Karl Spencer

The 100 Black Men of Austin invited 50 guests to attend the Austin Black Senators Game at Dell Diamond.  Every year, the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers AAA minor league) highlights the Negro Leagues by wearing Negro League jerseys to honor the Austin Black Senators.

Downs-Mabson Field currently serves as home to the @hustontillotsonuniversity Rams baseball team, but in the early 1900’s, it was the stomping grounds of the Austin Black Senators.

Named after Dr. Reverend Karl Downs, president of Huston College from 1943 to 1948, and George Mabson, manager of the Black Senators, who played at that site in its previous incarnation, it serves as a monument to the history of Black baseball in central Texas.

The Austin Black Senators were one of the earliest Black baseball teams to play in the region and featured Hall of Fame talent over its nearly 50 years of existence. The earliest reference to the club came in the Austin Statesman newspaper in 1908. The Black Senators played independently for over a decade before joining the Texas Colored League in 1923, one of several minor Negro leagues.

The 100 Black Men of Austin strives to support students with opportunities of a lifetime. Every year, we support 1-2 students to study abroad. This year, we sponsored University of Texas at Austin student, Ifeanyichukw K Chukwurah as he studied abroad in Japan during spring break. Please see his review below of the experience.

This trip was a moment. Like, a serious moment for me. I honestly tried not to take pictures because I wanted to be in the moment and keep my eyes open to the wonders of a new culture. Leaving behind the worries and stresses of home felt liberating; everything was out of sight, out of mind, allowing me to fully engage with the adventure ahead. Upon arrival in Narita, Japan, I found myself immediately enveloped in a diverse and welcoming culture. The sight of people from various backgrounds, including Indians, Ethiopians, Japanese citizens, and fellow Americans, underscored the vibrant tapestry of humanity. Despite our differences, I was touched by the warmth and hospitality extended to me by the locals. Exploring the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto, I found echoes of familiarity in the bustling fish markets, reminiscent of similar scenes in Nigeria. The emphasis on community-driven businesses and the absence of litter added to the charm of these vibrant cities. Tokyo, in particular, felt like a living, breathing work of art, with each building exuding its own unique personality, from decorative lanterns to nods to cultural icons like Godzilla. While some places highlighted the stark contrasts in societal status, with upscale shopping malls serving as a reminder of my modest upbringing, I also encountered moments of disorientation, like getting stuck in Tokyo for a few hours trying to figure out which subway would take me back to our hotel. However, Kyoto offered a more intimate and traditional experience, with everything conveniently within walking distance. Memorable experiences like visiting the monkey park, exploring the bamboo forest, and climbing Mount Fuji allowed me to deeply connect with nature and create lasting memories. As the trip drew to a close and I returned to the States, I couldn’t help but feel that time had passed too quickly. Despite this, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have immersed myself in a different culture and to have encountered such kindness and hospitality along the way.

The 100 Black Men of Austin and Black Pearl Books nonprofit, Put it in a Book, partnered to bring Civil Rights Activist and Author, Ernest McMillan to Austin.  Mr. Ernest McMillan is a veteran human rights activist with a history of working through the 60’s in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and throughout the 80’s with the National Black United Front and the United League of Mississippi. McMillan served as the Chairman of the Dallas SNCC from 1967- 1969.  

Ernest McMillan visited the University of Texas, Huston Tillotson University, and Texas Empowerment Academy to speak on his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, his books, and shared his wisdom to the students on all walks of life coming together for the right causes (humanity, dignity, and freedom).  Mr. McMillan ended his trip with an intimate moment at Black Pearl Books with 100 members, families, and friends.

The 100 Black Men of Austin, in partnership with Toyota North Austin, launched the Black Men Read Initiative during Black History Month.  This initiative is to make reading fun for students by hosting read-alongs at select elementary schools and provide books for students to build home libraries.  Steve Riddick, General Manager of Toyota North Austin kicked off the initiative by reading, “Little People, Big Dreams, Rosa Parks” to Campbell Elementary’s 3rd grade class.  Students shared their thoughts on the impact Rosa Parks made and encouraged each other to understand the importance of history and being change makers for the future.

The 100 Black Men of Austin are proud to announce the Collegiate 100 (C100) chapter at Huston-Tillotson University. The Collegiate 100 is a student-led organization that will host events on campus to support students throughout the academic year.  The 100 Black Men of Austin will support the C100 Board and members with mentoring, internship opportunities, and financial, in-kind resources.  The organization formed in 2019 and dissolved due to students graduating and Covid-19 in 2020.   We’re looking forward to what’s to come as we start this new journey of providing resources and supporting students on campus.