The founding chapter of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. (OHBM) began its citywide listening tour, inviting Black and Brown community members across New York City to weigh in on the unique challenges they face.
Founded in 1963, OBHM is a nonprofit centered around Black men’s collective focused on giving back to the community through mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment programs. The organization was named by co-founder and late Mayor David Dinkins, the city’s first Black mayor.
“I believe that sometimes organizations, or people [who] feel that they have power, they sort of decide what the community is concerned about,” said Robert Brown, president of OBHM of New York. “I never understood that. I always thought that the community had to tell the organizations, or the people who we give power to, what is important to us.”
In order to create a new policy plan for 2026 that accurately reflects the community’s concerns, OBHM created the Committee of Addressing Problems (CAP).
“It’s no secret. We are at a turning point,” said Michael Cox, an OBHM leader. “A couple of months ago, we had a meeting of 100 Black men. And during that conversation, what we realized was that not only are things changing, but maybe we can’t do business as usual. That maybe the chaos, maybe the fear that’s being sowed in our communities, needs to be more carefully examined.”
Ariama C. Long photos
The first gathering for the listening tour was held at Anne Hutchinson School (P.S. 78) in the Bronx. Many of the residents spoke about hyperlocal issues concerning mental health and access to services, homelessness and the shelter system, overcoming systemic trauma, fostering mentorship and community engagement, and reintegration into society for formerly incarcerated individuals.
“I want to find a way that I can become a help and be of assistance, because I’ve harmed our community, and now I want to help our community,” said Rasheed Davis, a Bronx resident. “I served 23 years in prison, and I just want to be instrumental in reaching out and helping out change.”
“Mental health is something that affects every person in this room. If it doesn’t affect you personally, it affects someone in your family,” said one attendee. “I’ve seen, and I’m working in mental health, and I’ve seen where it affects families. Other races get the help that they need, and their people are working and living progressive lives. While, on the other hand, our people are left to wander the streets and be homeless.”
Several members of Stand Up to Violence (SUV), Jacobi Medical Center’s violence prevention initiative, spoke about bridging the generational gap between elders and the youth in the community as a method of preventing gun and gang violence.
“One of the biggest things that the youth is missing is correct guidance. They don’t have the proper guidance, and they’re looking for help. They are seeking help. That’s why they joined the gangs, because they’re looking for help…You know, Mom and Pop drop them off at school, maybe seven in the morning, and they may not come back until seven that night,” said Philip Erby, an SUV Outreach Worker Supervisor. “A lot of our elders are scared of these kids. I understand that, but at the end of the day, we can’t lose them because we’re afraid. We have to embrace them.”
Former Bronx Councilmember Andy King, who helped organize the event, and current Councilmember Kevin Riley, were also in attendance.
Riley said that there was definitely a “lack of connection” that many of his constituents spoke to, and he has some legislation, like Bill Intro. 975 and Bill Intro. 82, in the works to address two issues that were raised in the session.
Bill Intro. 975, which Riley introduced last year, would establish an Office of Black Male Excellence. The office would analyze and provide recommendations relating to socioeconomic issues that specifically Black males face in New York City.
Bill Intro. 82 would create a three-digit emergency gun violence intervention hotline for the Office for Neighborhood Safety for people seeking assistance with mental health and supportive services.
OBHM said the goal is to have a listening session once a month in every borough. The details for the next meeting have not been finalized, but it will be located in Brooklyn this June. For more information about the Citywide Listening Tour, contact cap.committee@ohbm.org
I discovered an online system that now allows me to make $16,590 per month without the usual stress and long hours. My days are now filled with freedom, creativity, and real financial security—
Go ON My Profile