The 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc. held its 14th Annual Black Tie Banquet at Valdosta Middle School, promoting education and preservation of the community’s youth on Tuesday.

The Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge of the Middle District of Georgia, was the keynote speaker for the evening, delivering a message about the importance of stability, service, and caring as it relates to the legal system and society in general. Sands, who is married to Karla Heath-Sands of WALB, is the first African-American to serve in U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Georgia.

After master of ceremony Butch Williams thanked everyone for their committed attendance, the official welcome was given by David Troy of the 100 Black Men. The invocation was also led by Williams. The history of the Valdosta 100 Black Men was presented by Ronnie Pierce.

During dinner, the Valdosta High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Michael Thomas and Andre Hill, entertained the audience. Attorneys Nathaniel Haugabrook and Roy Copeland took a moment during dinner to recognize the corporate sponsors of the event. After sharing a few lessons of life through stories with the audience, Sands, introduced by Kameron Copeland, who spoke of the worthy goal of offering community support including stability, servitude, and caring to improve society. Sands said that as a community, we can continue to express these values through the long standing principle, the Golden Rule. Sands also discussed the inappropriate behaviors that cause and can contribute to causing chaos in the stability of society.

“We can disagree without being disagreeable,” said Sands.

“And service is indispensable to our legal system. It is imperative that we fulfill our civic duties to participate in being jurors and voters. In reference to caring, we should exemplify caring and respect for oneself and others, this is human, helping neighbors and children that need expensive, life-saving operations. It is this type of caring that the 100 Black Men are addressing the community with.”

Sands moved on to address how stability, service, and caring can modify the numbers of individuals being lost in our society.

“The number of arrests and probation status in Lowndes County indicates the number of individuals being lost. We are in a world where we cannot afford to lose any more of our youth or citizens. And while I do not advocate crime or people avoiding punishment for crime, I am speaking of preventing people from being introduced to the system and affecting stability,” said Sands. “We must develop all of our human beings to the fullest potential. We cannot leave out impoverished children or children from single parent homes, and our world cannot survive on the success of just your children or my children, all children can be diverted or directed to being positive. I challenge the 100 Black Men and the community to promote stability, engage in service, and increase caring for all.”

Following Sands’ speech, Mayor Pro Tem Willie Head recognized Councilmen Sonny Vickers, Alvin Payton, and John Eunice for their support as they presented the key to the city to Judge Sands. “The city of Valdosta is honored to welcome you. Come back and see what doors can open for you,” said Head.

Having already acknowledged the events corporate sponsors, Copeland recognized the community for its continued support of the 100 Black Men of Valdosta. David Troy was also given an award in appreciation for his extensive recruiting efforts to the 100 Black Men of Valdosta. Officials and dignitaries from various entities were also asked to stand to be recognized.

Following the closing of the program, Judge Sands said, “I’m very familiar with this organization. It has grown nationally as a very proactive part of the community as a lot of its programs respond directly to the needs of the community. The organization is made of very distinguished people who bring varied experience to play a role. Overall, the organization is very impressive.”

This year’s Annual Black Tie Dinner was sponsored by M.D.C. Corporation Inc.; J. Converse Bright, Esq.; the city of Valdosta; Coleman Talley Newbern Kurrie Preston & Holland, P.C. Attorneys at Law; Copeland and Walker Attorneys at Law; Elliott & Blackburn, Barnes, & Gooding, PC Attorneys at Law; First State Federal Savings Bank; Gregory, Christy, Manikal, & Dennis, LLP Attorneys at Law; James G. Tunnison, Esq.; Langdale & Vallotton, LLP Attorneys at Law; Sheriff & Mrs. Ashley Paulk; South Georgia Medical Center; and WHLJ AM.