Are you old enough to remember a time when there were Negro baseball and basketball leagues? Do you remember a time when there were Negro clubs and associations, newspapers and magazines formed to benefit black people?

Then came integration. Don’t get me wrong, I think integration was a good thing because after being in this country for over 400 years, black people are entitled to every benefit and privilege afforded every other person in the United States. But in the process of integrating, we forgot to continue to support our own institutions.

For over nine years I have accepted the challenge to raise money for the Annual UNCF Chicago Walk For Education. Because of you, we were able to meet or exceed my goal. Once again I have accepted the challenge to raise money for deserving students.  Once again I am asking for your help.

So much has changed over the last four years. We have survived a pandemic. We have moaned the loss of family and friends. During the previous administration, over 1000 laws, procedures, and practices enacted during the Obama administration were rolled back. When I think of all of the power that elected officials have over our lives , I just shudder. When I see all of the illegal and immoral acts committed by elected officials, and non-elected powerful people (including members of the highest judiciaI system), I almost feel powerless. I know we have the power to make a difference in the lives of our children. Now more than ever, we need to support and protect things that are important to us. Education is important to our people. Raising money for our kids is an area of our lives that we can control and have power. 

With your support, we can increase the number of scholarships given to struggling students. I am not asking you to donate as much money as you spend for some of your indulgences; i.e. shoes, clothes, a night on the town, (But I would gladly accept and appreciate that much money.) I'm just asking you to make a heartfelt donation and/or join my team ( Beverly's Team) to walk or run for education.

Beverly Brown

And remember,

"A mind is a terrible thing to waste.®"