NHC BOE member meets with head of organization he voted against

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — During the November 5th New Hanover County Board of Education meeting, the board renewed a memorandum of understanding with an organization called 100 Black Men, who work with and supports at-risk African American students at several New Hanover County schools by a 5 to 1 vote.

Board member David Perry was the one dissenting vote.

“I want to help all of our at-risk kids, regardless of the color of their skin,” Perry said. “So if we got kids who are Latino, we got kids who are white, but poor. You know, I want to make sure they are all covered here. So I need a little bit more information here as to what exactly they are going to be doing here.”

The next day, Perry made a post on his Facebook page, asking how concerned parents and board members would be if an organization called 100 White Men wanted to work with at-risk students, adding that students of all ethnicities are in need of equal support.

On Tuesday, Perry sat down with Angelo Williams, the president of the 100 Black Men of Coastal North Carolina, at a coffee shop in Wilmington.

The meeting was set up by Board of Education chairwoman Melissa Mason.

During the meeting, Williams shared some materials about his organization with Perry.

Williams said while young African American men are his group’s main focus, students of all races are welcome to join them.

“At Gregory Middle School right now, we have several young men who are not black, but who are Caucasians who are part of that program,” Williams said. “And in everything that we do, we let parents and others know that if they want their young people to be a part of our program, they can be.”

Perry said while he still has some concerns, he wants to be able to help as many students as possible, regardless of race.

“Maybe we could have some kind of over-arching organization that helps all of our at-risk youth, kids who are not doing well, which 100 Black Men can be part of. Maybe we can organize something like that and maybe they would be open to that.”

Perry added that he might suggest possible language changes to the MOU to add wording that includes all at-risk students.