By Aundre Hogue, President, The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis
Fourteen years ago, I had my first mentoring experience as a volunteer with the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. When I walked into IPS School 37 to serve, I was reminded of my own days as an IPS student—a young, low-income Black student longing for positive role models and a sense of belonging.
I saw myself in those students. And in that moment, I understood my assignment: Aundre, be the example they need to see.
That’s the “why” behind my service and the heartbeat of our mission at The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. Every young person deserves to see someone who believes in them, someone who shows up, listens, and walks beside them on their journey. Mentoring is how we build that bridge, generation after generation.
Continuing the Mission
As I reflect on my first year as President, I am filled with gratitude for our mentors and members, for the families who trust us with their sons and daughters, and for the donors and partners who make this work possible. Because of your belief in us, The 100 continues to grow, evolve, and inspire.
In 2025, we focused on six key areas essential to our long-term impact: membership and engagement, collaboration, health and wellness, workforce development, youth programming, and donor partnerships. Each represents a building block toward a stronger, more sustainable future—because our young people can’t thrive unless our organization does too.
Progress and Purpose
This year, our membership grew by over 30%, reaching a milestone we haven’t seen since before the pandemic. That number represents more than growth; it represents dozens of new men choosing to give their time, wisdom, and hearts to this work.
We’ve strengthened partnerships with community organizations such as Indiana University Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, Elevate Indianapolis, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and the Coalition of 100 Black Women of Indianapolis, creating shared initiatives to address health equity, education, and workforce access. Our Black Male Caregivers Dialogue and Maternal Health & Mortality Town Hall are prime examples of how we are building community conversations that lead to change.
We also made strategic updates to enhance sustainability. In reimagining our annual gala into the Inspire and Empower Breakfast, we reduced event costs by over 50% and expanded donor engagement—setting a bold goal to raise $100,000 to advance our mission. This format not only maximizes impact but also creates space for connection across generations, industries, and neighborhoods.
Mentorship and Legacy
At the core of everything we do is mentorship. Whether through our Dollars & $ense Financial Literacy Program or The Collegiate 100, we are creating pathways to leadership and opportunity. Our African American History Challenge team continues to shine, excelling nationally and representing Indianapolis with excellence.
And as we mark the 40th anniversary of our Beautillion Militaire program, we honor decades of young men who have become leaders, scholars, and changemakers because someone chose to mentor them.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our vision is simple but powerful: transform, collaborate, and sustain.
We will continue to transform the lives of young people across Indianapolis. We will continue to collaborate with partners who believe that it takes a village to raise a generation. And we will sustain our mission through the generosity of those who know that every dollar, every hour, and every act of mentorship matters.
For most of our programs—outside of Beautillion and Summer Academy—there is no cost to participate. That is only possible because of donors and sponsors who believe in what we do.
As we approach Giving Tuesday, I ask that you consider supporting our mentoring programs. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps advance our mission and invest in the future of our youth. When we mentor, we multiply hope. And hope is what changes the world—one young person at a time.
Join The 100 as a mentor. Sign up today!