100 Black Men of America, Inc .mourns the loss of Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., announces funeral arrangements

Pictured far right: Thomas W. Dortch. Photo provided by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

ATLANTA—The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. issued a tribute honoring  Thomas W. “Tommy Dortch, Jr., who passed away  on Feb. 15, 2023:

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, we lost a bright light, an unstoppable, unforgettable force of nature. His work across many industries, through various organizations, with several civic coalitions, alongside HBCUs and Atlanta public schools, in partnerships with corporate foundations, and effectively working with elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels of government always included advocating for underserved communities, and especially for youth. As a member and former Chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. and Chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Mr. Dortch was an active member for over 37 years.

“As the members of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and friends from around the globe mourn the loss of Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., we will forever honor his legacy through mentorship and service to our communities,” stated Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Vice Chairman of of the 100 lack Men of America.  

During Mr. Dortch’s tenure, which included multiple terms as Chairman of the Board (from 1994 -2004 and 2017 – 2023), the organization achieved many milestones.  Mr. Dortch proclaimed in 1994 that the organization’s work would be focused in four areas: Mentoring,    Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment. After meetings with the U.S. Secretaries of Education, Richard Riley and Rod Paige and their staff, and strategic analysis by the 100’s National Chairs of Education, Mr. Dortch directed the 100 Chapters to elevate their engagement with the public education systems. These efforts led to chapters across the 100 network either chartering schools or working in partnership with local schools to maximize learning outcomes.