The new school year began Monday for Public Schools in Selma and Dallas County.

The 100 Black Men of Selma, Inc. greeted students at R.B. Hudson Middle School at the door to wish them success for the 2019-2020 school year. This is the fourth the 100 men greeted students in Dallas County and Selma.

“We go back and forth between the city and county schools each year,” 100 Black Men President Billy Young said. “Last year we were at Craig Elementary School. We’re glad to be still relevant.”

Young said it’s crucial for the group to support education. Former Selma Mayor George Evans is a member of the 100 Black Men of Selma. Evans served as Selma Mayor from 2008 to 2016.

“We want to make the schools know there are men in the community that are willing to stand up with them,” Young said. “There are several retired educators in the group that still care about the students.”

The group also donates to organizations such as Teen Challenge and March of Dimes.