Leading From The Front
Wanda Durant, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Councilmember Calvin Hawkins, G.S. Proctor & Associates And Dozens Of County Leaders Team To Donate Food
By Hamil Harris
Photography By Hamil Harris And Amir Stoudamire
Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks and Wanda Durant of the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation. PHOTO: HAMIL HARRIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and the mother of NBA legend Kevin Durant were field generals in an army of compassion giving out groceries in the parking lot at Bishop McNamara High School May 30 (see photo gallery, click here.)
The Kevin Durant Charity Foundation donated the food. The Alsobrooks Administration originally reached out to Durant and the process snowballed to receiving contributions from numerous supporters.
They teamed with Prince George’s County Council Co-Chair Calvin Hawkins, Stephen Proctor of G.S. Proctor & Associates and a who’s who of county leaders and senior VIPs.
“It is a very special day to see everyone come together,” Proctor said of the large turnout and the numbers of high profile elected officials, first responders, business and county leaders.
Dr. Marco Clark, who recently stepped down as Principal of Bishop McNamara High School, led nearly 50 students from the school in the work to donate food supplies to families negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The charitable drive-by brought together Wanda Durant, Prince George’s County Council members, law enforcement, state lawmakers, and business leaders who came together at a time when many people are struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have a lot of people who are in need right now and we want to make sure that we serve them,” said Alsobrooks, who was a part of a group of lawmakers who handed out boxes of food to more than 500 families. “This is a community effort ‘til this pandemic is gone.”
Alsobrooks thanked the Kevin Durant Foundation and Wanda Durant. She is committed to helping the county even when the pandemic is over. Durant said, “This event is so important because we could be in the same situation if it were not for the grace of God.”
Dressed in yellow shirts volunteers started arriving at the Forestville school shortly after sunrise and according to Marco Clark, the event was a huge labor of love and tribute to the school’s Class of 2020.
“Today is about loving our neighbor as we continue to pray for our community,” said Maryland Senator Melony G. Griffith, representing the 25th District. She is proud of all people coming together.
At-Large Prince George’s County Council member Calvin Hawkins said, “What we are doing today is important because we have the opportunity to help people who have fallen on hard times.”
Maryland State Senator Melony G. Griffith, businessman Steve Proctor, and other community leaders were all present to give out the groceries to people who were lined up and directed past tables filled with boxes of food.
Mario Minor, CEO of Market Fresh Gourmet, one of the sponsors, was observing nearby.
As he passed out boxes of food, Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said, “This is what it is all about, taking care of our community. It is all about relationships.”
As she waited in her car to get a box of food, Marian Oliver said, “This is a blessing to me because I can keep more money in my pocket.”
