The 100’s programs have been sidelined for the moment by the COVID pandemic, but the trust we have earned during the first ten years of our existence continues to pay dividends. Within the last two months, two local organizations—Martin’s Super Markets and South Bend City Church—have affirmed their belief in the mission of the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend by making substantial donations.
The 100’s programs have been sidelined for the moment by the COVID pandemic, but the trust we have earned during the first ten years of our existence continues to pay dividends.
Within the last two months, two local organizations—Martin’s Super Markets and South Bend City Church—have affirmed their belief in the mission of the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend by making substantial donations.
Martin’s, long a sponsor of our annual gala, made a special contribution in celebration of “Juneteenth” and in the midst the nationwide protests of the killings of George Floyd and other African Americans victimized by racial injustice.
“We want to continue making a difference in the fight for racial equality and justice,” Amy McClellan, senior vice president of Martin’s, said in a letter to Arnold Sallie, president of The 100. “Your mission, values and vision very much aligns with helping the community [grow] stronger together.”
She said the donation had been voted on by a group of Martin’s employees.
There had been no previous relationship between The 100 and the South Bend City Church. Ryan Yazel, one of the church’s ministers, said the four-year-old congregation felt moved by the events of recent months to make a statement of commitment to racial justice.
“Our goal is to be, at a minimum, a church that pursues racial justice,” he said.
Church leaders selected The 100 for their donation after looking at the membership roster on our website. “You guys are providing leadership and direction that our community needs.”
He added that the South Bend City Church was “not just dumping money; we are offering to be a resource” as The 100 pursues uplift of not just the African American community, but of South Bend as a whole.