Congratulations, Dewey McClain, GA House Representative, District 109

09 Monday Jan 2023

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Dewey McClain, GA House Representative, Kelvin Middleton, NFL Players Association, USFL, USFL Oklahoma Outlaws

On January 9, 2023, my former USFL Oklahoma Outlaws teammate, Dewey McClain, was sworn in for his 6th term as a Georgia State Representative for District 109.

For this term, Dewey McClain will serve as the Chairman of the Gwinnett House delegation and is looking forward to serving with the largest class of first term legislators. That is 43 and counting!

McClain played for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League from 1976 through 1980. He returned to football, playing in the United States Football League for the Oakland Invaders in 1983 and the Oklahoma Outlaws in 1984. After he retired from football, he became a labor leader, serving in the National Football League Players Association and as president of the Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council. He was elected to the Georgia House in a special election held on November 5, 2013.

McClain was a founding member and president of the Metro Atlanta chapter of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). He served as a member of the National Former Players Board of Directors of the NFLPA.

After he retired from football, McClain went to work for the city of Atlanta. He worked in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs for 18 years, and for the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency for four years. In 2013, Dewey became the president of the Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council, an affiliate of the AFL–CIO.

McClain ran for the Georgia House of Representatives, to serve the 100th district, which took place on November 5, 2013. He was the only candidate on the ballot, and won the race uncontested. He was sworn into office on December 5, 2013 and has continued to serve his constituents so honorably.

Congratulations, Honorable Georgia Representative, District 109, Dewey McClain!

Kelvin B. Middleton, MGB INC. and former USFL Oklahoma Outlaws

Franco Harris dies at 72, days before 50th anniversary of ‘Immaculate Reception’

21 Wednesday Dec 2022

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50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, Franco Harris Dies Suddenly, Franco Harris' Immaculate Reception, Past and Present Steelers Honor Franco Harris

FILE – Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris stands next a statute of himself on Sept. 12, 2019, at Pittsburgh International Airport near Pittsburgh. Harris died on Wednesday morning, Dec. 21, 2022, at age 72, just two days before the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception. (Nate Guidry/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP, File)

By WPXI.com News Staff, December 21, 2022 at 9:02 pm EST

On the week of the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” professional football’s greatest play in league history, the playmaker has died.

Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer, died overnight, his son told the Associated Press. He was 72.

On the week of the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” professional football’s greatest play in league history, the playmaker has died.

Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer, died overnight, his son told the Associated Press. He was 72.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced several events are planned Friday to celebrate the anniversary. Harris’ No. 32 was to be retired as part of the upcoming celebrations, Channel 11 sports partner SteelersNow.com reports.

Harris began his pro football career as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ No.1 pick. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

The flag at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be flown at half-staff in his honor, according to a news release from the organization.

X X X

Rest In Power, Franco! – Kelvin B. Middleton, Former Pittsburgh Steeler

http://www.wpxi.com/news/local/franco-harris-dead-72/IV7552U4EVD6ZHTNL63BAGJQ7E/

Mercer University MerServe Students provide Peer-To-Peer After School Programming for Kings Park Community Center-East Macon

03 Thursday Nov 2022

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Kings Park Community After School Program, Kings Park Community Center-East Macon, Mercer University, Mercer University MerServe

Post By:JLA, MGB INC., Macon, GA, 11/3/2022

On Thursday, November 3rd, Mercer University’s MerServe student volunteers launched the 2022-2023 Kings Park Community-East Macon literacy pilot program, “Empower Hour”, at the Kings Park Community Center After School Program. For the past several months, Kelvin Middleton, CEO/Founder, MGB Inc., and a Kings Park Community Center Coordinator, has been meeting with Lauren Shinholster, of Mercer University, and Emily Ogdobo, Mercer University, MerServe, Youth Engagement and Development, representative, in an effort to develop a strategic plan for a Peer-To-Peer pilot program for the marginalized community.

Once a comprehensive plan was developed, the concept had to be approved by Mercer University and Macon-Bibb County, Parks & Recreation, Director, Robert Walker. Next, Ms. Ogdobo had to utilize her position with the Merserve program to advocate for the student-led organization to approve this project and solicit and train Mercer University student volunteers.

