100 Professional Black Men in Black event brings Fayetteville community together Saturday

Joseph Pierre, Fayetteville Observer
Updated ·4 min read
16

Following the success of an event for women last month, it was the men's turn Saturday with more than 200 taking to the streets of downtown Fayetteville as part of an event dubbed 100 Professional Black Men in Black.

The purpose was to bring Black men together in comradery and shared experiences to help the next generation reach its full potential, according to the event's promotional page.

Organizer Tiffany Campbell, who also hosted 100 Professional Black Women Dressed in Black, said she was excited to celebrate Saturday's gathering with her father, Tommie Campbell Sr.; her brothers Tony Campbell Sr. and Michael Campbell; and nephews Carson Campbell and Jamarkus Campbell.

"My favorite part about this particular event was seeing the generations take pictures," Tiffany Campbell said. "People were here early, they were ready to take pictures, and the vibe was already set. Last time, we had to set the vibe. This time the standard was already set."

T-shirts being sold read, "Black Men Have Feelings, Too," written in bold and emblazoned across the front.

The event began with networking at Segra Stadium where the men connected and built relationships through shared interests. The group then walked together a half-mile to the Cumberland County Courthouse to take group photos on the steps.

More than 200 men took part in the 100 Men In Black event in downtown Fayetteville on Feb. 10, 2024. The gathering, organized by Tiffany Campbell on the heels of a gathering of women, was a way for Black men in Fayetteville to network and support each other.
More than 200 men took part in the 100 Men In Black event in downtown Fayetteville on Feb. 10, 2024. The gathering, organized by Tiffany Campbell on the heels of a gathering of women, was a way for Black men in Fayetteville to network and support each other.

As the men walked to the courthouse, onlookers downtown took notice. The driver of a horse-drawn carriage was heard saying, "That's the most exciting thing I've seen all day," as the men walked by on Hay Street.

Many of the men posed for the group photo in front of the courthouse with a raised fist.

Campbell's sister, Sheila C. Hill, led a chant, asking the men on the courthouse steps, "Who are you?" The men simultaneously responded, "100 Professional Black Men in Black!"

Many local officials were in attendance including District 2 City Councilman Malik Davis, District 4 City Councilman D.J. Haire and District 6 City Councilman Derrick Thompson.

Related: 100 Professional Black Men in Black to assemble for downtown Fayetteville photo shoot

Among the attendees were:

Marcus Doss
Marcus Doss

Marcus Doss

Marcus Doss, 41, is the owner of Marcus Doss Salon Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Center.

"We can put our businesses together and actually know who does what," Doss said. "100 Black men have wives and daughters and grandmas and aunts that suffer from alopecia, so for me to actually give back to them, I think this is a great event for us."

Michael Williams Jr.
Michael Williams Jr.

Michael Williams Jr.

Michael Williams Jr., 24, is a professional boxer training out of Fayetteville.

"It's just dope for all of us to come together and support one another, talk to each other, take pictures together, and just come together as citizens of Fayetteville," Williams said. "People passing out business cards and all that stuff...even small businesses get to branch out to the big people."

London Sellers
London Sellers

London Sellers

London Sellers, 12, is a photographer for his family business, LGH Studios.

"(This event) shows how Black men can really achieve their dreams and make our dreams become a reality," Sellers said. "This gives us more opportunities to connect with more people."

Jae'lan Poe
Jae'lan Poe

Jae'lan Poe

Jae'lan Poe, 10, is a student at Alpha Academy.

Poe, who made a promotional video and spoke briefly at the event, said of the turnout, "It's history."

Ray Thomas
Ray Thomas

Ray Thomas

Ray Thomas, 57, is the owner of RayThomas TheBrand Consultancy LLC and host of Bronco-iRadio.

"I just think it's a great testament to show that caliber of men that are actually in this area and in this region," Thomas said. "There are a lot of people who want better and a lot of times we can talk about wanting better, but the action is what shows that we want better."

Travis Bledsoe
Travis Bledsoe

Travis Bledsoe

Travis Bledsoe, 36, is an English Teacher at Douglas Byrd High School.

"Growing up, we're taught to not cry, not show our emotions, be strong all the time," Bledsoe said. "We need to show those emotions and we need to come together and bond so that it's not a 'crab in the barrel' mentality."

Eric Bradley
Eric Bradley

Eric Bradley

Eric Bradley, 35, is a mental health technician at VA Hospital.

"They needed to see something," Bradley said. "To come out and even walk the streets and people looking at all different age groups and saying, 'Wow — what type of event is this?' That was a real remarkable thing."

Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville men come together in event for networking and empowerment