Dortch, Thomas W.
Thomas W. Dortch Jr., the influential Atlanta businessman and civic leader who rose to become chairman of 100 Black Men of America, died Wednesday. He was 72.
"Long before we called it diversity, equity and inclusion, Tommy was hard at work in that space," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. "In matters of equity, not too much happened here that Tommy wasn't involved in. Tommy was a connector and a facilitator. He knew how to get the right people together to make something good happen for Atlanta."
In 1986, while earning a master's degree in criminal justice from Atlanta University, he joined the 100 Black Men of America. As chairman, Dortch raised nearly $100 million for the organization over 20 years. The organization's headquarters, on Auburn Avenue, bears his name.
Aside from 100 Black Men, Dortch's work in the community has been extensive. He worked with the Atlanta Business League, was an advocate for the Atlanta Public Schools and was the founder of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.
Read more about Thomas Dortch on ajc.com
