Concerned Black Men Mourns the Loss of Co-Founder Charles Patton

Charles Patton, Co-Founder, Concerned Black Men

Charles Patton, co-founder of Concerned Black Men, died on December 2 due to illness in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Patton is one of 5 founding members of Concerned Black Men, a national youth development organization that began in Philadelphia, PA in 1975. Charles Patton recently served as the Executive Director of Concerned Black Men of Philadelphia until his passing.

“We are all saddened by the lost of our founder and leader Charlie Patton. Without his God given insight, commitment to social change, and dedication to his community, Concerned Black Men would not exist today” states Byron Browder, CBM National Chair. “Charlie’s long time dedication to Concerned Black Men and its goal of helping African American youths is the type of life commitment that men and women of goodwill should emulate. His efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged children will not be forgotten,” notes George L. Garrow, Jr., Executive Director of CBM National.

In 1975, founding members Charles Harris, Louis Abrams, Harvey Crudup and Stephen Lyles joined Charles Patton to start Concerned Black Men. These men pooled their own resources to provide enrichment opportunities to Black children and youths who had few acceptable social outlets. Today, the remaining founders continue to be involved with the Organization and pay their respects to a fallen warrior who was so important to the CBM family.

Concerned Black Men’s motto is Caring for Our Youth®. To learn more about Concerned Black Men, visit the CBM national website at www.cbmnational.org or, contact the CBM National Office toll free at 1-888-395-7816.