Jacque Land, executive director of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, said Joseph Anderson Jr. “is definitely the right man for the job” for president of the nonprofit, community-based organization.
“He was someone who came in the organization and was strategically recruited because of his background in finance,” Land said.
Anderson utilized his financial skills as treasurer, his first leadership role within the organization.
“Because of his commitment, work ethic and passion to make a difference in the community, he was immediately elevated,” Land said.
Anderson’s main goal for the upcoming year as president is to expand the organization’s health and wellness outreach toward men.
The organization’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the African-American community in four key areas: mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic development.
“We don’t like to do a lot of things that are good for our health,” he said of black men, “but we need to do that so that we are still around for the later years.”
One of the things Anderson said he enjoys doing is educating members about health issues that directly impact African-American men, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The organization collaborates with three medical professors to ensure that the most accurate information is being passed along. One is Bettina Drake, assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine. Drake has been an avid supporter of the organization’s Prostate Cancer Survivors & Awareness Walk and Run and Educational Workshop Series, one of the organizations Health and Wellness initiatives.
Anderson said “other brothers” who have suffered the devastating effects of unhealthy lifestyle choices – like bad eating, drinking and exercise habits – are the best change agents, if they’re willing to share their experiences with others.
Although he said it was a bit of a stretch at first, he easily transitions between the corporate and nonprofit workforces. Aside from his duties at 100 Black Men, he currently serves as a senior program manager and consultant for Artech Information Systems in the St. Louis region. He held his first nonprofit position with the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center as vice president of operations and administration.
“In nonprofits, most of the time, you don’t have enough resources – from funds to people – to do the projects and initiatives you want to do in the most efficient manner,” he said.
Anderson said he was groomed for his current position under the leadership of William P. Luster, during Anderson’s previous two-year term as president-elect. Luster now serves as immediate past president on the Board of Directors and acts as Anderson’s advisor.
Anderson has a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in computer resources and information management, from Webster University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
His past and present civic and community activities include serving as a mentor with the Father Support Center and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program. He was a facilitator for the University of Missouri – St. Louis’ Bridge Program from 2007 to 2009. He also received 100 Black Men’s “Trail Blazer” and “Man of the Year” awards in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Founded in 1983, 100 Black Men has 116 chapters worldwide. Its membership consists of a diverse group of men including business executives, community leaders, entrepreneurs, clergy and elected officials.
“Once you’re committed to the organization,” Anderson said, “you never really leave if you’re sincere about your service.”
100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis is located at 4631 Delmar, St. Louis, MO, 63108. Call 314-367-7778.
