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For almost six decades, the brothers have lived in York. And during that time, both said they have seen the gradual decay of their surroundings. At any given moment, they say it's easy to drive around and find young people dealing drugs.
"The police know who they are," Jerome said. "But even if they arrest them, these kids get themselves a good attorney and they are out on the street in no time."
If things are going to change, the brothers said it won't happen as a result of stricter laws or better enforcement. It will happen on a personal level when people, especially young black men, look at themselves in the mirror and make a decision to respect themselves.
To help encourage this, the men started a group called 1,000 Black Men of York last April. Their goal is to register at least 1,000 proud black men in their organization.
They are looking for men who see past the shortsighted gains of a life of crime; men who are committed to education
"There is a better life out there," Bennie said. "But it's a choice each man has to make on his own."
This past September, the brothers organized a series of marches from different churches to Penn Park as a showing of solidarity among black people. While only about 400 people marched, the brothers remain optimistic.
"We want this to be an annual event," Jerome said. "And each year, we believe the crowd marching will get bigger."
With each event, Bennie said he hopes a good chunk of the marchers will become permanent members of their group.
"We want to start tutoring programs for our young people," Jerome said. "We want to fix dilapidated homes and rent them or sell them to low-income families. We want to do the things that will restore self-esteem to the people of this neighborhood.
As it stands today, the 1,000 Black Men of York has about two dozen members.
"We have a ways to go," Jerome said. "But I believe we will get there."
Biography synopsis: "I was the third child born of six children; the first born in York. I went to an all-black elementary school (Smallwood Elementary) in York. My friends and I liked to knock around after school - riding bikes and playing together. As an adult, I took a photography course at Penn State. Even today, I like to get on my bike and take scenic pictures, though I don't get out as often as I used to."
What do you do for a living? "I am retired (from Caterpillar.) But I do work part time at York Label in Emigsville.
How would you describe your impact on your community and/or profession? "Last April, I helped found a group, the 1,000 Black Men of York. I want to see black men join us because they want to change their lives, and the community around them, for the better."
What is your proudest moment? "The birth of my children. I hope they follow the same path of community service that I have chosen."
Who is your inspiration and why? "My inspirations are my parents, (Leon and Essie May Carter.) They taught me right from wrong. They also taught me to judge an individual not whether they are rich or poor, or by the color of their skin. They said always be kind to a man because even a drunk in a gutter may someday give you a hand."
Is there anyone following in your footsteps? "I work with a group of kids, 7 to 12 years old, called the Sons of Solomon. I do what I can to try and keep these kids out of the drug scene. I'm hoping at least one makes a lifelong commitment to community service, though the current kids are a little young."
Is there anything you would change about the life you've lived? "I would be more assertive, more forceful in my dealing as I am an introvert."
What is your favorite county memory? "Last September, we did our first 1,000 man march. Almost 400 people showed up, which isn't bad for the first year of an event. Each year, we hope to make it bigger with more speakers who will inspire."
Biography synopsis: "I've lived in York 66 years. I worked many of those years at Harley Davidson as an equipment operator, safety inspector, quality control and on different design teams. I grew up on Allison Street (now West Hope Street) I had good friends and a close family that went to church. I sang in the choir and played a lot of softball in the summer."
What do you do for a living? "I am retired (from Harley Davidson.) Since then, I have tried to be involved with things that help the community."
How would you describe your impact on your community and/or profession? "I've seen this city move back and forth with its problems. Last year, I helped start the 1,000 Black Men of York because the drug problems and violence keeps getting worse. In addition to members of the community, we hope to meet with city officials to let them know we want to help them face these problems."
What is your proudest moment? "Forming the 1,000 Men. I am also a member of King Solomon's Lodge, who support the (1,000 Men.)"
Who is your inspiration and why? "My brother Jerome. When he puts his head to something, he gets it done."
Is there anyone following in your footsteps? "My daughter, Karen Ferguson. She works at a victim's assistance center. She tells people, 'My dad got me started in community service.' But the truth is, she's made these decisions on her own because that's the kind of person she is, though it feels good to hear her say that. I also have a daughter (Terry), whose husband is stationed at Fort Hood (Texas). She works in the military hospital, and I am very proud of her."
Is there anything you would change about the life you've lived? "My dad wanted me to go to college. If I had it to do again, I would go and study medicine."
What is your favorite county memory? "I loved growing up in the city. There used to be so many parks and facilities with free activities. My favorite things to do as a young man were baseball and softball. I reflect on these things a lot."
JEROME CARTER BIOGRAPHY
Occupation: Retired after a 30-year career at Caterpillar
Born: Nov. 11, 1940
Birthplace: York
Current home: York
Marital status: Married 43 years to Barbara Carter
Children: Alfred Dixon, 44; Tracy Carter, 42; Wanda Hudson, 38
Education: William Penn Senior High School, 1959
BENNIE CARTER BIOGRAPHY
Occupation: Retired from Harley Davidson
Born: June 16, 1936
Birthplace: Bamberg, S.C.
Current home: York
Marital status: Single
Children: Bonita Williams, 46; Rhonda Carter, 44; Karen Ferguson, 40; Gwendolyn Moore, 38; Terry Flemmings, 36; Shawn Carter, 30.
Education: William Penn Senior High School, 1955
