Verge “Brother Sage” Gillam has a long-standing interest in African American History and has filled many roles in the South Bend community. In 1990, he started the city-wide Kwanzaa celebration and the Black Man Think Tank, both of which still exist today. He is a sought-out lecturer on African American history at area elementary and high schools. He also served as the first social worker at Tolsen Center in Elkhart, the Executive Director of the Urban League and the EEO officer for the Indiana Department of Transportation. In addition, he hosted the Providing Options show on WSBT radio and television. Through the years, Verge has mentored many young people who have gone on to successful careers. Brother Sage graduated from an historically black college and attended economic development training at an Ivy League university. He is the proud husband of Charlotte Pfeifer, a former city council member and community activist. Both sides of Verge’s family came to Michigan via the Underground Railroad.

Topics: Black Lives Matter, racism