Concerned Black Men Mourns the Loss of Co-Founder Charles Patton
Charles Patton, co-founder of Concerned Black Men, died on December 2 due to illness in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Patton is one of 5 founding members of Concerned Black Men, a national youth development organization that began in Philadelphia, PA in 1975. Charles Patton recently served as the Executive Director of Concerned Black Men of Philadelphia until his passing. "We are all saddened by the lost of our founder and leader Charlie Patton. Without his God given insight, commitment to social change, and dedication to his community, Concerned Black Men would not exist today" states Byron Browder, CBM National Chair. "Charlie's long time dedication to Concerned Black Men and its goal of helping African American youths is the type of life commitment that men and women of goodwill should emulate. His efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged children will not be forgotten," notes George L. Garrow, Jr., Executive Director of CBM National. In 1975, founding members Charles Harris, Louis Abrams, Harvey Crudup and Stephen Lyles joined Charles Patton to start Concerned Black Men. These men pooled their own resources to provide enrichment opportunities to Black children and youths who had few acceptable social outlets. Today, the remaining founders continue to be involved with the Organization and pay their respects to a fallen warrior who was so important to the CBM family.
****** What is Concerned Black Men? CBM was founded in 1975 when 5 police officers sponsored social events for kids at risk to gang violence. The Organization has grown to include a National Office based in WashingtonDC and 32 chapters nationwide. While the vision of CBM's founding members has expanded to include evidence-based programs in the areas of mentoring, tutoring, parent improvement and other model projects, the philosophy of men offering themselves as positive role models to children has remained CBM's guiding principle for nearly 35 years.
Key Dates
CBM Annual Retreat
June 5th, 2010
9:00am to 2:00pm
CBM Headquarters
Agenda Coming soon
Interested in Joining CBM If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact CBM @ 215-276-2260
Concerned Black Men Congratulates a Long Time Member Eric Holder as Attorney General
Members of the youth service organization Concerned Black Men (CBM) anticipate that Eric Holder, a long time CBM member, soon will be confirmed as Attorney General of the United States. As the lead executive for this country on most legal matters, Holder will become the Nation's first African American to hold this post.
Mr. Holder is recognized as one of this Nation's most accomplished attorneys. In 1997, he became the highest-ranking black American law enforcement official in U.S. history when he was confirmed as deputy attorney general to Janet Reno. Previously, he served as Superior Court judge and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Having been a member of CBM since the 1980s, Holder and other men volunteer to provide responsible role models to African American and other disadvantaged youth. In these early years, CBM members funded youth service and prevention programs out of their own pockets and from small contributors. Today, Concerned Black Men has a 32 chapter national network with a staff of 20 full and part time employees just a few blocks from the White House. "Eric represents the best of CBM's commitment to excellence and giving back," says George L. Garrow, Jr., the group's National Executive Director. "He long has supported strong prevention efforts to combat youth violence. President-Elect Obama could not have picked a better person for this post," states Bobby James, CBM's National Chair.
Holder begins his confirmation hearing in a few days. "I'm sure that our lawmakers want the best and the brightest to lead the Department of Justice. So we expect quick confirmation for Eric," says Garrow.
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Concerned Black Men remains determined to create an America where every child has a responsible and caring adult in his or her life. For nearly 34 years, CBM has offered young people from difficult backgrounds mentorship, tutelage and life skills to overcome challenges. From teen pregnancy prevention to academic support, Concerned Black Men its 32 chapters from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, convinces people of goodwill not to give up on our youth.
Concerned Black Men's motto is Caring for Our Youth®. Please visit CBM's website at www.cbmphila.com or contact the CBM at 215-276-2260.
