NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Kevin Livingston, founder and CEO of 100 Suits for 100 Men, joined 1010 WINS for a Black History Month special to discuss how his nonprofit transforms lives by providing professional attire to those in need.
Based in Queens, Livingston has established an organization dedicated to offering services, events, and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing community well-being and economic empowerment. Recognizing a significant need, particularly among men struggling with low self-esteem and a lack of access to proper attire, he has worked to address this gap.
The idea for 100 Suits started with Livingston’s own experiences. "My father and uncle always made me dress up,” he told 1010 WINS anchor Larry Mullins. "My father made me dress up and come to his travel agency. I’m thinking I’m getting ready to do something real special, but he’d have me stamp brochures in the back. I’d ask why I had to dress up, and he’d say, ‘Because you want to look the part.’"
That lesson shaped the mission of Livingston’s nonprofit organization.
Initially, 100 Suits was meant to serve gang members. "I wanted to buy suits for them, but the organization grew beyond that. God had other plans, and I followed them."
The early days saw Livingston collecting donated suits and distributing them through pop-up shops. It’s been 14 years since and the initiative has grown to serve a much broader audience. "It’s contrary to what people believe," Livingston said. "Most people just don’t have the opportunity. There’s the everyday brother who takes care of his family but doesn’t have a job, or someone coming home from incarceration who wants to feel empowered. When they put on a suit, it’s an alien effect—they’ve never worn a suit jacket. Seeing themselves in the mirror, the transformation is indescribable."
The organization also partnered with workforce development programs throughout New York City and is in the process of opening a boutique on Rikers Island. "When gentlemen go to trial, I believe they’re innocent until proven guilty. We want to ensure they can represent themselves well. And when they come home after completing a workforce development program, we provide them with a suit to hit the ground running."
The organization has expanded to five offices across the country. He also launched the $750,000 Empower Queens workforce development program.
Livingston now plans to expand internationally through an affiliate model and said that there has been interest from places like Australia, Japan, the Midwest, and California.
"Be encouraged. Look in the mirror. See the crowd looking back at you, young king. Understand that a suit is just a prerequisite, it’s about what’s inside," Livingston said.