By Keith L. Forest
On the eve of Father's Day, 500 Men Making A Difference brought a distinguished group of men of diverse backgrounds and age groups together for its annual Black Men Brunch. Hosted by Cyriac St. Vil, 500 Men Co-Chair, the festive affair took place at Bedford Hall Brooklyn. "Our goal is to bring men of color of all ages, nationalities, social and political backgrounds together to stimulate conversation, network and create opportunities," stated St. Vil.
In addition to great fellowship and appetizing food, founders of 500 Men took time out to honor a few pillars in the community. David Greaves, editor-in-chief of Bedford Stuyvesant's hometown weekly newspaper Our Times Press along with his wife Bernice Green were saluted. Inspired by the Million Man March, the couple took action and created a weekly newspaper to herald the voice and champion the causes for all Bedford —Stuy residents.
Jeffrey "Meatloaf" Scales, a seasoned Bedford-Stuyvesant entrepreneur and owner of Domoliek's Upscale Gentleman Grooming Barbershop, was also honored. An avid biker, Meatloaf is the proprietor of Rockboy Choppers Inc., a custom motorcycle and accessory shop. Scales thanked his wife and encouraged attending youth that they "can do or be whatever you want to be if you stay focused and walk in the right path for success."
Student Minister Henry Muhammad, from Muhammad Mosque 7 in Brooklyn, was the guest speaker. In addition to acknowledging the youth in attendance, Student Ministers Muhammad commended Mr. Greaves "For staying the course and providing a voice for the community."
500 Men Making a Difference mission is to recruit volunteers, provide mentors and develop leaders within the community in which they serve by having positive men work collectively. The Brooklyn Based organization continues to bring awareness and resources to help improve the condition of urban communities through volunteer efforts. To learn more about the organization, visit on line www.500MenMakingaDifference.com
