MINNEAPOLIS - TelAve -- Contact:
Monica Granados, Director of Marketing & Communications
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities
mgranados@bigstwincities.org | 651-789-2412

During Black History Month, 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities and Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities Announce Partnership to Build the Next Generation of Black Leaders

Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN — Feb 11, 2026 — In recognition of Black History Month, 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities (100BMTC) and Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (BBBSTC) announced a strategic partnership focused on expanding mentorship, leadership development, and community connection for Black male youth across the Twin Cities.

Black History Month honors the legacy of Black leadership, resilience, and collective responsibility. This partnership reflects that legacy in action by investing in the next generation of Black leaders and ensuring young people have access to positive Black male role models and consistent developmental opportunities.

In moments like this, the need for caring, consistent adult role models in the lives of young people is more critical than ever. As youth grow up amid community challenges, mentorship can provide stability, belonging, and steady encouragement. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities has a waiting list of more than 600 youth in the Twin Cities alone, and because the demand is especially high for male mentors, some young people wait more than two years for a match. This partnership responds directly by mobilizing more Black men to step into mentorship roles while also ensuring youth are supported in the meantime through Jr. 100 programming, a leadership and mentoring initiative of 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities that offers consistent engagement, exposure to Black leadership, and a strong sense of belonging as youth await a one-to-one match.

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"For more than sixty years, the 100 Black Men of America has affirmed that mentorship in the Black community is foundational," said Kheph Rakhu, President of 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities. "When Black boys see Black men show up with consistency, accountability, and care, it shapes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible."

In addition to youth programming, the collaboration includes a shared commitment to expanding the number of Black men serving as mentors. Together, the organizations are working to engage more Black male youth through Jr. 100 programming while strengthening pathways to long-term, one-to-one mentoring relationships.

"Partnering with 100 Black Men Twin Cities is about more than alignment, it's about shared commitment to showing up for Black youth with consistency, care, and belief. Their leadership and legacy strengthen our mission, and together we're expanding what mentorship can look like when it's rooted in trust, culture, and community," said Pat Sukhum, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

The partnership also includes joint community events, coordinated storytelling and media outreach, and the continued growth of the annual Black MENTors BBQ, a signature engagement and fundraising event that brings together mentors, youth, and community leaders.

As communities reflect during Black History Month, 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities and Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities reaffirm their shared belief that building the future is one of the most powerful ways to honor the past.

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About 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities

100 Black Men of the Twin Cities, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, youth development organization that was founded in 2020. The Twin Cities (Minnesota) chapter is a part of the national network of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. which is recognized as the nation's top African-American-led mentoring organization.

We are committed to the intellectual development of youth and economic empowerment of the African American and other communities of color through programs based in Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship.

Learn more at: https://www.100bmtc.org/

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (BBBSTC) creates and supports mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Serving the Twin Cities metro area, BBBSTC matches caring adults with young people who benefit from added connection, encouragement, and consistency.

• Serving youth across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs
• Supporting hundreds of active matches each year
• Committed to belonging, safety, and youth voice
• Focused on long-term outcomes and community connection

Learn more at bigstwincities.org/volunteer