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.
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Congressman John Lewis. I join members of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., along with fellow Americans and caring citizens globally, in mourning the loss of this hero of human rights. The 100 Black Men network extends our condolences to his entire family and to the community that loved him. He was a 100 member who lead by example and he responded to our requests for Congressional Black Caucus representation at town halls and forums. We can look across the career of John Lewis as an example of unwavering leadership. He set a standard that our mentees from middle school to college can study and emulate.
How do you say goodbye to the legend that was Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian? A man whose advocacy work spans and embodies the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Vivian’s voice never stopped speaking truth to power and his efforts to bring about change, related to global human rights, continued until today. Dr. Vivian was the only person unconcerned about his age, since he was often heard saying there was still work that needed to be done. He just did not stop working for social justice in America and around the world. Advocating for causes to improve the lives of African Americans, along with causes that positively impact the lives of youth (the next generation of leaders), was in the DNA of this remarkable man.
President Arnold Sallie sent this letter to the members of the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend on Wednesday, June 10. The letter was written in response to the recent violent deaths of George Floyd and other African Americans.
As members of an organization of African-American men, we have been deeply wounded in spirit by the slaying of George Floyd. Once again, a black man has had his life snuffed out unjustly by people who are sworn to serve and protect us.
This hurts all the more because we are a mentoring organization, encouraging young black boys to believe in themselves and in their nation as a land of possibilities. “What they see,” we say, “is what they will be.” But the murder of George Floyd calls that statement and that belief into question.
Sadly, Mr. Floyd’s slaying is but the most recent instance of a black person having his life snatched away unjustly and for reasons that reek of racial injustice. The names of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky also lead a long litany of black victims of police or white vigilantes. That litany includes victims here in South Bend, most recently Eric Logan.
This historical pattern must be broken. If the protests and disturbances of the last two weeks carry any message, it is that these outrages must cease. Our nation is in pain. We all must come together as one America to ensure that every black and brown life is sacred and that every person is treated with dignity It must be so if our democracy is to survive and flourish. We cannot allow the festering wounds of hate and injustice to destroy us. We cannot wait any longer.
America, this is our time.