100 Black Men of Philadelphia gives away book bags and school supplies ahead of school year

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Simir Fuller is a rising 10th grader, who attends programs with the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship to young Black boys.

Today, he joined other members of the organization at a Back to School event at the Grocery Outlet on Ridge Avenue, giving away book bags and supplies to neighborhood kids.

“Meeting important people, knowing how to talk to them has been life changing,” Fuller said.

David Chaney has been a mentor for seven years with the organization and is the vice president of programs. He is also an educator at Big Vaux Picture High School. Chaney said that they have been working all year long to prepare for Saturday’s event. He said he hoped the free supplies would ease some stress on parents trying to get their children ready for school Monday.

“They are going to be excited, a couple of kids want to get back to see the teachers and see their friends,” Chaney said.

Courtney Allen, who came with her five-year-old daughter, Kenzie, and 10-year-old son, Julian, said having Black male role models has been life changing for her family. Julian has been attending programs with the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia.

“They do a lot for the community,” Allen said. “Julian enjoys being around boys his age, especially Black men, because we are right outside of Philadelphia in Abington, so we don’t see a lot of us [Black people] so to really come down here and be around [successful] Black men it’s important for him.”

Fuller, who has spent four years attending programs with the organization, said he has learned how to conduct himself in a professional setting.

“We learn how to dress for the occasion, job interview, show, or performance, dressing for the occasion,” Fuller said. “Knowing how to talk to people, knowing how to shake hands and look people in the eyes and other stuff is important.”

He said the organization has supported his growth as a young man.

“It keeps us busy because we are not worrying about impressing other people who think that’s cool or that [crime] stuff is needed. As soon as we get into an environment like that we already know that’s not right, we shouldn’t do this, it’s drilled into our heads,” Fuller said.

Tobi Kok, a fourth grader who came with his family to the Saturday event, said he was excited about the free supplies.

“I’m glad they are able to give away book bags and notebooks so we can prepare for school,” Kok said.

For more information on how to sign up for mentorship at the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia, the next open house event will be held Oct. 5, 2024.