100 Black Men of Savannah: Investing in the Next Generation Through Mentorship, Education, and Opportunity
Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built by people willing to invest their time, knowledge, and resources into the next generation.
That commitment is exactly what has driven 100 Black Men of Savannah for nearly three decades.
In a recent episode of Savannah Spotlight, host Renee LaSalle sat down with Fernando Foster, the organization’s new president, to discuss the future of 100 Black Men of Savannah, the programs already changing lives across the Coastal Empire, and the vision for expanding their impact even further.
As part of the international 100 Black Men of America network, the Savannah chapter has been mentoring young people since 1996, helping students develop leadership skills, pursue educational opportunities, and build brighter futures.
A Legacy of Mentorship
While Foster may be stepping into the role of president, he is far from new to the organization.
Having spent more than 15 years with 100 Black Men of Savannah and serving as vice president under longtime leader Harold Oglesby, Foster brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission.
That mission centers around one simple but powerful goal: helping young people become successful contributors to their communities.
Through mentorship, education, and exposure to new opportunities, the organization works with students from elementary school through college, providing guidance that can influence the trajectory of an entire lifetime.
Building a Love for Reading
One of the most exciting initiatives discussed during the interview is the organization’s new literacy program, 100 Reads.
The program is designed to increase literacy rates while helping children build personal home libraries.
Mentors will visit classrooms throughout the school year, reading with students and providing books they can take home and keep. Over time, children will accumulate a collection of books of their own while developing stronger reading habits and a greater appreciation for learning.
The initiative also encourages family involvement by creating opportunities for parents and children to read together at home.
In an increasingly digital world, the simple act of putting a physical book in a child’s hands can create lasting benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.
Opening Doors Through Technology
As a technology professional with more than two decades of experience, Foster is also passionate about helping students explore careers in STEM fields.
Through technology camps and hands-on learning experiences, students are introduced to robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, web development, engineering concepts, and other emerging technologies.
These programs provide more than technical skills.
They expose young people to possibilities they may not have considered before and help them discover interests that could shape future educational and career paths.
Sometimes all it takes is one experience to spark a lifelong passion.
Addressing Violence Through Mentorship
One of the most impactful initiatives currently being developed is the Respect for Life program, an anti-gun violence and nonviolence initiative being launched in partnership with the City of Savannah.
The program will focus on mentoring young people who have been directly affected by gun violence, whether as victims or participants.
Through dedicated mentorship, life skills development, educational opportunities, and community engagement, the program aims to help young people process trauma, develop healthier support systems, and focus on building successful futures.
Foster emphasized that when young people are living with the constant fear of violence, it becomes difficult to focus on education, personal growth, or long-term goals.
Providing guidance, support, and positive relationships can play a critical role in helping them move forward.
More Than Mentoring
Beyond literacy and violence prevention efforts, 100 Black Men of Savannah offers a variety of programs designed to support youth development.
Students can participate in financial literacy programs that teach investing and wealth-building principles through hands-on stock market simulations.
The organization also operates Black History 365, a program that encourages students to deepen their understanding of history while competing for scholarship opportunities through a national academic competition.
For college students, Collegiate 100 chapters at local universities provide leadership development, mentorship opportunities, networking experiences, and community service projects that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Together, these programs create a comprehensive approach to helping young people develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive.
A Vision for Greater Impact
Today, 100 Black Men of Savannah impacts approximately 400 young people throughout the region.
Under Foster’s leadership, the organization hopes to expand that reach significantly in the years ahead.
Achieving that vision will require additional mentors, volunteers, community partners, and financial support.
The organization is actively seeking men of integrity who are passionate about helping young people succeed, as well as community members interested in supporting initiatives like 100 Reads and other youth-focused programs.
Get Involved
Whether through mentorship, volunteering, sponsorship, or donations, there are many ways for community members to support the work of 100 Black Men of Savannah.
Every book donated, every hour volunteered, and every young person mentored helps strengthen the future of our community.
To learn more about the organization’s programs, volunteer opportunities, or ways to contribute, visit www.100blackmensav.org.
Watch the full Savannah Spotlight interview to hear how 100 Black Men of Savannah is continuing its mission of creating opportunities, building leaders, and changing lives throughout the Coastal Empire.
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