When Kendale Adams reflects on the defining experiences of his life, one organization stands out as a guiding force: 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. His journey with the organization began as a high school student, blossomed into a career in law enforcement, and continues today through his dedication to mentorship and community leadership.
Finding Purpose in High School
As a student at North Central High School, Kendale’s life changed when a counselor suggested he join The Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program. Unsure of what it entailed, he turned to his father for advice. “I didn’t know much about it,” Kendale recalled. “But my dad said, ‘Let’s check it out.’ That conversation set the wheels in motion for something bigger than I could have imagined.”
At an introductory meeting, Kendale met Officer Larry Walker, whose genuine mentorship ignited his interest in the program. “We connected instantly,” Kendale said. “That relationship convinced me to participate, to work toward scholarship opportunities, and to embrace the program’s military component, which sounded exciting.”
Through Beautillion, Kendale also met Kenny Smith, another mentor whose influence would resurface later in life. “Meeting Larry and Kenny was pivotal,” he shared. “They weren’t just mentors during the program—their guidance shaped my path for the next 30 to 40 years.”
From Mentee to Officer
After high school, life led Kendale to a college career fair, where he unexpectedly crossed paths with Kenny Smith again. By this time, Kenny had become a respected law enforcement officer and FBI agent. Their reconnection steered Kendale toward his future. “That moment was powerful,” Kendale said. “I realized the impact mentorship had on me. Shortly after, I graduated and joined the police academy in August of 1997.”
Kendale carried the lessons from Beautillion into his law enforcement career, where he served with dedication for nearly 30 years. But the pull of mentorship never faded. “I knew I had to give back to the program that gave so much to me,” he reflected.
Returning to Give Back
Kendale rejoined 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, eager to pour into the next generation. He found himself working alongside his longtime mentor, Larry Walker, supporting The Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program’s marching activities. “Seeing Larry still involved was inspiring. I knew it was my turn to step up,” he said.
In 2016, Kendale’s commitment deepened when he was asked to lead the 100 Summer Academy, the organization’s longest-running program. “At first, I didn’t even know the Summer Academy existed,” he admitted. “I was so focused on Beautillion because it had impacted me so deeply.” But once he learned about the Academy’s origins—rooted in simple acts of reading to children and mentoring youth—he was all in.
Leading the Summer Academy wasn’t just a professional role; it became a family affair when Kendale and his wife enrolled their daughters to participate in the program—where they thrived. “We even talked about pulling them out one year to try another experience, and they nearly fell over in disbelief,” he laughed. “They love it that much.”
Under Kendale’s leadership, the Summer Academy flourished. Enrollment surged, and new classes were added to meet growing demand. “When I started, we struggled to fill spots. By the time I stepped down, we had expanded to multiple classes because we were running out of room,” he proudly shared.
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship
Kendale’s experiences with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis have shaped not only his career but his worldview. As a police officer, he often reflects on the role mentorship plays in people’s lives. “When I encounter individuals facing challenges, I think, ‘What could have been different if they had the right mentor?’” he said.
Growing up with a mother battling addiction, a hardworking father, and grandparents who helped raise him, Kendale understands the profound impact of having positive role models. “Without the exposure to the men in 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, my life could have been very different. It’s true—‘what they see is what they will be.’”
His message to others is heartfelt: “You don’t have to mentor dozens of people. Start with just one—your child, someone else’s child. Pour into them. You never know the impact you can have or the legacy you can leave.”
Kendale Adams is living proof of mentorship’s transformative power. His journey, woven through the programs of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, is a testament to how one connection can change a life—and how giving back can change countless others.