A Legacy of Giving Back: The Heart Behind a Shared Mission
Laurie Henry Bradley is a second-generation owner/operator with McDonald’s. Her uncle and both of her parents were owners. So, when she and her husband, Morris, took over operations of various McDonald’s franchises across Indiana, they were driven by more than just the idea of running a successful business. For them, it was a chance to honor family, uplift their community, and make a lasting difference in the lives of Black youth—a mission that has grown into a heartfelt partnership with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. For the last eight years, they’ve been fueling the dreams of young people through this collaboration, providing scholarships, breakfast programs, and, above all, a message of hope and legacy.
It all started simply: Laurie recalls being asked to provide breakfast for students in the 100 Black Men’s financial literacy program. “We said yes immediately,” Laurie shares. “For us, being a good partner means showing up when we’re needed.” But showing up has since grown into something much more—a scholarship they created in memory of Laurie’s father and sister, who both shaped her passion for supporting the next generation.
The scholarship isn’t just financial support; it’s a tribute to her family’s enduring legacy. “We wanted to create something lasting, something that would make a difference,” Laurie says. “Financial literacy is foundational for success, especially for Black and Brown youth. These students are working so hard, preparing for the future, and we want to be a part of that journey with them.”
Her husband, Morris Bradley, had his own experiences with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis dating back to his high school years when he participated in the Beautillion program. “I’ve known about this organization half my life, and it’s impacted me at every stage of my journey,” he reflects. “I remain friends with others who went through the program, and along with them, our family continues to be actively involved in supporting the organization. It’s close to my heart.”
For Morris and Laurie, this commitment to giving back goes beyond donations or check-writing. “We’re visible, and we want to be,” Laurie emphasizes. “We’re not just here to make money. Yes, we are business owners, but it’s equally important for us to be a blessing to others. That’s what we believe in.”
Supporting the dreams and ambitions of the youth is not only a mission but a driving passion for the Bradley family. “This is where our motives come from,” Laurie says, a sentiment echoed in the ways they show up time and again. Their work with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis is about more than meals and scholarships; it’s about legacy, community, and a vision for the future they help build—one breakfast, one scholarship, and one life at a time.