By Aaron Allen
The Seattle Medium
Zeitgeist, German for the general intellectual, moral and cultural climate of the time, the collective mindset of society or a community. As Black children in society today are under duress due to both outside and inside negative influences, the zeitgeist of the Black community is how do we protect, nurture and save our children for they are our future?
According to Erwin Chappel, a Seattle native and one of the lead organizers of the 100 Black Men of Greater Seattle, the need for “a village to raise a child” can’t be more evident. With so many problems facing our community as a whole — like the Trayvon Martin incident, police brutality and the on-going cycle of Black murders in cities like Chicago and Seattle – Chappel and other founding members the organization have decided to not only get involved but to take action.
Based out of Atlanta the 100 Black Men organization is sprouting throughout the nation as an answer to how best to address the needs of our youth.
The seed of the 100 Black Men was planted back in 2012 through the vision of men like Chappel and others establishing a 100 Black Men chapter here in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is not without its issues even though we take for granted being hidden in our little corner of the world, believing we are safe, miles away from other metropolises laden with such burdens as high police brutality incidents, Black on Black crime and education.
Chappel was inspired to act by witnessing what he calls “acts of domestic terrorism” as they organically began to surface, police brutality, no accountability and negative propaganda. According to Chappel, they are all stifling the Black youth’s perception of self.
“As you know we witnessed a lot of what I would call domestic terrorism with the police situations across the country, and speaking with a few gentlemen, we talked about how or what we can do to become involved,” says Chappel.
“We are here to improve the quality of life for the community we serve,” added Chappel about the mission of the organization. “Mentoring is the core service of the 100, we influence and transform the lives of underrepresented youth with a focus on African American youth.”
Chappel believes society is at a crossroads between justice and injustice, racism or acceptance, the educated and uneducated, wealth and poverty and the moral and immoral. America is fighting to define itself in the 21st century and the Black community is no different.
We are looking for a holistic approach towards servicing our community and the youth,” says Chappel. “We wanted something that was going to be comprehensive because we knew that it wasn’t just one thing, there are several things going on with our children and our community that needed to be address.”
The 100 Black Men of the Greater Seattle Area say that they are working diligently to show our youth a better way, a better example, and working to give Black youth visions to aspire to and changing the narrative both the present and past in the hopes of empowering their self-esteem.
For the men who make up the Seattle chapter it’s all about giving. Giving back, giving time, giving resources, giving acknowledgement and praise that many Black youth have been missing.
“Something in the bible that spoke to me was to whom much is given, much is required,” said Chappel. “I know that a lot of people have given to me and to friends of mine… I grew up seeing volunteers, men stepping up and be mentors it inspired me that I should give back as well.”
100 Black Men of the Greater Seattle Area aims are to establish relationships with mentees throughout the area. Their goal is to serve as positive role models and help transforming the lives of their mentees.
Chappell explains, “the aim is to gather men together to try to come up with something that is effective and impactful within the community,” and 100 Black Men is the vehicle to make it happen.
The zeitgeist says our future is looking bleak, but the African American experience is about perseverance. From a personal stand point Erwin Chappell and friends just want to give back, help, rebuild and change the narrative. If the 100 Black Men of the Greater Seattle Area has anything to say about it, “what they see, is what they’ll be”.
