100 Strong Gala Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Black Boys in Toronto

Brandon Gonez hosts sold-out event honouring over 1,000 graduates of the 100 Strong Academy

Toronto, ON — The 100 Strong Foundation marked its 12th year of impact with the launch of its first-ever gala on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Globe and Mail Centre. The sold-out event celebrated the success of over a decade of empowering young Black boys across the Greater Toronto Area, bringing together community leaders, educators, philanthropists, and families to honour the achievements of over 1,000 graduates from the Foundation’s flagship program, the 100 Strong Academy.

Hosted by media personality Brandon Gonez, the formal evening included a keynote address, live entertainment, and a jacket presentation ceremony for the 2025 graduates of the Academy. Guests in attendance described the night as “inspiring,” “historic,” and “filled with purpose.”

Co-founded in 2013 by the Honourable Justice Donald McLeod and educator Ainsworth Morgan, the 100 Strong Foundation was created to address the systemic barriers Black boys face in education and society. Its Academy provides a transformative, four-week summer program focused on leadership, STEM, entrepreneurship, and personal development, tailored for boys ages 11 to 14.

“This gala is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the power of community,” said Justice Donald McLeod, speaking to attendees. “Each young man we’ve reached represents a brighter future—not just for himself, but for our entire society.”

More Than a Camp: A Life-Changing Journey

The gala spotlighted the remarkable stories of the 2025 graduates. As featured in a front-page Toronto Star story, students like 12-year-old Jared Hendly shared how the program transformed his view of what’s possible. “Always keep your doors open,” Hendly said, rating the experience “a 12 out of 10.”

Another graduate, valedictorian Brennan-Jay Bennett, told the crowd, “I started to believe in myself more… I was growing more confident in myself and what I can achieve.” His words echoed the mission of the program: to help boys see beyond stereotypes and discover their full potential.

Throughout July, participants explored university campuses, visited Fortune 500 companies, and even toured Sony Music’s Toronto offices. Guest speakers included Black professionals from fields such as law, engineering, and finance—giving boys an up-close view of paths they may have never considered.

Addressing Systemic Inequities Through Education

The program was created in response to troubling statistics. Black boys in Ontario have been shown to face higher rates of school disengagement, incarceration, and street-level police interactions. The 100 Strong Academy’s founders believed that early intervention—during the critical middle school years—could break these cycles.

“It was really a program to address and disrupt what we felt was very much a problem in the Black community,” McLeod said. “We felt that education was very much the way to streamline them out of these disproportionate adverse numbers.”

From just 25 students in its first year to over 1,000 boys served to date, the Foundation’s impact is undeniable. The jacket ceremony at the gala symbolized this legacy—a tangible reminder to each boy that they are seen, celebrated, and supported.

Building for the Future

Proceeds from the gala will directly support the Foundation’s expansion, ensuring more Black boys across the GTA can access its programs. As the 100 Strong Foundation moves into its second decade, the commitment remains clear: awaken greatness in every boy.

Justice McLeod summed up the night with heartfelt gratitude and a vision for what’s next: “This is just the beginning.”

To learn more about the 100 Strong Foundation or support its mission, visit:
www.100strong.ca

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