In 2004 the magnificent building was completed and if you have not visited the complex you should. Twenty of us Black men and women came together and wanted to do something to help Kingsley that Blacks generally fail to do and that was to raise money. We set a goal of raising $100,000 from the community and we excluded foundations and other potential donators who lived outside our communities. A well-meaning White businessperson sent me a letter and a check for $2,000 and a note that read, “I am disappointed that your group is not accepting money from well meaning White people.” Our response was thanks for the check it will be given directly to Kingsley, but we are determined to raise $100,000 solely from the community with no exceptions. We received letters from all over the country that asked how were we able to convince the Black community to contribute $100,000? We responded by stating there was a misunderstanding, we had not raised the money, and we were attempting to raise it.
If my memory serves me well we stayed together long enough to raise $45,000 and then we broke up but I am convinced that the community can raise the balance so every week I ask the readers to send a financial donation. Do you recall the saying “the Lord helps those who help themselves?”
The Kingsley Association has four major programs 1. Family services 2. Health & wellness 3. Community training and sustainability 4. Education and under these four programs are a multitude of other services too lengthy to name.
Please send a financial donation to the Kingsley Association.
(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to the Forum Page.)
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