The 100 Black Men of Austin welcomed their 2022 class of members at Black Pearl Books. This was the largest installation of members (17) and Chris Singleton was acknowledged as an honorary member.
“What They See Is What They’ll Be”
As part of The 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc.’s Cultural Competency Initiative and in honor of Black History Month, the organization will welcome inspirational speaker, author and former professional baseball player, Chris Singleton. Singleton became a nationally renowned speaker with a message of resilience, forgiveness and unity following the loss of his mother in the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church tragedy in Charleston, SC. where nine black bible study participants were killed by a self proclaimed white supremacist. Chris’s speech on overcoming hate with love has gotten him featured on Lifetime, ESPN E:60, USA Today, CNN, and Fox News.
His first children’s books, Different – A Story About Loving Your Neighbor, has been featured by numerous outlets, including The Obama Foundation. His newest book, Your Life Matters, is equal parts homage to historical and contemporary Black figures and a reminder of the greatness that lives within each child. It reassures children everywhere that no matter what they hear, no matter what they experience, no matter what they’re told, their lives matter.
Singleton’s Austin appearance, sponsored by 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc. and hosted by Black Pearl Books – a local, black-owned bookstore, will include a book donation to the Austin Public Library, book readings at three local elementary schools along with free books distributed to the students. Singleton will also speak to a group of local High School students, and a group of student athletes at Huston-Tillotson University.
“Chris’s story of overcoming hate with love, is a message we all need to hear. His life is an example of how love can break barriers and unite people, and that is an inspiration for any age.” Said Karl Spencer, President, 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc., “We are excited to once again partner with Black Pearl Books on our Cultural Competency Initiative where the goal is to increase literacy, make reading fun for kids, support teachers by providing resources to engage with their students, and distribute culturally relevant books.”
Soulciti Article – https://soulciti.com/100-black-men-giving-away-700-books-with-black-pearl-books/
Fox News Segment – https://fox7austin.com/news/after-losing-his-mom-in-church-shooting-author-chris-singleton-stops-in-austin-to-inspire-students
The 100 Black Men of Austin were chosen to participate in a pilot program with Amazon in 2020. As part of the pilot, The 100 BMOA were able to select organizations locally, nationally, and internationally that focused on the homeless, underserved communities, and kids. These organizations provided a list of their needs and the 100 ordered and shipped items to their organizations via Amazon. Amazon donated and shipped coats, gloves, clothes, diapers, sanitary items, toys, PPE, furniture, and backpacks to the organizations/communities. Since October 2020, the 100 Black Men of Austin and Amazon has provided 272,887 items to the following organizations;
Local organizations;
Partnerships for Children
Austin Diaper Bank
Any Baby Can
Colony Park Neighborhood Association
Georgetown Project
Lifeworks
The Nest
A New Entry
Texas Empowerment Academy
Neighborhood Longhorn
National Organizations;
Gentlemen’s Room – NY
Women’s Advocacy – St Louis
Operation Love 3rd Ward – Houston
Love Us Foundation – Chicago
Momma’s House – NY
Queens High – NY
100 Indianapolis
100 Beaumont
100 Chicago
100 Long Island
100 Syracuse
International Organizations;
Paint Our Future – Nairobi, Kenya Africa (Orphanage/Autistic school)
Belizean Education Empowerment (Orphanages)
The 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc. challenged the students at TXEA to a game of kickball. Members told the kids how talented they were and their legs were still strong enough to get a victory. TXEA students executed short and long kicks to take the early lead. 100 BMOA fought back and took at 2-run lead into the last inning. TXEA kicked their way to a 1-run victory and all of the 100 members limped their way back to their vehicles.
“What They See is What They’ll Be.”
100 Members Drew Thomas and Karl Nichols spearheaded the charge for the 100 Black Men of Austin to volunteer at the 2021 American Heart Association Heart Stroke Walk. The 100 was also a sponsor of the annual event and walked to fight cardiovascular issues and hypertension in the Black Community.
