The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis is poised to reach new heights and the man that wants to take them there is Ontay Johnson, the new executive director of the organization.
Many believe his personal story and passion for youth make him the perfect fit for the men’s group, whose main mission is developing kids into strong men and future leaders.
Johnson was born and raised in a single parent, working class home in Saginaw, Mich. He said that there were struggles, but one of the key lessons his mother instilled in him is being responsible.
“The other thing that my mother realized early on is that ‘while I’m a great mom and I’m doing the best I can, I can’t teach him how to be a man.’ So she found family members, neighbors, ministers – good sound men that became a big brother and father figure to me. I appreciate her for that,” said Johnson.
After graduating high school, Johnson said he attempted to go to college, but lacked the focus and discipline it takes for academic success. Many in his family worked for General Motors Co. and like them, he found factory work. Johnson soon realized blue-collar labor wasn’t for him.
“I did it because I married young and had a family to support, but I hated every minute of it,” laughed Johnson. “I did learn some life lessons like being at work on time.”
He then went on to attend Northwood University where he received his undergraduate degree in business management. Johnson is the first person in his family to graduate college.
He took a job as a community resource manager with the Michigan Department of Corrections where he developed a passion for ex-offenders. Although he enjoyed working for the state, he felt like something was missing. So he enrolled in a master’s degree program at Baruch College in New York under the National Urban Fellows program.
After getting his master’s degree in public administration, Johnson did some consulting work in Minneapolis, Minn., before becoming the new executive director of the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, one of the premier chapters in the nation.
“His background is what made us think ‘this guy is humble and he’s going to get in at a grass roots level and engage the community. He’s going to put the work in,” said Acey Byrd, president and chairman of the board of the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis.
Johnson has only been at the helm for a few weeks, but has already immersed himself in 100 Black Men’s programs, which include the Beautillion Militaire, a 16-week rite of passage program for males, which will be culminating this April; the financial literacy program, which starts in March; the team mentoring program that serves 5th and 6th grade boys in five IPS schools; the African-American history program; the Summer Academy, a 7-week educational program for K-8 students; and college fairs.
“I’m very passionate about working with youth because I see a lot of me in these young men. I want to help them realize, no matter the situation, if you have the right guidance, the right people around you and utilize the wisdom you have, you will go far,” said Johnson.
In addition to maintaining these programs, Johnson’s initial goal as executive director is to better market 100 Black Men’s programs to youth. He also wants to ramp up the group’s engagement with the community.
“While there are people who do know about ‘The 100’ there are still a large percentage of people we want to tap into. In particular, we want to go after young men,” said Johnson. “We have dedicated seasoned leaders, but once they move on, we don’t want to lose that knowledge that they’ve brought to the table. I want to have their wisdom and also the tech shrewdness from our younger leaders.”
One of his most aggressive goals is to boost fundraising efforts.
“We had over 50 applicants but he set himself apart from them. He seemed to be so well rounded in things like grant writing, communication and organization,” said Byrd.
Johnson, who belongs to the Toastmasters, is very excited to be in his new role and eager to meet and collaborate with other organizations in Indianapolis.
Although his family is still in Michigan for the time being, they too are excited to finally settle down in Indianapolis. Johnson and his wife, Eugenia, of 20 years have three children.
“My best friend and his family lives in Indy so I know the area. And I’m glad that my family and I are settling here and we’re excited to make new friends,” said Johnson.
To sign up for a 100 Black Men of Indianapolis program or to become a member, call (317) 921-1276 or visit 100BlackMenIndy.org.
