The deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile struck a chord with Eric Evans of Nashville, much like it did to the rest of us. However, instead of marching in the streets, Evans organized about 70 African-American Nashville men who agreed to recommit to their community.
“I just wanted to call to men and ask them to do something,” Evans told The Tennessean. “Let’s give. Let’s think action.”
Evans is the program director at 4:13 Strong, a faith-based Middle Tennessee nonprofit that transforms the lives of at-risk men. He says the men’s plan for the city will include setting up mentorship programs, entrepreneurship classes and programs for job readiness.
The alliance of men in their 30s and 40s with occupations ranging from educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders each dressed in fine suits for the photo.
The organizers shared the event on Facebook using the hashtag #theimage and posted their mission:
- Demonstrate that the men are accessible and accountable to the Nashville community
- Show black men in a positive light in Nashville
- “Actively and consistently” serve the Nashville community and answer the call to action
Check out the video documenting the gathering.
Evans added, “That picture was basically a promise to Nashville that these guys that you see represented inside of this picture promised to be a better man for our city, for our kids and for our community.”
