Black On Black Love and supportive organizations make Thanksgiving joyous for over 450 families

CHICAGO, IL – More than 450 needy families were gifted with turkey, trimmings and lots of joy and blessings during Black on Black Love’s (BOBL) Annual Holiday Food Give- A-Way.

This mission of love, now in its 18th year, was held in the Great Hall of the new Kennedy King College at 63rd and Halsted. Presiding over the event were Frances Wright, CEO of Black on Black Love and Henrietta Leak, Vice President – Leak & Sons Funeral Home.

Recipients of the Thanksgiving food blessings came from some of Chicago’s most impoverished and crime-plagued communities as well as from area churches, schools and community-based organizations.  Among the beneficiaries were those throughout the city of Chicago who were identified by various churches and community organizations.   Among those that received these “love baskets” were those from Resurrection Lutheran Church, Kennedy-King College students, New Zion Ministries Missionary Group, My Sister’s Keeper Program, Godfather Male Mentoring Program and King of Glory Church.

The food blessings consisted of a scrumptious full-course Thanksgiving feast including a 10-12 pound turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, one dozen eggs, dinner rolls, bread and an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. The sumptuous food blessings all add up to make up a well-balanced holiday meal to feed a family of six.

In a brief ceremony prior to the food Give-A-Way, BOBL CEO Frances Wright explained that the holiday basket give- a-way is one of many initiatives sponsored by Black on Black Love, which is dedicated to spreading the message of increasing the peace and ceasing the violence through love, respect and self-discipline. Under its banner is the program My Sister’s Keeper, whose mission is to transition formerly incarcerated females back into society in a productive way. The agencies’ overall mission is to uplift the less fortunate and give hope to those seeking a better way, including those who have been incarcerated.

Others bringing words of praise and love during the program were Rev. Constance Jones, Founder – Image International Outreach Ministries, Pastor Jimmy Allen Thomas of New Zion Ministries, Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun Times, BOBL Board members Frances Oden, Grace Dawson and Rev. Helen Sinclair.  Andrea Wheeler Dean of Instruction at Kennedy King College, who represented interim president Arshele Stevens, delivered inspirational remarks from the College.

Providing an uplifting ministry of song was the Black on Black Love Inspirational Choir.

Among those who were grateful to receive the baskets were Darlene Funches and Kennedth McKenzie, a grandmother and grandson from Chatham who said they were “so thankful.”  Alicia Johnson of Chicago said the food would help her 11 grandchildren have a blessed Thanksgiving with a good meal.  Patricia Hibbler, a part of My Sister’s Keeper’s program who is currently in recovery, expressed appreciation.

Making the event possible were the following generous and compassionate sponsor/friends, which support Black on Black Love’s mission of love:

Black United Fund of Illinois, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Kenwood Liquors
King of Glory Church, Jewel-Osco, Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Aldi Foods, Meijer Foods, Terri Gardner, Ms. Felicia Browne, Mrs. Marguerite Compton, Gwen Duncan James, Seaway Bank & Trust, SCR Medical Transportation. REO Movers. Visionary Friends and Akers Packaging Service Group

Henry English of the Black United Funds of Illinois, Inc, extended greetings and explained why BUFI is a long supporter and sponsor of the program. Bob Simpson of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, another sponsor, praised the volunteers from CBTU for their role in making the event successful.

Black on Black Love is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization founded in 1983 by Mr. Edward G. Gardner, former CEO of Soft Sheen Products, Inc. Frances Wright is the CEO and Spencer Leak, Sr., of Leak & Sons Funeral Home, is Board Chairman.

For more information please call (773) 978-0868; e-mail the agency at info@bobl.org or Visit their website at http://www.bobl.org.

Photo Caption: Frances Wright (left), CEO – Black on Black Love, is joined by Rev. Constance J. Jones, (cemter) founder of Image International Outreach Ministries  and Queen Mother Helen Sinclair, retired prison chaplain and executive director of the Jessie “Ma” Houston Prison Ministry of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at the Thanksgiving basket giveaway event.