The Annual Black Tie Scholarship and Recognition Gala benefiting local college students and mentees took place April 26, at the Lee Street Resource Center in Blackshear.
The event was hosted by the 100 Black Men of Southeast Georgia. “What They See Is What They Will Be” was the theme for the benefit banquet.
“We want to say thank you to all our sponsors, friends and family members. We appreciate all of you,” said a spokesman for the 100 Black Men.
The opening prayer focused on the memory of past members, looking back at their life, work, family and spouses they left behind. They include Past President Johnny Mathis, William Croom, Dr. Esco Hall and the Rev. Gerald Copeland. Some spouses were present in the crowd. Soloist Minga Williams, sang beautifully and kept the crowd on their feet with her selections.
The mentees showed up from start to finish, including seating everyone at their assigned table. The mentees showed that they could stand the heat at dinner time by running from table to table, delivering dinner plates, water, tea and napkins. They took excellent care of the seniors and the dinner party.
The introduction of our speaker by Deacon James Deen made us think that we were getting a well known celebrity. He spoke highly of his old friend.
When the speaker took the helm he didn’t disappoint. The speaker was State Representative Al Williams. Williams (DHinesville) represents District 168. Williams kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as he reminisced about the past. He spoke on the benefits of our youth, plans for their future and changes of yesterday and today.
Williams spoke about the good times, but also brought reality to the great prospect of prosperity by labor. He spoke of Micah 6:8, “ He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the LORD requires of you: surely to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Williams said we must teach our mentees to take their time, but to keep going and learn with patience.
“Everything must be earned in life and it starts with an education. You may get something for free, but you must have an education to keep it,” Williams said.
The mentees were told life expectations are there and were reminded to just look at those that are doing something and going places.
“Remember, What They See, Is What They Will Be,” Williams said.
Williams used his past experiences to show the mentees how they can accomplish anything in their lives.
The 100 Black Men thanks everyone who supported the event.
“We may not have acknowledged you by name, but we appreciate you all the same in Jesus name,” said a spokesman.
Elizabeth Copeland, spouse of the late Rev. Gerald Copeland, closed out the event.
Next year’s banquet will be held April 11, 2026.
