Press Releases
All Media inquires, please contact:
Angelo Greco at (917) 499-2688 angelo@trillmulticultural.com
Feb 9, 2023
NATIONAL COALITION ON BLACK CIVIC PARTICIPATION BOARD CHAIRMAN THOMAS W. DORTCH, JR. HONORED WITH INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION FOR CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL NOMINATION:
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the resolution in recognition of Mr. Dortch’s unique and substantial contributions across America in lifting marginalized people, communities and institutions that continue to struggle for economic mobility, access to greater opportunities, equity and equality for all people.
Washington, D.C., (February 9, 2023) – The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is proud to support the resolution advocating for Thomas W. Dortch Jr. to receive a Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Dortch's contributions across America in lifting the Black community, Black culture, Black excellence and Black political and economic power are truly exceptional and deserve to be honored in the highest form. Mr. Dorch has committed his life to building institutions in support of the movement to increase economic mobility, access to greater opportunities, equity and equality for all people.
Mr. Dortch's role as Chairman of the NCBCP Board, where he has made significant contributions to the organization and its efforts to advance black wealth and entrepreneurship, deeping our commitment to HBCUs, education, social justice and the advancement of our culture overall, is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of all people.
To continue and further enhance Thomas Dortch’s rich legacy, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation has partnered with Clark Atlanta University (CAU) to expand, deepen and strengthen its work in the South and nationally by establishing the NCBCP Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Institute for Leadership, Civic Engagement, Economic Empowerment & Social Justice Institute and Southern Regional Office (The NCBCP TWD Jr. Institute) on the campus of CAU. The NCBCP TWD Jr. Institute is a core component of the NCBCP’s Rebuild Hope, Achieve Justice, Equity & Equality Initiative; and its mission is to amplify and expand its leadership development, civics education & engagement, voting rights, racial, economic & gender justice, economic empowerment & wealth building and power building work in the South and nationally. The NCBCP and CAU Partnership will address the overall mission by amplifying civic engagement along with urgent issues affecting Black communities and others impacted by both systemic and structural racism, inequities and injustice.
Given Mr. Dortch’s strong commitment to both Clark Atlanta University and to the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, it was only fitting that the institute be named after him so that future generations may honor him and continue his work.
The NCBCP would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Georgia congressional delegation for honoring Mr. Dortch's accomplishments and for memorializing his contributions to the community and young Black men and women by nominating him for the Congressional Gold Medal. We would also like to thank Congresswoman Nikema Williams for her leadership and introducing this resolution, recognizing the positive impact that Mr. Dortch has had on so many people's lives. A number of tributes and floor speeches in support of the resolution were made by the following members of Georgia’s Congressional delegation:- Congresswoman Nikema Williams
- Congressman Hank Johnson
- Congresswoman Lucy McBath
- Congressman David Scott
- Congressman Sanford Bishop
This resolution is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate Mr. Dortch's legacy, his impact on our community and his larger vision to make the world a better place for all. The NCBCP is honored to support this resolution and we look forward to its passage.
“The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and its board members are truly pleased to support the resolution introduced by Representative Williams honoring our Board Chairman, Thomas Dortch, Jr. with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Melanie L. Campbell, President and CEO of NCBCP and Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable. “Thomas ‘Tommy’ Dortch is truly a ‘son of Georgia’ who has established himself as a businessman, a civil rights and social justice activist, a role model and mentor to many. He has long been an advocate for communities of color, and young Black men. He has been someone who has shown day in and day out, that the battle for those who have been marginalized in our communities is NEVER over and that we must continue to fight until our very last breath. Long before he became the chairman of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Thomas Dortch has shown all that have known him that to be true to the cause of civil rights and social justice, you can’t just ‘talk the talk.’ You MUST ‘walk the walk.’ And Tommy has done just that, making a lasting impact on the Black community through his efforts with the 100 Black Men of America, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and his business enterprises. We are proud to support this resolution. Absolutely no one deserves the Congressional Gold Medal for their efforts more than Thomas ‘Tommy’ Dortch, Jr.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said, “Tommy Dortch is a shining example of the power of an HBCU education, graduating from both Fort Valley State University and Clark Atlanta University. Mr. Dortch is a champion for HBCUs across the country because they are bridges to economic opportunity. Leading legislation that awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Mr. Dortch is an affirmation of his service to the American people. Generations of leaders have relied on Mr. Dortch’s expertise, and I am grateful to have learned from him in my political journey.”
The 100 Black Men of America, stated the following, “Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. did so much more than just serve as Chairman of 100 Black Men of America. He developed the framework for our program delivery; he grew the network of mentors around the globe leading the largest expansion of 100 Black Men Chapters in the history of our organization; he continues to cultivate relationships around the nation to support the 100’s mission; he develops and mentors leaders; and he is passionate about the 100. Chairman Dortch explained the Miracles of Mentoring in his book and so many of us have witnessed personally the lives changed because Chairman Dortch cared enough to share his wisdom and experiences with others. The 100 Black Men of America thank the United States Congress for recognizing Chairman Dortch’s lifetime commitment to youth and community development and improving the human condition throughout our nation.”
President George T. French, Jr, Clark Atlanta University stated, “Clark Atlanta University is honored that Mr. Dortch has provided Clark Atlanta University leadership on our Board of Trustees for the last 13 years; helping our team deliver education and empowerment to prepare our students to realize their highest potential. Additionally, my wife Dr. Bacon-French and I shall be eternally grateful to Trustee and Mrs. Dortch for their friendship, camaraderie, and dedication to the Beloved Community.”
Click here for the text of the Thomas W. Dortch Congressional Gold Medal legislation.
Click here to watch Congresswoman Williams’ speech.
For more information about the NCBCP and its work, please visit our website at www.ncbcp.org.
