500 Men Making a Difference Inc. is embarking on its largest community project to date. The progressive Brooklyn-based organization in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will gather men from around the tri-state area to participate in a 72-hour building restoration project. The project calls for the interior clearing and refurbishing of the historical Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford Stuyvesant, located at 677 Lafayette Ave. The 40-year-old education institution was founded by community activist Hattie Carthan whose efforts to save a 100-year-old neighborhood magnolia tree resulted in preserving three historic brownstones that currently house the institute.
For a full 72 hours, 500 Men Making a Difference Inc. male participants will paint, repair and clear the lobby, basement, stairwell, clean various rooms and fix the outside of the three adjoined Brownstones that currently house the center and other non-for-profit agencies. “In honor of Dr. King, Jr. legacy we are rolling up our sleeves and taking on the challenge of making our community better one building at a time,” says Wayne Devonish, the organization’s founder.
The annual Shut In project will begin at midnight Friday, Jan. 16 and will end midnight Monday, Jan. 19. 500 Men Making A Difference Inc. believe this is a fitting way to pay tribute Dr. King, a man who remained committed to uplifting the community and the people. In addition the agency will host a men’s breakfast Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 at 10:0 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church’ fellowship hall, 760 Dekalb Ave. This effort is being coordinated by community minded men who want to work collectively in large groups to make a difference in the communities they live in.
500 Men Making A Difference Inc. past efforts included a clearing of the Paul Robeson Theater, Community Men’s Day at Boys and Girls High School, mentoring young men, walking for breast cancer, competitive basketball competitions with students of PS 260’s athletic program, supporting Park Manor Shelter’s sports initiatives, toy drive, single mothers initiatives and much more. The organization has participated in missions work in Haiti, provided relief during Hurricane Sandy and supports other agency whenever male presence and volunteer efforts are needed.
The mission of 500 Men Making a Difference is to recruit volunteers, provide mentors and develop leaders within the community in which they serve by having positive men work collectively. The Brooklyn Based organization continues to bring awareness and resources to help improve the condition of urban communities through volunteer efforts. To learn more about the organization, visit on line www.500MenMakingaDifference.com.
