100 Black Men Meet the Need at King
100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont partnered with M.L. King Middle School to provide much-needed school supplies to their scholars. The campus band, student council and administrators welcomed the donation in a huge presentation on January 13, 2021.
Campus administrators held a Zoom meeting in November of 2020 to discuss goals with their business partners. When principal Julie Corona expressed a need for supplies, 100 Black Men rose to the occasion by contacting local businesses and allocating $1000 to spend from their budget.
A huge donation was dropped off at the campus by members of the organization, including over 500 single subject notebooks, 1000 pencils, disposable face masks and 76 mesh/clear backpacks. Student council president Jamiya Wilson and principal Julie Corona thanked the organization and presented them with appreciation gifts. 100 Black Men president John Eugene spoke about the donation before the band performed.
“Our campus is greatly appreciative of the time and energy spent by 100 Black Men in the recent donation of school supplies, backpacks and books,” said Corona. “Giving is more than a donation; it is making a difference within the lives of our students, staff and community.”
The organization also purchased two award-winning books, “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds and “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander, from Barnes & Noble Booksellers; two for each backpack. Manning’s Office Solutions, Academy Sports + Outdoors in Port Arthur and Office Depot in Beaumont and Port Arthur assisted with donations.
100 Black Men is focused on four pillars, including education, mentoring; health and wellness; and economic empowerment. “Providing materials and supplies to support student achievement and success is an important component for education,” said member Dr. Johnny E. Brown. “We wanted to add books so that students can have them to call their own. This initiative supports the research that demonstrates that the more students read, the more their proficiency and joy of reading increases.”
Click here to view the event video.