Mr. Middleton states that it was difficult meeting the criteria for Mercer University’s consideration for approval initially because the Kings Park Community Center only has a 2,300 sq. ft. meeting space; therefore, limited capacity for the After School Program, and also lacks digital technology (computers, laptops, I-Pads, etc.) for the students. However, Ms. Shinholster and her colleagues, at Mercer University, resorted to grant research and writing to fund the program and secured a $3,900 Dollar General Literacy Program grant to purchase program curriculum and track outcomes. Our sincere thanks also to Mercer University representatives Vickie Luther, Hannah Nabi, Associate Director of Engagement Learning, and Carrie Ingoldsby, Director of Student Life & Student Involvement.

Emily Ogdobo, Mercer University, Student Representative, MerServe, Student Engagement

Middleton will continue to work towards developing a viable resource for digital technology for the students in the After School Program; and, was informed by Curlanda Smith, of Bibb County Public Schools, that each Bibb County Public Schools student can access its free, on-line tutoring software remotely from the Kings Park Community Center.

Peer-to-Peer Tutoring by Mercer University student volunteer with purple hair reaches our kids where they are in life.

HISTORY

MerServe was founded the summer of 2015 by a group of students with a passion for service and leadership. Upon its creation, MerServe had two goals: provide opportunities for student leadership in the service field and give students opportunities to serve and connect with their greater community.

The first board consisted of 11 board members and an executive director. Since then, the board has grown to 14 board members and 3 executive members.

More Information About Mercer University MerServe, please visit https://www.mercermerserve.com/history

Merserve is a student-led service programming board dedicated to providing opportunities for Mercer students, faculty, and staff to connect with the surrounding community. As students, we are looking to make sustainable changes in Macon to better our city.

Linda Harriet Lane Fund donates new books to the Kings Park Community Center-East Macon Literacy Program

19 Wednesday Oct 2022

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Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Kings Park Community Center-East Macon, Linda Harriet Lane Fund, Macon-Bibb County

October 19, 2022

The Kings Park Community Center, After School Program, boys’ reading group assisted the center staff with unpacking, sorting and displaying a large donation of brand new books from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Linda Harriet Lane Fund for a Pilot Empowerment Literacy Program that will serve all youth in the historical Kings Park Community.

The community has been identified as a “book desert” which are concentrated in low-income communities across the U.S. that lack access to educational equity and books. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the youth in these communities were disadvantaged: and, the closing of schools, remote learning, isolation, lack of access to digital technology; and, subsequent academic and Covid-19 memory regression for vulnerable children in low-income, disenfranchised communities is exacerbated.

Kelvin Middleton, CEO/Founder, of MGB Inc., states, “Books are critical and access to those resources is one of the greatest contributors to educational equity. Research shows that just the presence of books in the home improves education outcomes. Books and resources impact everything from psychological wellbeing to academic performance, but kids in need don’t have that advantage. Therefore, MGB Inc. must advocate for the kids in Kings Park and develop community partnerships that will address that critical gap.” Six months ago, there were no new, culturally-diverse, age appropriate or gender-specific reading materials in the Kings Park Community.

Today, the library includes a diverse compilation of authors such as Barack and Michele Obama, Beyonce’, Disney, Ryan Shazier, Amanda Gorman, Russell Wilson and Ciara Wilson, Chelsea Clinton, Stephen Curry, Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neil, and Coretta Scott King. Mr. Middleton states that is essential to build a community library, in Kings Park, offering 10-20 books per student in the After School Program that reflect the diverse and unique stories of our students; and, that we develop a “lending library” so the students can take the books home and encourage others in the home to share the love of reading together.

Taking a Well-Deserved Break and Having a Snack!

Note: The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. Since then, the foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants. Our donors make possible the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia. To learn more, visit cfcga.org.

Thanks to the American Federation of Teachers’ Reading Opens the World Initiative

31 Wednesday Aug 2022

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American Federation of Teachers, Education Equity for Vulnerable Children, Reading is Fundamental, Reading Opens the World Initiative, Social Justice

August 31, 2022

MORE ABOUT THE READING OPENS THE WORLD INITIATIVE

Reading is a foundational skill necessary for virtually everything we do. It opens possibilities for all children to succeed—to learn and grow, to explore and imagine, to investigate and verify, and to lead fulfilling lives. Reading well instills confidence and helps reduce inequities. The disruptions due to the pandemic make focusing on literacy even more important, to assist our students not just to catch up but to thrive.

