In Memoriam: Charles E. Walton
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Brother, former Executive Director, leader, mentor, and friend, Charles E. Walton, who transitioned from this life on September 15, 2026.
Charles dedicated much of his life to leadership and service. Before joining the 100 Black Men of Chicago, he built an accomplished career spanning more than three decades in information technology, serving with organizations including Illinois Bell, Amoco, United Airlines, and others. His career took him from Chicago to London and Washington, D.C., but his commitment to creating opportunities for others remained central to his work.
In January 2021, Charles brought that experience and commitment to the 100 Black Men of Chicago as our Executive Director, a position he held with distinction until June 2024. He brought strategic leadership, organizational discipline, integrity, compassion, and a deep belief in the power of service.
Charles Walton- Executive Director Profile
Executive Director: January 2021 to June 2024
Legacy of Service: Charles contributed heavily to our Leadership, mentorship, education, health and wellness, economic empowerment, and developing opportunities for African American youth and their families.
His Contributions to Our Chapter
Charles embraced the mission of the 100 Black Men of Chicago and worked tirelessly to strengthen the organization and advance its impact throughout the Greater Chicago area.
As Executive Director, he worked collaboratively with the Board of Directors, members, committees, volunteers, community partners, sponsors, parents, and other stakeholders. He understood that the organization's strength was its people. He had a unique ability to recognize individual talents and perspectives and bring people together around a common purpose.
Charles was especially committed to addressing educational disparities, health and wellness challenges, and barriers to economic opportunity and wealth accumulation affecting African American youth and their families. He remained a steadfast advocate for removing the cultural, educational, and financial obstacles that have historically constrained opportunities for young African American men.
His leadership reflected a simple but powerful belief: leadership meant service, collaboration, compassion, and a willingness to work on behalf of others.
Charles' contributions, however, extended far beyond his responsibilities as Executive Director. To those who served alongside him, he became a trusted colleague, mentor, counselor, advocate, friend, and Brother.
His legacy cannot be measured solely by meetings attended, programs conducted, reports prepared, or organizational accomplishments. It lives in the young people he encouraged, the members he supported, the relationships he developed, the opportunities he created, and the lives he positively influenced.
His Legacy
Charles came to the 100 Black Men of Chicago as a leader, but he became something more.
He became our Brother.
We will remember his leadership. We will honor his service. We will cherish his friendship. Most importantly, we will continue the work to which he dedicated himself: mentoring our youth, expanding educational opportunities, promoting health and wellness, advancing economic empowerment, developing future leaders, and removing barriers that prevent young people from realizing their full potential.
We also recognize that Charles was first and foremost a beloved member of the Walton family. Every hour he devoted to our mission represented time his family shared with us. We extend our deepest condolences, love, prayers, gratitude, and support to the Walton family, and we thank them for allowing our organization and the communities we serve to benefit from Charles' wisdom, leadership, friendship, and generous spirit.
May the life he lived remain an example.
May the lives he touched remain his legacy.
And may his memory forever remain in the hearts of the 100 Black Men of Chicago family.
Rest well, Brother Charles. Your work continues through us.
In Brotherhood,
100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc.
