Karl Spencer

The 100 Black Men of Austin and Black Pearl Books nonprofit, Put it in a Book, partnered to bring Civil Rights Activist and Author, Ernest McMillan to Austin.  Mr. Ernest McMillan is a veteran human rights activist with a history of working through the 60’s in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and throughout the 80’s with the National Black United Front and the United League of Mississippi. McMillan served as the Chairman of the Dallas SNCC from 1967- 1969.  

Ernest McMillan visited the University of Texas, Huston Tillotson University, and Texas Empowerment Academy to speak on his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, his books, and shared his wisdom to the students on all walks of life coming together for the right causes (humanity, dignity, and freedom).  Mr. McMillan ended his trip with an intimate moment at Black Pearl Books with 100 members, families, and friends.

The 100 Black Men of Austin, in partnership with Toyota North Austin, launched the Black Men Read Initiative during Black History Month.  This initiative is to make reading fun for students by hosting read-alongs at select elementary schools and provide books for students to build home libraries.  Steve Riddick, General Manager of Toyota North Austin kicked off the initiative by reading, “Little People, Big Dreams, Rosa Parks” to Campbell Elementary’s 3rd grade class.  Students shared their thoughts on the impact Rosa Parks made and encouraged each other to understand the importance of history and being change makers for the future.

The 100 Black Men of Austin are proud to announce the Collegiate 100 (C100) chapter at Huston-Tillotson University. The Collegiate 100 is a student-led organization that will host events on campus to support students throughout the academic year.  The 100 Black Men of Austin will support the C100 Board and members with mentoring, internship opportunities, and financial, in-kind resources.  The organization formed in 2019 and dissolved due to students graduating and Covid-19 in 2020.   We’re looking forward to what’s to come as we start this new journey of providing resources and supporting students on campus.

Through our partnership with the 100 Black Men of America, Wells Fargo, and SIFMA Foundation, the 100 Black Men of Austin has kicked off our financial literacy workshops during our Saturday Leadership Academy. With the support of Wells Fargo, the Hands on Banking and Junior Investment workshops hosted 20 outstanding youth from the Austin community! Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve been up to:

Hands on Banking: Our young leaders dove headfirst into financial literacy, exploring topics like budgeting, saving, and smart spending. From interactive activities to real-life scenarios, they’re building a strong foundation for their financial futures!

Junior Investment: Investing may seem daunting, but not for our driven participants! Through engaging discussions and hands-on simulations, they’re learning the ins and outs of investments, setting goals, and making informed decisions to secure their financial well-being.  The SIFMA Foundation provided the platform, fictitious $100,000 for our students to select, invest, buy, and sell stock over the 10 week period.

Community Impact: Beyond the classroom, our workshops are fostering a supportive environment where youth empower each other, share ideas, and grow together. These connections are invaluable and inspire us all to reach new heights!

We’re immensely proud of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our youth, and we can’t wait to see them continue to flourish in the coming weeks! Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this empowering journey together.

Over the past 4 years, we’ve poured in Texas Empowerment Academy. From kickball tournaments, investment sessions, and painting classrooms, to seeing the first high school graduating class, the 100 Black Men of Austin are TRULY grateful for what’s to come. Celebrating the ribbon cutting ceremony of their newly built school rings true to our Motto, “What They See is What They’ll Be.”