WS Chronicle

With the recent rise in the number of black men killed by the hands of policemen all across the country coupled with the amount of black men entering prison, it feels as though African-American men are in the spotlight throughout the judicial system.

Men on a Mission Inspiring Men is an organization looking to set roots in the Triad area to help men of color rise above the perils of their community. It is a faith-based nonprofit organization that seeks to curtail the violence plaguing some areas of the community and put men on the right path.

“We exist in the simplest terms, and that is to change lives,” said O. DeShea Cuthrell Sr., vice president of Community Relations. “Our focus is on youth and young adults, and one of the things we pride ourselves on is being partners with the Black Lives Matter movement because of everything that’s going on right now.”

Men on a Mission Inspiring Men is based in North Chesterfield, Virginia. It was founded by Dr. Arlene Simmons. Its mission is to engage the youth and end community-based violence and incarcerations and advance lifestyle equality through programming, employment and life skills.

Cuthrell moved to Winston-Salem after graduating from high school and still has family in the area, which is why he wanted to extend the organization to the Triad. He stated that his organization is a grass-roots organization and looks to partner with existing ones in the area as well as starting its own initiatives in the area for young men.

Cuthrell stated he connected with Simmons upon Cuthrell’s release from prison after serving a 21-month sentence. He said they both shared an equal love for the cause, and he said he had to jump on board.
“For me, being a convicted felon and while I was there, there were so many things as a man of God that I saw in this organization that paralleled what I wanted to do. Then I got out and we connected and I shared with her what was on my heart and what I wanted to do. She then showed me what the mission she had, and I loved it,” Cuthrell added.

As an individual who has seen the prison system from the inside, Cuthrell wants to stop the rotating door of black men going in and out of prisons. He stated the constant run-ins with the law are a detriment to the black community.

Cuthrell went on to say that his organization does not want to pressure people with talk of religion but does want to steer them in the direction of Christ because he is the foundation for everything.
“We want to point people to Christ, and for those who don’t know him, we want to lead them in that direction, “Cuthrell said. “When you deal with our organization, you understand that we are a faith-based organization, and we are believers. Any and everything that we do or are involved with, if it doesn’t reflect Christ, we are not going to do it.”
He stated that they will not alter their stance as Christians and they pray with everyone they deal with.

Men on a Mission Inspiring Men has started to connect with local organizations in an effort to help the community. The group partnered with St. Stephens A.M.E. Church out of High Point to send clean water to the residents of Flint, Michigan, as they deal with their water crisis. They want to continue to partner with the local community in the Triad and extend their reach here.

To contact the organization, send an email to menonamissioninspiringmen@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page at Men on a Mission Inspiring Men or call 336-937-8504 for more information.