Lamplighters Inc. and 100 Black Men of Pensacola Inc. Launch Strategic Partnership Supporting Mentorship, Fatherhood, and Leadership

Pensacola Lamplighters
Jan 15
2 min read

Pensacola, Florida — Lamplighters Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with 100 Black Men of Pensacola Inc., bringing together two organizations with a shared commitment to mentoring, leadership development, and the long-term success of young men in the Pensacola community.

The partnership is founded on the shared conviction that consistent exposure to positive male role models plays a crucial role in shaping identity, purpose, and the future leadership of young men. Together, the organizations will work to ensure that young men connected to Lamplighters are surrounded by mentors, fathers, husbands, and community leaders who model excellence, responsibility, and service.

Lamplighter Staff, Fathers, and 100 Black Men of Pensacola gather for a word before the first meeting with the young men.

“It is our vision for young men in our community see mentors, husbands, and fathers who look like them when they attend our sessions...We owe it to the next generation of leaders to show them the role models that look like them.” said Bryan Freeman, Executive Director of Lamplighters Inc. “The pillars of 100 Black Men align perfectly with our program principles. We hope that this is the beginning of a long-standing bridge between men and young men in our community.

A Special Father and Son Moment During The Programming Day.

Promoting Father Engagement

As part of this collaboration, Lamplighters Inc. has expanded its focus on actively engaging

fathers who are currently enrolled in the program, recognizing the essential role fathers play in reinforcing mentorship, accountability, and legacy beyond program hours. In addition, mentees affiliated with the 100 Black Men of Pensacola will now have opportunities to participate in Lamplighters’ programming services, creating broader access to structured mentorship, leadership development, and academic support.

The 100 Black Men of Pensacola Inc., with more than 25 active members, is part of the nationally recognized 100 Black Men of America, Inc., an organization whose mentoring, education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives have impacted communities across the country. Their nationally known focus on mentorship aligns closely with the Lamplighters model, which emphasizes consistent presence, relationship-building, and high expectations for young men.

Bro. Clanton spoke to over 100 young men during the first joint session.

Courtney Clanton, President of 100 Black Men of Pensacola Inc., described the partnership as a natural extension of both organizations’ missions. “Together, we are a village of mentors and young men, lighting the way to leadership, excellence, and self-sufficient community leadership in Pensacola and beyond,” Clanton said.

This partnership builds upon an already strong foundation within the Lamplighters program. Over the past three years, the organization has doubled in size and has become widely recognized as the standard for male mentorship in Escambia County. Through intentional programming, academic support, character development, and strong family engagement, Lamplighters continues to demonstrate measurable impact and see sustained growth.

By aligning with the 100 Black Men of Pensacola Inc., Lamplighters Inc. is reinforcing its commitment to generational change through collaboration. Together, the organizations are strengthening the ecosystem of mentorship by connecting young men, fathers, and community leaders within a unified vision of excellence, responsibility, and leadership for the future.