As many students kicked back to relax and watched television over winter break, members of the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative were taking on the Winter Service Challenge.
“A big part of what makes MBMI MBMI is our commitment to doing community service,” coordinator Marcus Mayes said. “The guys in the group really enjoy giving back because they understand its importance and the impact that it can have.”
Since Dec. 20, MBMI has been volunteering in an effort to achieve its self-imposed goal of 200 service hours over break.
“We pride ourselves on doing what others may see as illogical or difficult,” member Phillip Simpkins said. “In order to make a name for yourself in the community and on campus, you have to not only talk a good game, but exactly follow through with actions. We do not follow trends. We set them.”
The men have been volunteering at various venues spanning Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago. Simpkins was the correspondent for Chicago.
“I credit Marc Mayes and the MBMI exec board for putting this event together and electing individuals in different areas as the primary contacts,” Simpkins said. “I also credit the group as a whole because we set out to make impact on the world, and when this opportunity presented itself every man in the organization answered the call and did whatever they could to achieve the goal.”
In Columbia, the men volunteered with MarineParents.com, Inc. on Jan. 6 and 13, unpacking and organizing all 120 boxes of donations. MarineParents.com is an organization that supports Marines and their families.
Care Package Project Coordinator Babs Blackmon, who was more than appreciative of the men’s help, said they are coming to volunteer again Saturday.
“They are a great group of guys,” Blackmon said. “They’re so mobile and so fast – God, they went through those boxes so fast – and so wonderful. I called them ‘my angels’ because they did so much so fast. They seemed to enjoy themselves, and we enjoyed having them.”
The men ended their initiative Monday at the “Poor Man’s Breakfast” at St. Luke United Methodist Church, where it appeared they accomplished their goal. Simpkins said they are still tallying the hours, but he is confident they broke 200.
“I am pleased with our efforts because every member worked extremely hard to reach the goal, and through the process we strengthened the bond amongst ourselves and the bond in our respective communities,” Simpkins said.
Each member’s personal goal was to give at least five service hours over break.
“College students and organizations in general do a lot of community service when we are at school, but we can’t forget about where we come from,” Mayes said. “For MBMI, the message is ‘just because school is out does not mean that we stop being MBMI.’ We continue to develop as student leaders and strive for excellence no matter where we are.”
MBMI will sustain its presence on campus and in the community next week when they host Black Men Rising, a week full of events such as a blood drive, worship, networking and dialogue on issues black men face.
