February 20, 2025, was a special night for MARA, as two of our valued partners were recognized at the 10th Annual Black History Month Celebration in South Bend. This event honors local leaders whose dedication and contributions have helped shape and uplift the South Bend community.
This recognition is well-deserved for Derrick Perry, whose unwavering commitment to the betterment of South Bend continues to make a lasting impact. Derrick has been a pillar of support in mental health services, spending years at Oaklawn helping individuals navigate crises. Derrick’s dedication to the community and its youth is truly inspiring, and we are proud to celebrate his achievements.
His passion for helping others extends beyond his professional roles and into his own entrepreneurial efforts. Derrick is the founder of RALLI (Relationships Activate Long Life Integrity), a program designed to engage young children in meaningful conversations about important topics—conversations they might not otherwise have. This initiative is especially vital in today’s digital age, where children are growing up in front of screens and having fewer real-world interactions.
Since moving to South Bend from California in 2020, Jordan Gathers has dedicated himself to serving the city. As Chief of Staff for Mayor James Mueller, and now as Director of Venue, Parks, and Arts, Jordan has made significant strides in community engagement and development.
In his time as director, Jordan introduced Fusion Fest, a celebration of the city’s diverse cultures, and played a key role in launching the renovation of the MLK Dream Center, set to open this spring. His dedication and leadership earned him the Leaders Under 40 award.
At MARA, we take pride in working alongside individuals and organizations that truly care about their work and the communities they serve. Over the years, many of our partners have been recognized at this celebration for the meaningful change they create. It’s always an honor to see their efforts celebrated. We are incredibly proud of Derrick and Jordan and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!
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