MICHAEL J. GARNER
A Leading Force for Good
MICHAEL J. GARNER, a native of Harlem, is the MTA’s Chief Diversity Officer and is also the Chairman of the Corporate Board of 100 Black Men. As the coronavirus first ravaged through New York City, it was apparent that an abundance of services would be needed. After examining the services and issues in the Harlem community, 100 Black Men decided their best fit was to assist in distributing food. They purchased and donated 16,000 meals to first responders and churches throughout New York City.
“We felt his was a good way to help keep restaurants open and contribute to their cash flow while providing meals to doctors and nurses in 12 hospitals,” said Garner. “In times of crisis, leaders lead and we are leading on all three stages (health, economics and civil rights) as a driving force for the Black community.”
Prior to his current position with the not-for-profit organization, Garner was the longest reigning president of 100 Black Men, having served for six years. “It was my attending the Million Man March that prompted me to join the organization, but I never thought of being president,” stated Garner. “It seems I was always involved in civil rights growing up in Chicago. I was exposed to Rev. Jesse Jackson there and while attending SUNY Buffalo, I became involved in local politics.”
Garner is the cousin of Eric Garner, whose brutal murder by police officers in 2014 ignited a civil rights explosion around the world. “I’ve been working as a family representative to get justice for my family,” explained Garner. “It took over five years to get the police officer fired – just last year, in 2019. And we continue to fight for our rights on all fronts.”
