As we prepare for the 40th Anniversary Gala of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis Inc. on Oct. 26th at the JW Marriott, I can’t help but reflect on the importance of this milestone—not just for our organization, but for the community we proudly serve. This gala isn’t just a celebration of the past four decades of service by so many people who have given of their time through our organization, it’s a call to action to work to continue to shape the lives of our community’s young people.
Our journey began in the 1960s when Jackie Robinson, David Dinkins and other trailblazing Black men gathered in New York to confront the pressing issues facing the Black community. By the mid-1980s, that effort evolved into a national movement—100 Black Men of America, Inc. Leaders like Moses Gray and Frank Lloyd cultivated our chapter in Indianapolis. From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to positively impact the development and outcomes of youth in our community through men giving real time. Like the over 100 chapters of the national organization, the Indianapolis chapter’s efforts focus on four pillars – mentorship, education, economic empowerment, health and wellness.
Mentorship lies at the heart of everything we do. Our motto, “What they see is what they’ll be,” captures the essence of our work. When our young men and women look at the mentors in 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, they see a reflection of their potential — Black men, from a range of careers, who are committed to guiding them toward a brighter future. Many of our students face challenges that stem not only from racial discrimination but also from economic hardship. As an organization, we recognize that these barriers are intertwined. We design our programs to address such barriers and to empower our students to be leaders in the community.
Our core programs, like the African American History Challenge, Beautillion Militaire, and Summer Academy, aren’t just educational initiatives. They’re opportunities for our young people to grow, to be inspired, and to build lasting relationships with mentors who genuinely care about their success.
I’ve personally seen how these programs change lives, whether it’s a young man gaining confidence through the Beautillion or a middle school student discovering a passion for STEM in our Team Mentoring program. The impact of these programs can be seen in some of Indianapolis’ key leaders, including Kendale Adams, Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Division, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Like others in our community, Deputy Chief Adams was a student in one of our programs, the Beautillion, and later returned as a mentor, primarily as a driving force in leading our Summer Academy.
He recently said, “The mentorship and experiences, both as a youth and as an adult, that 100 Black Men Indianapolis has provided me over the years have proven to benefit my life beyond measure.”
These programs matter because, in many cases, Black youth, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, simply do not have enough role models who look like them—Black men and women succeeding in fields like STEM, finance, law, and education. That’s where we come in. We bridge the gap. We help our students navigate the challenges of growing up in a world that too often tells them they aren’t enough. As one mother of a recent program participant stated, “…we gained mentors from every walk of life. We found a new village of uncles willing to step in where needed.”
It is impossible to ignore the deep racial and economic disparities that persist in Indianapolis. These disparities manifest in our education system, in measures of financial stability, and in health outcomes. At 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, we are committed to addressing these inequities. Through our Dollars and Sense Financial Literacy Program, for example, we are equipping young people with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. This is crucial work, particularly in communities where payday loans and credit card debt can perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Similarly, our work in education doesn’t stop at academic support. We know that for Black students to succeed, they need to see themselves as part of a larger narrative of excellence and resilience. Our Summer Academy, a six-week program focused on reading, math, and enrichment activities, has been a beacon of hope for decades. The program combats summer learning loss and keeps our students on track. We also work hand-in-hand with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters to mentor students, some of whom may be waiting for a Big Brother, ensuring that no child slips through the cracks.
Past board member and present-day volunteer Clarence Crain said it best. “The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis have provided leadership to the Indianapolis community through its youth programming and community engagement with other organizations. We have provided youth and members with opportunities for personal development and life-changing impact. Being a member for over 30 years, I have been driven by the desire to help our youth in their journey toward a successful adulthood.”
Health and wellness initiatives are also important in our mission. We’ve seen firsthand how disparities in healthcare disproportionately affect our community. Through partnerships with IU Health and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, for example, we’ve held town halls and health fairs to raise awareness about critical issues like mental health in the Black community. We understand that mental health care is essential for our youth, mentors, and families alike, and we are dedicated to creating safe spaces where these conversations can happen.
But beyond all the challenges we face, we must also make room for joy. It’s not just about helping our youth overcome adversity—it’s about celebrating their achievements, big and small. A mentor recently reminded me that for some young Black men growing up without a father figure, they may feel they lack a man with whom they can celebrate their successes. We strive to fill that void, ensuring that our mentors are not just there for the tough moments, but also for the moments of triumph. After all, joy and hope are as much a part of our mission as overcoming hardship.
“For over 40 years, the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. has been a pillar of strength and empowerment in our community,” shared Andre Givens, President/Chairman,100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc., 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Midwest District Director. “Our legacy is rooted in providing opportunities for our youth to realize their full potential. For me, mentoring is more than just a responsibility—it’s a calling. Our mission is to empower young men and women in our community by giving them the tools, support, and role models they need to succeed. By investing in our youth today, we’re future-proofing the leaders of tomorrow.”
As we look ahead to our 2024 Anniversary Gala, I invite you to join us, not just in celebration, but in support of the critical work we do. This event is a chance for all of us to come together and recommit to the future of our community. The funds raised will help to support our programs, enabling us to reach more youth and make an even greater impact in the years to come.
I ask you to stand with us. By supporting this event, you’re not just investing in 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, you’re investing in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Together, we can create a future where our young people are empowered to achieve their full potential, regardless of the obstacles in their path.
Join us in making that future a reality!
