Members of the 100 Black Men of Southeast Georgia joined leaders from across the state for the 100 Black Men of America Georgia Chapters Empowerment and Sustainability Summit, held August 6–8, 2026, on St. Simons Island.

The three-day summit brought members together to strengthen collaboration, exchange best practices, and identify strategies for building sustainable chapters capable of expanding their impact in Georgia communities. The gathering opened with a moment of silence, prayer, and reading of the 100 Black Men mission statement at Ahmaud Arbery Park in Brunswick.

Sessions addressed issues critical to chapter success, including trade-school initiatives and statewide relationships, navigating political engagement, membership recruitment and retention, chapter development, and collaborative partnerships. Participants also discussed leadership, economic development, and health and wellness, areas closely connected to the organization’s mission and community-based programming.

Chapter President Troy Jackson said the summit reinforced the importance of chapters learning from one another.

“Our work begins in our local communities, but we become stronger when we connect that work across Georgia. This summit gave us an opportunity to share ideas, strengthen relationships and return home better prepared to serve our young people and families.”

Southeast District Director Charles Griggs emphasized that strong local chapters are essential to advancing the broader mission of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

“The strength of the 100 has always been our chapters and the men doing the work on the ground. When Georgia chapters collaborate, share resources and develop sustainable approaches to service, we multiply our impact. Stronger chapters create a stronger district, and ultimately a stronger 100.”

The summit concluded Saturday with chapter highlights, an open roundtable discussion, and a review focused on translating the weekend’s conversations into continued action.

Pictured L-R: Dr. Andrew Jackson  DDS. Program  Chair; Rev. Troy Jackson, President; Charles Griggs, Southeast District Director; Melvin Johnson, Vice President; and Elder Deland  Bailey, Finance & Membership