When James Duke is asked about his time with The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, he quickly smiles and begins listing names. Over the nearly 30 years that he has been engaged with the organization, he has personally mentored hundreds of young people who have now grown into talented, focused, and civically minded adults. But to him, each young person is seen as an individual—one who inspires him, teaches him something about himself, and helps him fulfill his purpose.
That perspective is what makes James Duke’s story emblematic of what it means to be part of The 100. His journey reflects not only mentorship but the lifelong exchange of wisdom and care that defines our organization’s legacy.
Duke’s appreciation for The 100 began in the 1990s, during the planning of The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis Roundball Invitational, a basketball game between Central State University and his alma mater, Morehouse College. At first, he thought the organization was simply a coalition of community leaders on a mission to cultivate a space for accomplished men to gather and be leaders in the community. What he discovered was far more personal.
“I was not aware of the deep mentoring aspect of The 100,” Duke recalls. “I knew it was an organization of great men doing great things, but what I found was a group of men quietly and consistently showing up and changing lives for the youth of Central Indiana.”
From that first encounter, Duke was drawn in by the mission and the sense of purpose he saw in The 100. As the youngest of five children, he jokes that he was “not exactly planned,” but that his lifelong longing for younger siblings may have been what first sparked his connection to the notion of mentorship.
“I always wanted a younger brother or sister,” he said. “And when I joined The 100, I realized I’d been given hundreds of younger brothers to look after.”
For nearly three decades, Duke has spent his Sundays mentoring with many other mentors and volunteers through the The Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program, a leadership and development experience that helps young men prepare for college, career, and life.
“Our program runs from October through March,” Duke explains, “so I’ve missed more Colts games than I can count. But it’s worth every hour. Because for those three hours each Sunday, I get to see young men grow—not just in confidence, but in character.”
He describes the work as a rhythm, showing up week after week, planting seeds, and trusting that time and faith will do the rest.
“There was a student years ago who never said much during sessions,” Duke remembers. “He came every week, but he didn’t engage. A few years after he graduated, he called me out of the blue to say, ‘I know I didn’t seem like I was listening, but I was. You all need to keep doing what you’re doing.’ That one call reminded us all that even when you can’t see the impact, you’re making one.”
The phrase “mentoring across a lifetime” isn’t a slogan for The 100; it’s a lived truth.
Duke can recall countless young men whose paths have crossed through the Beautillion Militaire Scholarship Program—brothers, classmates, and friends who entered as teenagers and left with a deeper understanding of who they are and what they’re capable of.
“This program isn’t just for young men without fathers,” Duke said. “It’s for any young man who can benefit from structure, guidance, and a community that believes in him.”
And that belief doesn’t fade after graduation. Many of Duke’s former mentees still reach out; some for advice, others simply to stay connected. One, now a senior executive in the hospitality industry, continues to call before major meetings.
“He told me, ‘You’re not going to tell me what I want to hear. You’re going to tell me what I need to hear,” Duke said with a laugh. “That’s how you know the relationship goes beyond the program.”
Every Sunday before sessions begin, Duke stands in the hallway and greets each student by name. During that greeting, he insists on eye contact—a small but powerful ritual.
“I want them to look up,” he said. “To see me, and to let me see them. Sometimes, you can tell everything you need to know about how someone’s doing just by looking in their eyes.”
Before they leave, Duke stands in that same spot, offering each young man a fist bump and a simple message: Have a good week. I expect great things from you.
“For some of them,” he said, “that might be the only affirmation they get all week. That’s why I keep showing up.”
These small gestures, repeated faithfully over decades, have shaped generations of young men into confident, capable leaders.
However, what defines Duke’s impact isn’t just his longevity—it’s the legacy he’s helped create. The young men he once guided now stand as engineers, doctors, business owners, community leaders, and fathers. Some have even returned to The 100 to mentor the next generation.
“There’s no better feeling than seeing the sons of former Beaus walk into the program,” Duke reflected. “In those moments, things come full circle. It’s a reminder that what we build together truly matters and truly lasts.”
This year marks James Duke’s 25th year with the Beautillion Militaire Program—a milestone that mirrors his unwavering spirit and sense of purpose. To honor that commitment, The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis is issuing a challenge: to recruit 25 new mentors by year’s end.
“If you’ve ever thought about giving back,” Duke said, “now is the time. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to care enough to show up.”
For Duke, mentorship is both a responsibility and a gift—one that continues to shape him as much as it shapes those he serves.
“Every Sunday, I walk into that room knowing I’m not just helping these young men grow,” he said. “They’re helping me grow, too. They remind me who I am, why I’m here, and what purpose really looks like.”
Every young person deserves to be seen, guided, and believed in. That’s the heart of mentorship, and it’s where lasting change begins. By volunteering with the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, you’re not just giving your time; you’re shaping futures, strengthening families, and building community one conversation at a time.
Whether you’re a first-time mentor or someone who’s been guided by others yourself, there’s a place for you in this work. Now is your moment to show up.