AARP and NBC Universal were honored for their work in the community.

Washington, DC, April 12, 2008 – Today the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. Inc (100BMGWDC) hosted its 4th Annual Legacy Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, on Capitol Hill. Nearly 400 guests attended the evening event. The Legacy Awards are given each year to recognize individuals and organizations that are making a positive impact especially in the lives of young African-American men.

This year’s Legacy Award recipients included; Coach Danny Hayes, Gwynn Park High School for Mentoring; The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, Inc for Education; Howard University Hospital Cancer Center for Health and Wellness; Thomas J. Baltimore, President of RLJ Companies for Economic Development; Hiram Russell, President of Blue Boy Imaging for Small Business; AARP for Government and Policy; and NBC for Corporate Partner of the Year.

This year’s winners were chosen for the positive images they bestow upon the community.  The 100 Black Men of Greater Washington DC (100BMGWDC) believe that our youth “will be what they see.”

“Everyday our awardees are performing tasks that are truly making a difference,” said Marvin Dickerson, President of the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C. “We are proud to honor them and call them partners. Our members believe that giving back to the young people in the community is a privilege. Everyday we believe that we are creating a legacy of future leaders.

The most prestigious award presented for the evening was for the 2008 Youth of the Year to Chris Coachman a 9th grader from Spingarn High School in Maryland. The Youth of the Year is presented to the person who has distinguished himself as a leader throughout his interactions with the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, D.C.

Other notable winners include NBC Universal for Corporate Partner of the Year. NBC won the award because of its on going support and exclusive funding of the 100 BMOGWDC’s mentoring program for nearly three straight years. AARP was also recognized for their community outreach effort their “Divided We Fail,” campaign. The campaign is a pledge to hold political candidates to slate of issues with access to affordable health care topping the list.