Greater Washington Urban League helps youth begin school year armed for success

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By D. Kevin McNeir 
Special to the AFRO 
kmcneir@afro.com 

On a picture-perfect summer day, hundreds of children and their parents attended an event in District Heights, Md., on Saturday, Aug. 23, which helped families gear up for the return of classes with free school supplies, health screenings and vaccines and food and entertainment for all.

The event, the 13^th Annual Back 2 School Health and Wellness Festival, was co-sponsored by the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) and Second Baptist Church Southwest, and was held in the church’s spacious parking lot. 

George H. Lambert Jr., president and CEO, GWUL, spoke with the AFRO prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony which kicked off the day, and reflected on how much the event has grown over the past 13 years. 

“We had over 1,000 children and parents register for today’s event and I’m both pleased and excited to see how it has grown in terms of attendance and sponsors after being launched 13 years ago when it was held in the Urban League’s much smaller parking lot,” Lambert said.

“We provide services to families in D.C. and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, and because I’m blessed with a talented team who develop and support our initiatives, the Urban League truly understands and willingly secures the needs identified by our community.”

Lambert, who assumed the helm at GWUL in 2014 and brings a wealth of knowledge in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, said when he sees the eyes of children light up, he knows events like the Back 2 School Festival make a real difference and expose children to experiences that will not easily be forgotten.

“So many times we see our children with their heads down but today, they’re engaged with their heads held high,” he said. “That’s what makes me feel good about the work we do and the value we add to children’s lives,” he said.

Children and their parents express their thanks

Upper Marlboro, Md., resident, Afeisha Akinsola, 40, arrived early at the festival with her three teenaged children. By the time it was over, she said one word described the event: “fantastic.”

“This was my first time attending the back-to-school festival and I must admit that I was shocked,” she said. “There were so many vendors and so many giveaways and free supplies that my children need and will use right away, I could hardly believe it. Fortunately, my mother heard about the event and sent me the link so I could register.” 

Sharon Culver, 38, who lives in Ward 7 in Washington, D.C., said as a mother of 7 children, the supplies and gift cards she received will go a long way.

“The cost of school supplies and food have gone up again this year, so I greatly appreciate the help,” she said. “As a parent, I learned a lot today because some of the vendors represent businesses or organizations who are in the area I live in but are new to me. Leaving here I will be better informed about resources that I can take advantage of that will help me and my family.” 

Her daughter, Kirsten Culver, a sixth grader, said she’s ready for school to begin. 

“It’s great to have everything I need before school begins so that I’m ready to learn on the first day of class. And I need to keep getting good grades because I plan to be an orthopedic surgeon one day,” said Kirsten who added that the person she admires most is Rosa Parks because “she refused to get up and was willing to fight against racial injustice.” 

Partnerships yield positive results

Lambert said the success of the annual back to school event, as well as other GWUL programs held throughout the year, are often due to collaboration with other non-profits and businesses located in the Greater Washington Area. He also expressed his thanks to the major sponsors and event supporters which, besides Second Baptist Church Southwest, also included Thursday Network, The Guild, and Giant Food. 

“Partnerships are essential in our business, and we are fortunate because we have a lot of them,”: he said. “The key is being strategic and identifying interests that are mutually beneficial.

“The Urban League has a solid, respectable brand and we reach out to others who have brands that fit with our philosophy. We care about the families and the communities we serve, and we refuse to cut corners because they’re the reason we do what we do.” 

John Houston, 37, serves as the president of the Thursday Network, the young professionals’ auxiliary of GWUL. He said his members, who range in age from 21 to 40, are committed to providing community service, engaging in civic activities, and helping their colleagues secure opportunities that enhance their own personal development. 

“Our goal is to give back to the next generation and there’s no better way to do that than to be part of GWUL’s annual Back 2 School Health and Wellness Festival,” he said. “Some of my peers prefer to communicate via social media, but members of Thursday Network understand that to really impact a child’s life, you must meet them where they are, face-to-face. That’s the way to gain their trust and find out what matters most in their lives.” 

Brandi Petway attended the festival wearing two hats – serving as GWUL’s secretary and representing Giant Food as their human resources facility lead. 

She agreed with Houston and said communities grow stronger when everyone gets involved. 

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people, young and old, come out today and be so excited and engaged,” she said. “Giant Food is proud to donate gift certificates and other food items to every person who registered for today’s event because just as families in the community support us, we want to support them as well. And we hope to continue to sponsor more events like this with GWUL.” 

One of the most visited booths at the event represented a program co-sponsored by GWUL and United Way of the National Capital Area, The Black Fatherhood Blueprint (TBFB). 

Chris Beard, senior program manager and director of TBFB sported a t-shirt that said, “Fathers Are Not Optional,” which sums up the sentiments about the need for the program which seeks to debunk the myths about “deadbeat dads.”

“Fathers are a necessary and integral part of a child’s life, and we offer a holistic program which not only supports fathers, but empowers them,” he said. “We provide Black fathers with the tools, community, and resources they need for lasting changes so they can rebuild their lives and strengthen their families.”

GWUL Director of Health and Wellness Hanna Tessema agreed. 

“I think we had such a tremendous number of visitors come to our tables and booth because people in the D.C. area realize that we can ill-afford to overlook or ignore fathers. They matter. And as we like to say, fathers are not optional.”