Black Professionals in Montgomery, AL

Recognizing that certain segments of the population have historically been unrepresented or underrepresented in the legal arena, and recognizing that justice is a blind concept, yet sometimes unjustly administered, the Alabama Lawyers Association (formerly known as the Alabama Black Lawyers Association) was organized in 1971. The organization’s purpose is to encourage the study of law, to provide support services and networking opportunities for members to enhance their effectiveness as legal counsel, and to protect the civil and political rights of all citizens.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Montgomery began as an effort of community-minded men receiving our certificate of membership from the National Headquarters. The founding officers consisted of President James Harrell (an established businessman), Vice President William Petty (an Army Colonel), Executive Secretary Edward Brown (an Air Force Colonel), and Treasurer Leonard McGruder (a Retired General Motors Supervisor). Together they created and establish what we know today as the Montgomery Chapter. The organization was formally incorporated in the State of Alabama in September of 2001 with George Tabb, Bradley Knox, William Petty, Johnny Hardwick, Christopher Pitts, Timothy Robinson, Cornelius White, Malcolm Calhoun, and Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi listed as additional Directors. The primary purposes as stated by the Articles of Incorporation were “To provide a community organization to promote a quality education on healthcare, wellness, and mentoring education in the Greater Montgomery Area.” In November of 2002, the Chapter was granted an exemption from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code. The Chapter is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As an Affiliate Chapter of The 100 Black Men of America, Inc., we are dedicated to building stronger young men, loving families, and better communities by working together in a network of Chapters around the world. The chapter serves as a beacon of hope, commitment, and leadership for an area that is one of the bedrocks for human rights movements in this country. The members, advisors, and the leadership are intricately involved in every aspect of life in the Greater Montgomery area: judges, lawyers, doctors, nurses, technicians, educators, administrators, active duty and retired military members, aviators, engineers, financial managers, businessmen, and other professions. The mission of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans. ​ The 100 seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve and to empower our people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve. 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is committed to the intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African American community based on the following precepts: respect for family, spirituality, justice, and integrity.

Impressed with the aims and philosophy of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a group of mothers in Montgomery, Alabama organized a provisional chapter in 1954. On October 1, 1955, the Montgomery Chapter was formally established with 33 charter members. In 1980 during the administration of Mrs. Bennye Black Reasor, the chapter sponsored its first Beautillion Militaire. Mrs. Rosalyn King served as chairperson of this event, and the late Attorney Solomon Seay was master of ceremonies. Given the various venues through which young women could shine, the chapter wanted something that highlighted young men. ​This biennial event focuses on a series of character building social, cultural and educational activities including a career workshop, a health workshop, and a rites of passage ceremony all designed to help young men from the community make that crucial transition from boyhood to manhood. Not only has the Beautillion Militaire become an increasingly popular event, but also it has raised thousands of dollars for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Those thousands of dollars have been reinvested in the community through charitable contributions and has garnered the chapter numerous recognition from the National and Regional organization. Over the years Beautillion has allowed the chapter to make generous contributions to such worthwhile organizations as Common Ground Ministries, AIDS Outreach, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, and Alabama State University. ​During its 65-year history, the local chapter has provided enrichment and assistance to its members and to the community-at-large. Always aware of our rich heritage, the present chapter members strive to continue the legacy, as we meet the challenges of today and prepare for the future.