Thousands of Thanks for 100 Black Men

Growing up on the tough streets of the Bronx were not the best years of Richard Borden’s life. Despite hardships and run-ins with the law, Borden became a Navy lieutenant through a youth program run by the 100 Black Men organization.

The group “didn’t give me a handout, they gave me a hand and helped pull me out of my situation,” Borden said Monday at a gala held in Irvine to honor those who have supported the group’s Orange County chapter.

More than 800 guests attended the 100 Black Men of Orange County’s holiday ball at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Borden and eight community leaders and celebrities were honored for their support for the group’s efforts to build diversity, educational and social services.

The $75-a-plate affair helped raise $100,000 for the organization’s Passports for the Future, a training and scholarship program for black high school students.

The four-year program helps students explore their cultural heritage and career goals through weekly workshops and mentorships with local professionals. Students who complete the program will receive at least $1,000 at the time of their high school graduations for college or vocational training.

Currently, 37 young men from six Orange County schools, including Tustin, University and Irvine High schools, are participating in the program.

Adam Jenkins, 15, said the program has helped him map out his future in engineering. The sophomore at Woodbridge High School in Irvine is juggling math and history honors courses and a mentorship program sponsored by Passport for the Future.

“This program has encouraged me to pursue my dreams with fewer doubts,” Jenkins said.

The success stories of black youths like naval pilot Borden and others are not rare, said Ron Coley, president of the Orange County chapter.

Borden “is not the exception; he’s an example of what students from our communities can achieve,” he said.

Monday evening’s event, along with corporate grants and ongoing community fund-raisers, is expected to provide the scholarship money.

Other community leaders recognized Monday included Garden Grove Police Chief Stan Knee; Milton Grimes, the lawyer for Rodney King; and Yvette Welch, manager of community programming for Cox Communications.

Each of the nine honorees were selected for their commitment to community service, diversity and education.

Also on hand were city officials from throughout Orange County, law enforcement representatives and legislators.

“Our future is our young people,” Rep.-elect Loretta Sanchez said. “Here is an innovative program that prepares them to be competitive.”