The 100 Galas
Founded in Connecticut by June Archer, and established in Virginia by Sean and Coretta Monts. The goal is to provide financial support for programs that support the advancement of young men and women of color.
A hundred at once,
every year, on purpose
A portion of the proceeds from these events supports scholarships for young men and women who graduate from high school and plan on attending college, along with leadership and mentorship programs.
Most award programs pick one winner and send everyone else home. That produces a headline and very little else. One hundred produces a room: a network of people who now know each other, a hall full of families who watched it happen, and young people in the audience who can see a version of themselves being called forward.
Honorees are recognized for work in business, entrepreneurship, education, government and service, and for the impact they have made on the lives of people in their communities. Nominations come from the public, and a large share of honorees find out only when the call comes.
Each class chooses one member to speak on behalf of the other ninety-nine as valedictorian. The word is deliberate. It frames the night as a graduation rather than a competition.
In four parts
I
The Galas
Two black tie ceremonies a year in each chapter. One hundred men in one, one hundred women in the other, recognized across business, entrepreneurship, education, government and service.
II
The Scholarships
A portion of proceeds from every gala supports young women and men who graduate from high school and plan on attending college, through The Archer Foundation.
III
The Young Men
The 100 Young Men of Color Awards recognize eighth grade boys inside the Generationally Enhancing Males Conference at Southern Connecticut State University, run with the Equity Enrichment Alliance.
IV
The Class
One hundred people who mostly did not know each other leave knowing each other. Thirteen years of classes now return as mentors, panelists, sponsors and nominators.
Three ceremonies,
one idea
Since 2013
100 Men of Color Black Tie Gala & Awards
The founding program. One hundred men honored each year. The twelfth annual was held in September 2025 at The Bushnell in Hartford.
Gala & awards
100 Women of Color Gala & Awards
The same model and the same fields. Virginia’s inaugural class was honored in October 2025, and the 2026 gala returns on October 23.
In partnership
100 Young Men of Color Awards
A recognition ceremony for eighth grade boys, held inside the Generationally Enhancing Males Conference at Southern Connecticut State University with Sean Allen Sr. of the Equity Enrichment Alliance.
Two states,
run by their own people
Founding chapter
Connecticut
Since 2013, at The Bushnell in Hartford. Honorees come from Stamford through Hartford to Springfield, Massachusetts, and from Rhode Island for the women’s gala. Founded by June Archer.
Chapter two
Virginia
Since 2025, at the Hippodrome Theater in Richmond. Established by Sean and Coretta Monts. The inaugural women’s class included a member of Congress, a sheriff and two television anchors.
Thirteen years,
on the record
2013
The first gala. June Archer stages the inaugural 100 Men of Color Black Tie Gala at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. The scholarship commitment is written in from the first night.
2014
A bigger house. The second annual moves to The Bushnell, honoring one hundred men from Springfield, Massachusetts to Stamford, Connecticut, with the Governor and the Mayor of Hartford taking part.
2016
Recognized by the state. The Mayor of Hartford and the Governor of Connecticut acknowledge 100 Men of Color Day in both the city and the state.
2022
100 Women of Color at Simsbury Meadows. The June gala honors women from across Connecticut, including three from the University of Connecticut and UConn Health.
2025
Virginia opens. Sean and Coretta Monts establish the first chapter outside New England, with the men’s gala in February and the inaugural women’s class in October.
2025
The young men’s awards begin. The inaugural 100 Young Men of Color Awards are held in May at Southern Connecticut State University.
2026
Two chapters running. The Virginia men’s gala returns to the Hippodrome in June, and the 100 Women of Color Virginia Gala & Awards takes the stage on October 23.
Moments
The Isaac Monts Collective
Live music has been part of these nights from the start. Hear what the Collective is working on now.
Listen
Founded in Connecticut by June Archer. Established in Virginia by Sean and Coretta Monts.