ATLANTA, GA — October 7, 2026 — Last Saturday evening, beneath the chandeliers of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the organization that has spent four decades shaping the lives of Atlanta's young people celebrated a milestone as significant as the work itself: 40 years of changing lives.

The 2026 100 Honors Gala — the 40th Anniversary celebration of 100 Black Men of Atlanta — brought together members, alumni, corporate partners, community leaders, and the students whose futures the organization has dedicated itself to building. It was an evening of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to the work that began in 1986 when entrepreneur Nathaniel R. Goldston III and 18 of his friends and associates gathered around a shared vision: Atlanta's young people deserved access to opportunity, positive role models, and adults willing to invest in their success.

From 19 Men to a Global Movement

What started with 19 men has grown into one of Atlanta's most enduring community institutions. Today, 100 Black Men of Atlanta boasts more than 200 local members and is part of a broader national network of more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members worldwide. The organization's signature initiative, Project Success, has served thousands of young Atlantans through mentoring, academic support, and college preparation programs.

Over four decades, the organization has expanded its reach far beyond traditional mentoring to address the interconnected challenges facing young people and their communities — from education and public policy to economic empowerment, health and wellness, and leadership development. It has become a respected community voice, frequently called upon to lend its influence to initiatives aligned with its mission of preparing young people for successful futures.

Honorees of the Evening

The 40th Anniversary Gala honored individuals and organizations whose leadership and service exemplify the values that have guided 100 Black Men of Atlanta since its founding. Among the most notable recognitions of the evening:

The Andrew Young Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to The Coca-Cola Company — a tribute to a corporate relationship built on shared values and sustained investment in Atlanta's Black community. The Maynard H. Jackson Community Impact Award went to Bentina C. Terry, President and CEO of Southern Linc and Southern Telecom Inc., recognizing her distinguished leadership in both business and community service. The Nathaniel R. Goldston III Trailblazer Award was presented to Olympic Champion Edwin C. Moses, honoring his decades of excellence and humanitarian leadership.

The evening also honored the organization's visionary founders, generations of members who carried its mission forward, and — most powerfully — the students and graduates whose achievements stand as the clearest proof of why the work matters.

Why It Matters for Black Atlanta

In a moment when DEI programs are being dismantled across corporate America and Black youth face compounding challenges — from rising unemployment to reduced educational support — organizations like 100 Black Men of Atlanta represent something irreplaceable: sustained, community-rooted investment in Black children and young adults by Black professionals who show up year after year.

The organization's model is deceptively simple but profoundly effective: connect young people to men who look like them, who have achieved, who are present, and who believe in them. Research consistently shows that mentorship by same-race, same-gender adults has meaningful positive effects on academic performance, career aspirations, and long-term outcomes for Black youth. 100 Black Men of Atlanta has been living that research for 40 years.

Looking to the Next 40 Years

As the organization marks four decades of impact, its leaders have made clear that the gala was not simply a celebration of what has been accomplished, but a rallying call for what still must be done. Atlanta continues to grow — becoming a hub for tech, film, healthcare, and logistics — but that growth does not automatically benefit Black communities. Intentional, sustained investment in Black youth remains essential to ensuring that Atlanta's next chapter is written by and for its Black residents.

100 Black Men of Atlanta is accepting applications for its mentorship and scholarship programs. To learn more, connect with the organization through their website or social media channels. Forty years strong — and just getting started.