Anthony Sampson has long recognized the significance of mentorship. Growing up in Houston, he was guided by a mentor who instilled in him the value of community service and giving back. By the time he graduated and moved to Dallas, he was determined to pass on this wisdom to future generations.
As an Allstate insurance agent for 38 years, Sampson co-founded 100 Black Men of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth over two decades ago, where he remains an active board member. The organization pairs Black male mentors with young Black men, aiming to inspire them to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to society. By fostering leadership and character, 100 Black Men strives to enhance the entire community.
“It means a lot for our mentees to see positive role models among Black men,” says Sampson. “Our motto, ‘What They See Is What They'll Be,' reflects this belief.”
Sampson emphasizes that effective mentorship helps young individuals develop the skills to address life's challenges positively. To date, the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter has guided over 1,500 young people.
One such individual is Kynsington Hobbs. Now a high school senior, Hobbs began his mentorship with Sampson at age 13. He credits Sampson with broadening his view of success in the African-American community, particularly for those without father figures.
“Having a role model like Sampson showed me how to handle everyday tasks properly—like tying a tie or ironing clothes—that are often overlooked,” Hobbs explains. Attending a 100 Black Men conference was pivotal for him, reinforcing the organization's message.
Jackson Session shares similar sentiments about his mentorship with Sampson. Initially joining 100 Black Men’s trivia bowl team at his high school counselor's suggestion, Session later requested an internship at Sampson's Allstate office. Though Sampson had never hired a mentee before, he agreed.
Session attributes his professional presentation skills and a scholarship from 100 Black Men of America to Sampson's guidance. “He went above and beyond to support my education,” says Session, now a finance sophomore at Howard University. “Mentorship provides essential direction, especially with today’s numerous external influences.”
Sampson exemplifies the impact of Allstate agents and employees who contribute to their communities. For nearly 70 years, The Allstate Foundation has supported community initiatives through partnerships with organizations and nonprofits addressing critical societal issues. Their focus includes youth empowerment, combating domestic violence, and advancing equity.
This fall, The Allstate Foundation collaborated with DonorsChoose to introduce a Racial Justice and Representation category. This new category allows donors to fund classroom projects aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity. Donations to these projects, which the Foundation matched up to $1.5 million, help teachers who, like Sampson, serve as positive mentors and support students' success.
“Mentorship is about guiding youth toward success,” Sampson says. “If I can inspire them to dream, those dreams can become goals and, eventually, reality.”