A Tribute to James Duke from His Mentees
For 25 years, James Duke has been the heartbeat of the Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program—a steady mentor, motivator, and model of manhood for hundreds of young Black men in Indianapolis. This year, Duke and the Beautillion team have welcomed another cohort of over 40 high school male seniors. Through his leadership with The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, he has shown what it means to guide with purpose, uplift with patience, and lead with love throughout a lifetime.
When Duke joined the organization in the late 1990s, he likely couldn’t have imagined how many lives his mentorship would touch. Yet today, the ripple effects of his work can be seen in classrooms, boardrooms, hospitals, and homes across the country. His mentees have gone on to become educators, business leaders, physicians, and fathers—each carrying the lessons that guided him throughout his life.
“Mr. Duke taught us that mentorship is more than advice; it’s consistency,” shared Brandon Higgins, a 2007 Beau who still calls Duke a brother. “Over the past 25 years, his dedication has shaped generations of young Black men, creating leaders and change-makers who carry his example into their communities.”
For Rick Anderson, now the Executive Director and Head of School at Allegiant Prep Academy, Duke’s quiet leadership during his 2004 Beautillion experience helped build the confidence that would one day guide his own students. “At the time, I lacked confidence and support,” he reflected. “But James Duke quietly inspired me. His commitment during and after the program is something I strive to model.”
That sense of enduring connection is what makes the Beautillion Militaire so unique. The program doesn’t end at graduation—it evolves into a lifelong brotherhood. Many alumni describe Duke as a constant presence, showing up at graduations, job interviews, and weddings, still offering the same steady advice that shaped them years ago.
“Life is defined by the moments we share with special people and the impact we leave behind,” said Mustapha Baryoh, who met Duke 15 years ago. “Duke is the blueprint for mentorship. Through him, I learned the meaning of ‘What they’ll see is what they’ll be.’”
That phrase—“What they’ll see is what they’ll be”—has become a quiet creed among the men Duke has mentored. For Josh Ebikwo, who once traded Saturday mornings on the football field for Beautillion workshops, those lessons didn’t stop when the sessions ended. “As a youth, I wasn’t eager to give up my football hours,” he recalled. “But meeting Mr. Duke changed that. His care for each of us and the wider community was genuine and lasting. More than a decade later, he remains a trusted guide and friend.”
Mentees often describe Duke’s approach as both challenging and compassionate—someone who holds high expectations but matches them with deep understanding. Thomas Bronaugh summarized it best: “He challenges you to exceed your own expectations, brings light to difficult days, and models faith, character, and leadership. His mentorship goes beyond guidance; it’s a legacy of servant leadership.”
That legacy now spans a quarter century, with hundreds of Beaus who credit Duke with shaping their paths to success. His impact isn’t measured in titles or accolades, but in the steady stream of men who lead their communities with the same humility and strength he modeled.
As The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis celebrates 25 years of the Beautillion Militaire, this milestone is not only a tribute to the program but to the man who has been at its center—guiding, teaching, and believing in each Beau who walked through the door.
This holiday season, we invite our community to help continue his legacy. Together, we can prepare the next generation of Beaus—young men who will lead with purpose, integrity, and heart.
Join us in celebrating 25 years of mentorship by helping us reach our goal of 25 new mentors. Learn more and sign up today: https://100blackmenindy.org/volunteer