August 12th 2024.
On the 10th of August, the 100 Black Men of Madison held their annual Back to School Celebration, providing much-needed school supplies to families in need. This wonderful event was made possible through the group's collaboration with school districts and community organizations in Milwaukee.
According to a report by Spectrum News, the 100 Black Men have been hosting this event for nearly three decades now. Last year, in 2023, they were able to distribute supplies to around 1,200 families, and they were expecting a similar turnout this year as well.
In an interview with Spectrum News, J.R. Sims, a spokesperson for the 100 Black Men, highlighted the importance of students having the necessary supplies before the start of the school year. "We have come to realize that if students don't have the proper supplies, they begin the year at a disadvantage," said Sims. He went on to explain that this disadvantage can affect their performance in school.
Sims added, "We understand that it can be a financial burden for families to provide all the necessary supplies on their own. That's why we are here to support our community and help it thrive."
This sentiment is shared by the United Way of Tri-County, who stated in a blog post that students who start the school year with the needed supplies are more motivated, have higher self-esteem, and ultimately have a better learning experience. They also noted that this leads to higher rates of graduation, pursuing higher education, and achieving career success.
One of the parents who benefited from the event, Erika Walker, expressed her gratitude towards the 100 Black Men for their support. "I have been unemployed for 14 months, so our family is struggling," she shared with Spectrum News. "I went to a store to get everything my children needed, and it came up to almost $400 to $500. That's a lot of money that I simply don't have."
Walker continued, "Thanks to the 100 Black Men, my children won't feel left out or different from their peers who have all their supplies. I want the best for my children, and having the basics for them is crucial in starting the school year on the right foot."
In a similar heartwarming story, a mother recently went viral after her son's teacher gave him a "zero" grade for not having all the required supplies. This incident sparked a conversation about the financial burden that back-to-school shopping can bring to families and the need for support from organizations like the 100 Black Men.
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