In the summer of 1989 on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee , Florida , a group of friends were formed through a summer enrichment program for minorities at the institution. During the fall semester the gentlemen established academics as their foundation; however, their participation in community service and campus activities created a bond much stronger than friendship. The twelve gentlemen made a proposition to create an organization that fostered service, student enrichment, and genuine brotherhood. Thus on November 27, 1989 , the birth of Progressive Black Men was established!

The Founding Members of Progressive Black Men, Inc:

Curtis Azama, Rodney Bradley, Rongal Carpentar, Joseph Dorsey, Raymond Gibbs, Allen Perpignand, Cesar A. Rodriguez, Jeff Shaw, Todd Taylor, Lawrence B. Taylor, and Oswald Walker.

The founding gentlemen of Progressive Black Men devoted countless hours to the new organization to ensure that their mission was not in vain. Academics had a profound effect in the development of Progressive Black Men; their continued focus on excelling and challenging each other academically, infused key aspects that thrive in the organization today. The charter members of Progressive Black Men established what would become the fundamental aspect of the organization: Academic Excellence, Fellowship of Brothers, and Communal Support.

Since the inception of Progressive Black Men, service to the community has been the backbone of the organization. Within the first two years of formation, the organization helped to sponsor a Cub Scout troop, launched tutoring programs and developed successful campus events at FSU. Progressive Black Men also sponsored social events for the entire institution, including a Physical Plant Appreciation Day (the first of its kind) and a Black Faculty Appreciation Day. These projects exhibited the organization's zeal for African Americans who diligently served in the area, while involving the entire campus.

In June 2000, Progressive Black Men gained its incorporation to function as a non-profit organization. This enabled Progressive Black Men, Inc. to foster viable relationships with other community service, social, and civic organizations. In fact, Progressive Black Men, Inc has proudly co-sponsored first-class events with our counterparts.

After eleven years of existence, Progressive Black Men, Inc. entered a new realm with its expansion efforts. The result was the founding of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University chapter! Progressive Black Men, Inc. launched its National Headquarters on April 11, 2002 in the city of brotherhood, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . With the goal to align Progressive Black Men, Inc. to a national stance, the organization has implemented national, campus, and membership enrichment strategies.

The original theme of Progressive Black Men, Inc. was to promote positive images for Black men in the community. With this in mind, Progressive Black Men, Inc. will always work to reconstruct and redefine the image of the Black Male through volunteer work, humanitarian aid, and service. This goal is accomplished through our motto: COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE, COLLECTIVE EFFORT, COLLECTIVE STRENGTH.