The 100 Black Men of Savannah, Inc. celebrated a historic milestone this month by hosting its 30th Annual Grand Gala at the Georgia Railroad Museum. The event drew a full house of supporters, mentors, community leaders, and the organization’s young mentees, underscoring the deep roots the group has in Savannah’s civic life.
Mentors and Mentees Take Center Stage
Organizers described the evening as a “resounding success,” noting that the highlight was the performance by the youth participants. “Our mentees were incredible,” said Fernando Foster, President of 100 Black Men of Savannah. “Their performance last night was a prime example of the importance of our mentoring programs.” The young people’s energy and poise left a lasting impression on attendees and reinforced the organization’s mission to develop the next generation of leaders.
Celebrating Academic Achievement
The gala also honored scholarship recipients who exemplify the program’s goals. Courtney Johnson of Georgia Southern University and recent Bethesda Academy graduate Brian Howell received the 100 Black Men of Savannah Gala Scholarships. In addition, the organization announced its 2026 honorees: Sheri Butler for Excellence in Business, Darrell Naylor‑Johnson for Excellence in Community Service, and Dr. Jermaine Whirl for Excellence in Education.
Food, Décor, and Community Support
Attendees praised the catering provided by Southern Palate, describing the meal as “amazing” and “immaculate.” The historic backdrop of the Georgia Railroad Museum added a striking visual element, while decorator Valerie Black was recognized for bringing elegance to the space, elevating the celebratory atmosphere.
Representatives from Savannah State University’s Collegiate 100 and several mentees—including Shamaud Northcutt, Baraka Sledge, and Layla Fennell—were also present, further highlighting the organization’s broad reach across local educational institutions.
Looking Forward
As the 30th gala concluded, organizers thanked guests for their continued support, emphasizing that the true heart of the celebration was the young people whose futures are being shaped by mentorship. “We are inspiring the next generation of leaders,” the organizers said, reaffirming the group’s commitment to fostering leadership, academic excellence, and community service throughout Savannah and the surrounding region.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
