VALDOSTA — An Atlanta attorney returns home as the keynote speaker for the annual 100 Black Men Black Tie Banquet later this month.

The event will “feature Mr. Samuel Matchett, a partner at King and Spalding, LLP,” said Roy Copeland, a past president of the Valdosta chapter of 100 Black Men. “Mr. Matchett is a local product having graduated from Lowndes High School in 1976.”

As a partner in King and Spalding’s Atlanta Labor & Employment Practice Group, Matchett has more than 25 years of experience as an attorney.

“He concentrates on employment relationship matters, with an emphasis in labor and employment law litigation in both state and federal courts, governmental agencies and arbitration tribunals,” according to information provided by 100 Black Men.

“Mr. Matchett routinely defends employers in litigation involving the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and employment-related state law claims.”

The publication Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business recognized Matchett for his “extensive expertise in civil rights and discrimination litigation.”

The 100 Black Men of Valdosta is part of a national organization dedicated to working within the chapter communities.

The 100 Black Men of Valdosta sponsors mentoring, tutoring and SAT preparation programs for area youths.

It sponsors scholarships.

The organization sponsors events such as the annual barbecue competition downtown and feeds hundreds of people for Thanksgiving.

The 100 Black Men Black Tie Banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 27, Valdosta Middle School.