NORFOLK, Va. — For 20 years, one local organization has worked to carry out a mission to improve the lives of Black boys and young men throughout Hampton Roads.
The 200+ Men Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men, Inc. It is made up of men who joined forces to address issues throughout the community. They also raise funds through donations and grants to support the foundation's programs.
Jimmy Gray, president of the foundation, said it's important to change damaging narratives surrounding young Black men.
"We know that there are young men in our community who are doing great academically, " Gray said. "We want to put the spotlight and tell the community who those young men are."
The foundation runs programs like the 200+ Scholars Academy. The multi-year mentorship program uses enrichment programs, tutoring, classroom discussions and more to inspire young men to achieve personal and academic success.
"It starts with kids who are in middle school, and what we want to do is mentor them throughout their high school years," Gray said.
Graduates of the academy are invited to be recognized at the foundation's Scholars Breakfast. The event celebrates Black male high school seniors across Hampton Roads who have excelled academically.
"It's a recognition program for the African American males that are graduating from public and private schools with a 3.0 or better grade point average," Gray said. "We award scholarships to a certain number of those young men."
The foundation also partners with area elementary schools to provide mentorship to young boys. It is working on building its own endowment to support the organization long-term.
Gray said fundraising is critical for the organization to carry out its mission and continue its programs.
"We're trying to fill the gap where there's a need for assistance for people to be successful in life," Gray said. "We believe in the young men and the young boys in our community. We have men who have a passion for working with young people and want to see them succeed.
You can make a difference for the 200+ Men Foundation by volunteering or making a donation. You can also follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn or visit the 200+ Men, Inc. website.
There are hundreds of nonprofits that need your support to continue providing vital services across the region. Give Local 757 Day is April 23.
Click here for a full list of organizations participating in the largest single-day fundraising event in Hampton Roads.