOR Proceeds from the Gala invest in the next generation through scholarships, mentoring, leadership development, and professional development programming for students.