Thanks to the American Federation of Teachers’ (“AFTA”) for distributing more than one-half million books through their Reading Opens the World Initiative that is focused on Education Equity for kids in marginalized and low-income communities and Title I. Schools; and, provides new books, learning materials and other essentials.

AFT has held more than more than 140 events in 26 states and Puerto Rico at schools, community centers such the Kings Park Community Center-East Macon after school progra, faith-based organizations and union halls, with many more planned to continue to spread the joy of reading.

The American Federation of Teachers’ Reading Opens the World initiative focuses on:

Giving teachers and school staff the tools and professional development that translate the science of reading into usable resources to help students read and read well.
Giving parents and caregivers fun and research-based tips and tools to support literacy.
Building on and forging new connections among families, communities, educators and schools to be partners in students’ literacy.
Giving children and young people free books to read, love and keep, because …

Reading Opens the World!

For more information, please visit https://www.aft.org/read

DeSean Jackson Receives Rams Super Bowl Ring

22 Monday Aug 2022

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DeSean Jackson, LA Rams, MGB Inc.

Jackson showcased his new jewelry on Instagram.

Congrats to NFL All Pro, DeSean Jackson, on his First Super Bowl Championship Honor, from MGB Inc. (Men Giving Back) – Macon, GA.

DeSean Jackson was part of the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl ring bestowment ceremonies, as he showcased his Super Bowl ring on his Instagram story. The veteran receiver, who remains a free agent, earned the first championship honor of his career despite asking to be traded from the Los Angeles Rams prior to the postseason, his last game in blue and yellow coming in October.

Signed by the LA Rams last offseason, Jackson was one of several high-profile acquisitions the Rams made in pursuit of an elusive championship.

Born in Los Angeles, Jackson later starred at Cal-Berkeley before the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Jackson earned 221 yards on only eight receptions in seven games with Los Angeles, most of that tally coming in the Rams’ September victory over the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He and the Rams parted ways midway through the season after he struggled to gain opportunities behind Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, and Robert Woods.

Los Angeles attempted to find a training partner and outright released him in November when such efforts proved futile. Jackson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders shortly after and earned 249 yards on 13 receptions in nine games, including a Wild Card appearance against the Rams’ Super Bowl opponents from Cincinnati.

The sign of goodwill from the Rams is perhaps no surprise after head coach Sean McVay admitted that Jackson deserved better opportunities than what he was offered in Los Angeles.

“I think really, what it boils down to is opportunities that I think he’s deserving of and the situation and some of the circumstances that surround it,” McVay said, per the team website. “We had a good conversation … we’re working through some things with him. We are allowing him to be able to look into some options for himself.”

Jackson has never appeared in a Super Bowl, his closest attempt coming after his rookie season in 2008. Despite a strong effort in the NFC title game (92 yards and a score), Jackson and the Eagles fell to the Arizona Cardinals 32-25.

Kelvin Middleton, CEO/Founder, MGB Inc. states that DeSean Jackson, and his mother, Gayle, have always been avid supporters of his grassroots, community-based initiative that focuses on disadvantaged, marginalized children, youth and families in Macon. Recently, Jackson awarded MGB Inc. his NFL Foundation Social Justice grant and donated hundreds of brand, new multi-cultural books to develop a library for the youth at the Kings Park Community Center; and, he provided all of the items and decorations for the annual Kings Park Community Center Easter Egg Hunt.

Furthermore, Middleton also states that DeSean has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities and individuals throughout his career many of which were not published and never will be known. Some of the major donations that Middleton states Jackson made was about $400,000 to develop AFYL team, the Cali Bears Youth Football & Cheer, 5 tackle teams, ages 14U disadvantaged youth; and, his annual DeSean Jackson FAST Camps for 250-300 youth during the off season (free). For more information please visit http://www.deseanjacksonsfoundation.org.

2022 Kings Park Community Back to School Initiative: It Takes a Village!

30 Saturday Jul 2022

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July 30, 2022

MGB Inc. (Men Giving Back), a grassroots community-based initiative, in Macon, GA, recently took the lead in advocating for equity in access to education; and, the tools to succeed for the vulnerable families and children in the marginalized Kings Park Community-East Macon.

