Austin’s community-building spirit is getting a boost from an organization focused on leadership, literacy, and opportunity for young people.
Madelyn Patterson of Gone Mad Productions and Studios and Ujima Magazine wanted to highlight 100 Black Men of Austin, a local organization working to make an impact across the city. Andre Patterson, the organization’s president, joined the conversation to share more about the group’s work and to preview an exciting gala planned for this weekend.
Madelyn Patterson of Gone Mad Productions and Studios and Ujima Magazine wanted to highlight 100 Black Men of Austin, a local organization working to make an impact across the city. Andre Patterson, the organization’s president, joined the conversation to share more about the group’s work and to preview an exciting gala planned for this weekend.
“100 Black Men of Austin has been around for about 30 years,” said Madelyn Patterson, “And what’s really special is what we wanted to make sure that the boys in our community will see something inspiring. So what Andre has done in the last year or so is bring people together. I’m continuing on the legacy with that and having consistent men in these young men’s lives, because that is the key, and that’s what they are doing in the city of Austin right now.”
Andre Patterson added, “Our main mission is mentorship. That’s really what it is. We have a couple of pillars that go towards that around economic empowerment, leadership, education, and health and wellness. But at its core, it’s really mentorship. And in our particular case, instead of the “school to prison pipeline,” we call it the “school to success pipeline.”
The organization’s efforts include the Saturday Leadership Academy, a workshop-style program aimed at helping young people build leadership skills.
As part of the Leadership Academy, young participants are using the event as a capstone project, putting their skills into action by organizing, promoting, and running the evening.
“This go round, what I decided to do was make our inaugural gala their capstone project. So the boys are actually putting on this gala, right? So they’ve been planning it now, of course, with our guidance and strong encouragement. It’s about giving them real-world experience,” Patterson said. “Not just learning the skills, but actually applying them.”
100 Black Men of Austin set to toast community impact at weekend gala
Literacy is also a major focus through its Black Men Read program, which encourages reading and supports literacy development.
“That has stemmed from a lot of studies around the decrease in folks reading, and that’s not just at the kid level. So one of the things that really inspired us was getting involved with AISD. There was a strong focus on getting adults into the classroom, primarily in third grade, to promote literacy. And so we partnered with another organization here. A local business called Black Pearl Books, the owner, Eric Brooks, is one of my members. And so we buy books and provide them for the classroom. But then we also go into that classroom and read to those babies.”
100 Black Men of Austin set to toast community impact at weekend gala
100 Black Men of Austin is also working to prepare young people for STEM careers and workforce readiness, including through a drone apprenticeship program.
“That’s really what’s driving a lot of that, is just the exposure. So our motto is “what they see is what they’ll be.” So a lot of it is exposing these young men to what’s possible.”
The group’s gala this weekend is expected to highlight its mission and help support its community programs. More information about 100 Black Men of Austin and its upcoming events is available through the organization’s official channels.
The organization’s efforts include the Saturday Leadership Academy, a workshop-style program aimed at helping young people build leadership skills.
As always, thank you to Ujima Magazine, Gone Mad Productions, and Studios for this community spotlight. Be sure to follow them on social media to keep up to date on local events and efforts.
As always, thank you to Ujima Magazine, Gone Mad Productions and Studios for this community spotlight. Be sure to follow them on social media to keep up to date on local events and efforts,
