On Wednesday, October 7, the 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia held a press conference as a call to the community to come together and be involved with mentoring and supporting children and families. Garrett Williams, President of the 100 Black Men, and the assembled groups encouraged parents to be more involved in their children’s lives, people to take up mentoring children, and others to volunteer with the groups working every day in the neighborhoods.

“Macon is strengthened when organizations, institutions, and citizens come together with a common purpose,” said Williams. “Through partnership, accountability, and collective action, we can continue to build safer neighborhoods and a brighter future for all.”

The call to action came in Carolyn Crayton Park (CCP), near the site of the recent shootings. The 100 Black Men have long been involved in working with children in Macon, including recent years where they have focused on mentoring, development, and education programs at Bruce Elementary and Southwest High School.

“Incidents of violence that threaten the safety and well-being of our residents are deeply troubling and impact the entire community,” said Williams, adding that the work doesn’t start after an incident but should start when children are young. “Mentoring is a lifetime endeavor, and that begins with elementary school.”

The 100 Black Men of Middle Georgia has adopted Bruce Elementary to help provide students life skills, additional educational support, and outside opportunities. They have taken students to New Orleans and New York City, chaperoned them to different sites and events around Middle Georgia, provided literacy incentives, offered student financial literacy classes, hosted etiquette luncheons, provided job interview sessions, and support the Cub Scout Pack based at the school.They have also selected 32 students at Southwest High School for one-on-one mentoring with 100 Black Men members as part of its Rights of Passage program.

“We do have challenges that need to be addressed. Violence not only harms individuals and families, it also undermines the sense of security and unity that is essential to a strong and vibrant community,” Williams said, pointing out it this will require them, every other organization in town, and, very importantly, parents and families. “We have to communicate a sense of urgency.”

100 Black Men is also a Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) partner and grant recipient, helping implement programs that support youth development, mentorship, and education as part of the community-wide effort to reduce violence and create more opportunities for young people in Macon-Bibb County.