He began his activism in 1965 with the Southern Christian Leadership Council in his native Chicago, and in 1968, he was one of the leaders of the Midwestern caravan of protestors to the historic Poor Peoples' March on Washington. He was jailed several times during his protest activities. More recently Betts founded the Jazz at Drew Legacy Music Series in 1991, an annual fund raiser for scholarships for students at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Betts, who is special assistant to the president for External Affairs at Drew University, also counsels local youth who are trying to break the cycle of violence. He was also among the one million plus Black men to converge on Washington, DC for the Million Man March.
People consider helping their fellow man or woman as an extra task.
Henry, who recently retired as the executive director of the Avalon Carver Community Center after 32 years, says her motivation is inherent and her accomplishments a gift from God. I promise myself not to let a day go by that I have not provided some help to somebody. There are so many people who need so many things. It could be a word. Over the years, Henry has counseled, clothed, fed and comforted those struggling with overwhelming life obstacles.