MGB Inc. developed a collaboration between public, private, and community stakeholders with a vested interested in the health, education and welfare of the vulnerable youth in the Kings Park community. According to the National Retail Federation, parents are expected to spend about $661 to $864 on K-12 school supplies for the 2022-23 academic year which is a 30-year all-time high and increase of over 32%. School clothing prices have also soared over 20% and food prices have soared over a 40-year high which disparately impacts and exacerbates the health, education and well-being of the most vulnerable in our communities. An added cost this school year was the critical need to secure mesh or clear backpacks for all students in our school system in compliance with the Macon Violence Program and school safety mandates. Therefore used backpacks handed down could not be used; and, the availability of clear and mesh in Macon to purchase and also on-line were extremely limited and costly.

Consequently, MGB Inc. utilized its partnerships with the Bibb County Public Schools, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Linda Harriet Lane Fund and MGB Inc. resources to provide compliant backpacks, school supplies, uniform shirts, shoes and basic necessities for fifty (50) youth in the Kings Park Community Summer and After School Programs.

MGB Inc. works tirelessly to fill the gap in services for the disenfranchised in marginalized communities with its limited resources; and, builds key partnerships to reinvest in our families, communities, and successful incomes for our children.

New Complaint Backpacks – Bright Futures!

First Day of School – Clear Backpacks were GREAT!

Brand New Shoes Instill a Sense of Pride and Well-Being

New Shoes, Backpack, White Uniform Shirt – Go Isiah!

New School Year – Fresh, New Hairstyles – Our Kings Park Community Stars

Official Uniform Shirts in Compliance with the Macon-Bibb Violence Program

Clear Backpacks, in compliance with the Macon-Bibb Violence Program and school supplies

Bibb County Schools held its annual Back to School Bash drive-thru distributions for families in need on July 30th, at the Ed Defore Sports Complex and Westside High School, however, some Kings Park community residents lacked the transportation and resources to participate in these events. Therefore, MGB Inc. CEO/Founder, Kelvin Middleton, intervened and advocated on behalf of these residents and coordinated equal access and equity in educational tools and supplies with the assistance of Curlanda Whitefoot Smith, Bibb County Schools, District Coordinator.

MGB Inc. Receives 2022 Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Linda Harriet Lane Fund, Grant

06 Wednesday Jul 2022

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Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Linda Harriet Lane Fund, Macon, Macon-Bibb County

Macon, GA, Post dated July 1, 2022

MGB Inc. (“Men Giving Back”), a BIPOC-led, community-based initiative, founded in 1990, in Macon, is the recipient of a 2022 Community Foundation of Central Georgia grant from the prestigious Linda Harriet Lane Fund.

More About MGB Inc.:

Our Mission: To foster relationships between fathers and their children, their families and communities where we live; and, to provide a positive, male role model for vulnerable youth in marginalized, disenfranchised Macon-Bibb County neighborhoods.

Our Values: We have a shared vision of the organization, which is to be the catalyst for community change by empowering men who are passionately focused on the health, education of the constituents, families, and children in our community. We take authority and responsibility for our position in society and outcomes for success of our children. We are the architects of our own destiny.

More About the Linda Harriet Lane Fund:

Linda Harriet Lane was a Macon native. She graduated from Vassar College in 1950 where she received a Liberal Arts degree, and then she received a Master of Music degree from Indiana State University. After studying under pianists in New York, she returned to Macon where she began her tenure at Wesleyan College as Instructor of Piano in 1954 and eventually became Associate Professor of Music. She continued her distinguished teaching and performing career for more than 30 years. In 1995, Wesleyan College honored Linda with the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. She was an accomplished concert pianist, and she played with the Macon, Atlanta and Savannah Symphonies and performed abroad. Above all else, she valued education, music, arts and culture, and travel. Today, Ms. Lane’s generosity lives on through the Linda Harriet Lane Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

PURPOSE

The Linda Harriet Lane Fund supports Bibb County projects that support the advancement of education, improvement of the arts community, improvement of the health and recreation of the community, or otherwise benefit the community as a whole.

FUNDING PRIORITY

Projects should address one of the following:

Advancement of education
Improving the arts community
Improving health or recreation
Providing a benefit to the community as a whole

MGB INC. – Men Giving Back

~ Fostering the Relationships Between Men, their Children, their Families and the Community.

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Reading Opens the World!

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