The Moses Gray Midwest District

Moses W. Gray: A Life Well Lived

The Board of Directors, chapter presidents and all members of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. pay tribute to member Moses W. Gray. Although we are saddening at the passing of our brother, we salute the life he lived and the example he set for the next generation of leaders. His accomplishments were expansive, and he was the epitome of excellence throughout his life’s journey. He embodied leadership, advocacy, and distinction across many industries and community causes. It is impossible to encapsulate all the lives he touched, the people he influenced, and the exponential impact he made in society during his time among us.

A shining example of a principal belief the100 organization was founded on —- What They See Is What They’ll Be® —- Mr. Gray lived a life that was extremely useful and honorable while showing compassion to others. His service to his community made a lasting difference in the lives of young people. The accomplishments of Moses W. Gray are well documented and archived. From the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. and the headquarters of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., at Indiana University and General Motors, and especially through the extensive collection housed at the Indiana Historical Society. His footprint and impact are surpassed by the smile he always displayed when entering a room or engaging with a young person.

His many awards bear testimony to the accomplishments made throughout his lifetime. As a founding member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he served as the initial Secretary, we want to shed light on his impact within the 100 family. Gray was always an active member of the 100 Black Men movement and organization, at a national and local level. A founding member and president of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc., his service was extensive and included working on numerous committees, programs, and community initiatives. Gray was instrumental in the development and success of the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. Summer Reading Academy.

At the national level, Gray served as secretary of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. for eight years. He was acknowledged for his commitment, work, and dedication to the 100 Black Men with the following awards and recognitions: the national Midwest District named in his honor, Indianapolis’ Centurion Club Award in 2022, and The Moses Gray Man of the Year Award also in his honor.

Gray was historically involved in causes to address racial justice and inequities including police brutality, racism in schools, health disparities, and other issues directly impacting the lives of children. That passion for youth extended to his many affiliations including the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, the State Council on Adoptable Children, where he served as president in 1972, the Black Adoption Committee, serving as president in 1973, the Indiana Association for the Rights of Children, where he was the inaugural president in 1974.

His accomplishments at General Motors and business leadership within the automotive industry spanned 30 years. He was known to sports fans because he played football at Indiana University and professionally for the Indianapolis Warriors and the New York Titans. Mr. Moses W. Gray is a proven leader, a 100 Black Men Statesmen, he was a friend to many, and will forever remain an example of a life well lived. We will update members on the celebration of life for Brother Gray as information becomes available.