The last time I tried this I failed horribly. I think I got a bit too preachy (black folk don’t like to be preached to unless they are at church!). So this time I will try my best to keep my words to a minimum.
We definitely have a lot of shit going on in this country right now, don’t we? I mean shit we are kneeling and praying during national anthems, we are boycotting football, putting our CSI experience to use, coon marking, surviving natural disasters, a Manchurian candidate shot up Vegas and the POLICE are still killing us in cold blood.
So I can understand why we would be a bit distracted from what we should be focused on, which is….
….making our communities whole.
Colin Kaepernick’s sacrifice has been on our minds almost daily since the NFL season began. Not only did he risk his job by taking a stand. He also has continuously put his money and time to use and has been putting in work within the community( Click here for more on that) . Lets try following his example of selflessness.
There are indeed folk within our communities that are putting in actual work! They don’t spend their time arguing on Facebook. They have created programs and opportunities for countless individuals and families.
So I want to help us get back on track.
In my experience it has been better to get involved with an organization at its inception. That has allowed me to push my agenda upfront; which is always to put my people on.
Here are some organizations from EVERY city that I have lived in that I know could use your time, sponsorship and donations. Some of these organizations have made me the man I am today. Some I have been a part of from a voluntary standpoint and others from within leadership. They all struggle every year just to exist.
Help me help them.
District of Columbia
- DMV
Black Lives Matter – #BlackLivesMatter is working for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. We affirm our contributions to this society, our humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression. We have put our sweat equity and love for Black people into creating a political project–taking the hashtag off of social media and into the streets. The call for Black lives to matter is a rallying cry for ALL Black lives striving for liberation.
What Does #BlackLivesMatter Mean?
When we say Black Lives Matter, we are broadening the conversation around state violence to include all of the ways in which Black people are intentionally left powerless at the hands of the state. We are talking about the ways in which Black lives are deprived of our basic human rights and dignity.
Website: http://blacklivesmatter.com/
To donate: Donate Here
To volunteer: http://blacklivesmatter.com/getinvolved/
Florida
- Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Bay Youth Athletic Association – The Palm Bay Youth Athletic Association (PBYAA) is an organization that provides athletic opportunities for young people. Our goal is to introduce, teach, and develop the fundamentals of football & cheerleading to our local youth as well as to promote good sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition.
PBYAA is a non-profit organization of parents and local citizens that has come together to provide football and cheerleading experience for the youth of our community. All money goes to support team supplies and activities. This is a combination organization supporting both football and cheerleading activities.
Website: http://www.palmbayfootball.org/
To donate: Donate Here
Illinois
- Chicago, Illinois
Tuskegee Next – The Mission: Honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman, Tuskegee Next seeks to transforms the lives of at risk youth through aviation education and career path opportunities, so they can transform their communities.
Our Strategy: Tuskegee Next seeks to provide role models and a clear path toward aviation careers through: Flight Training, Life Skills, and Educational Assistance.
The Goal: The goal is to get 100 young men and women their private pilots licenses in 10 years.
Website: http://www.tuskegeenext.org/#future1
To donate: http://www.tuskegeenext.org/donate/
To volunteer: http://www.tuskegeenext.org/connect/
Aerostars – The mission of the AeroStars Aviation Exploration Apprenticeship (A2EA) After School Matters Program is to provide leadership development to students by enhancing the academic awareness of the applied sciences through fun, hands-on demonstration. Our objectives are to teach students about the history and importance of aerospace technology in our everyday lives, expose students to the vast array of career opportunities within the aerospace industry, assist students in attaining the skills necessary to participate and lead in the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) innovations, and support students interested in pursuing a career path in any particular area. Lead by the dynamic Tammera Holmes.
Website: http://www.aerostarcorp.com/index.html
To donate: Donate Here
To volunteer aai@avioninstitute.org
New York
- Brookhaven, Long Island NY
Boys and Girls Club of BELLPORT AREA – Here at the Boys & Girls Club we are looking towards the future – the future of our members.
The Club offers programs that impact the lives of our members in vital areas such as academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. These programs and activities help youth thrive. Young people need to know that someone cares about them and we are here to support them in every aspect of their lives.
No matter how one participates – a volunteer, a mentor, a tutor, a donor, a staff member – collectively we make a difference. We can all put children on the path to a great future.
Website: https://www.bgcbellport.org/
To donate: https://www.bgcbellport.org/donate/
To volunteer: https://www.bgcbellport.org/volunteer/
- Brooklyn, New York
Boys Hope Girls Hope – Operating a college preparatory boarding program in Brooklyn, NY, BHGHNY has a mission to help academically capable and motivated children from at-risk situations meet their full potential and become men and women for others by providing them with the safe and stable living environment, academic support, and guidance they need to finish high school, graduate from college, and become responsible and productive citizens.
Website: http://bhghinternational.org/
To donate: http://bhghny.org/donate.php
To volunteer: http://www.bhghny.org/displaysection.php?sid=4
- Syracuse, New York
Southwest Community Center – Man, this place is an institution in Syracuse. They have probably had a hand in the lives of 70% of the African Americans in the community. I love that place. With Bongos and B&B’s across the street. I just love it all!
You could go to the Southwest Center and play basketball, be in a play, learn how to cook, read, write and listen, work, learn to swim, get married and help the community.
Please help Aunt Tracie and the crew ensure that they continue to be a pillar in our community.
Website: http://smnfswcc.org/
To donate: http://smnfswcc.org/#donate-tab
To volunteer: http://smnfswcc.org/#contact-tab
Precious Lily & Brotherhood Foundation – a program ran by new City Councilwoman Latoya Allen is a mentor program located in Syracuse, NY. They focus on the importance of education and empowerment throughout our community. They host family events throughout the year and also teach our children the importance of giving back. They encourage our children to participate in the active process of making our city a better place to live.
To donate: paypal.me/AllenEndeavor
To volunteer: lallenpride@yahoo.com
As you can see the majority of the organizations listed are tailored to the youth. I know there are countless organizations out there doing work for ALL of us. And because I am not all knowing I need your help.
Please help me compile that list of those organizations in your city that are putting in work and need help. Using the template that I have established above, let us know in the comments the organization, city, a brief description, address, website, etc…
If you don’t have all the information that is fine, I will work to fill in the blanks.
Lets cut out the twitter fingers and start putting in actual work folk!!!
This illustration sums up the most what a lot of us are doing these days:
Do Something!!!
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Thank You