If you want to know one of my favorite pastimes, it is meeting people–especially people who are trying to make a difference in this crazy world we live in today.
One of the things that I have been wanting to do with this site for months was to bring you short interviews of real people covering issues that go beyond just politics. Hopefully, this will be the first of many such pieces.
=========
Kevin- Store owner and community activist in the Los Angeles area
While my wife shopped for her latest weave, the kids and I decided to wait outside. While outside, a gentleman walked up to me to tell me about his clothing store located in the back of the shopping center (Now mind you, when we first arrived at this shopping center, a woman and a young boy had given us a flyer advertising this business). The name of the business: H.O.O.D.S-G — Helping Our Own Do Something Good. I immediately took interest.
When the kids and I walked into his shop, I was immediately impressed by the amount of effort he and his friends had put into the store (as of this past weekend, the business has been open for about 1 week). I really like his logo (you can check it out on his website–he will have to tell you the meaning of all the symbolism–pretty deep!).
Speaking of his website, here is his bio from the website:
A little about me. I was born in Charleston, South Carolina. I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina located in Columbia, SC. I majored in Political Science. I spent ten years in the US Marine Corps, as an officer of Marines as well as an enlisted trooper. Born in the Deep South, I got an opportunity to visit historical sites that most people will never see or experience. I was touched and motivated by the attitude of my grandparents. They were financially struggling but they were rich in life and wisdom. They encouraged me to do the best I could at all times and to love people. Once I finished high school I enlisted in the US Marine Corps. I wanted to go straight to college but was financially unable. After completing boot camp and communications school I was able to save enough to attend South Carolina State College. I majored in Engineering for a year and decided to transfer to the University of South Carolina and change my major to Political Science. I took many courses in American history and became more aware of the struggle of the disadvantaged. I made a vow to help as many people as I could in order to prevent history form repeating itself. After graduating from college I received a commission from the US Marine Corps and became an Officer of Marines. I am trained in supplies and logistics and I am trained to motivate. After ten years of service I separated from the military and entered the civilian ranks. I have worked for major companies as well as small businesses. I have been able to travel around the world and the United States. In 1993 while living in Arlington, VA, I watched the LA riots with some friends on television. We were very concerned about the conditions that created such a violent out cry for help. We decided to form an organization called VIBA: Vision, Interest Brotherhood, and Achievement. We were very successful in recruiting men and women to join us in getting our community involved with the raising of our youth. I decided to go to California to see first hand the situations that created the conditions that lead to the riots. I found a lot of dysfunctional homes so once again I recruited people who were interested in investing their time into trying to find a solution. We formed a group called Shades of Hotep (colors of peace). We again started an outreach program and began influencing the “unreachableâ€Â. I have been able to motivate and educate and now once again I am trying to reach out and teach our youth. This plan was born out of years of direct interaction with the people of the HOODS. Everyone is in favor of this plan and all I have received is a Gang Of gooD
What also impressed me with this man was that he was doing this business with his teenage son. Little did Kevin know, but meeting him really made my day.
I was fortunate enough to have my camera with me so that I could get a picture for this website.
Here is Kevin’s info:
H.O.O.D.S-G
Stop relying on mainstream media to show you the good that is in our communities! Look for it. And when you find it, tell others about it.
I am hoping to do one of these “Man on the street” pieces again in the near future. Stay tuned!!
Sphere: Related Content
August 21st, 2005 at 6:56 am
Good job!
And thanks Kevin for being a “light” to the community. People think that it is the big, grandiose things that effect those around you. But this example proves that there are people out there doing what they can, with what they have, to help those around us: by being part of the answer to all this mess in the world. Thanks again Kevin, much prayer and encouragement to you.