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During an interview, Yolanda Hill-Willams shared her thoughts, reactions, and feelings about the event she hosted on July 18, 2021.
The event was the college gift basket giveaway, where Black college students were given school and home supplies to use when they make their way back to their dorm rooms this coming fall.
Hill-Willams is a part of the Nellie Watson-Cooper Foundation, a non-profit charity. Their purpose is to give back to persons in need. The programs include but are not limited to clothe the needy, providing educational grants and financial assistance, feeding the community, mentorship for at-risk youths, inmate outreach, care packages, nursing homes/senior living assistance, and homeless shelter/street services.
Q: How proud of you to know that the scholarship program is helping many Black college students?
A: We are very proud to give back as much as we can. We have given out school supplies for several years now but wanted to start giving out scholarships too. Our mother used to have us make baskets of school supplies at Black club parties and started a scholarship fund at our church.
Q: What were your thoughts on John Buddie, the ChiGivesBack representative who came to the luncheon to support your cause?
A: We were so full-on, Joy. It was amazing that someone who chooses to work with us didn’t know us. John was amazing and inspirational to us from the very first call. I can’t thank John enough. After the event, I cried because I never expected someone to share and bless us like that. We are a blessing to others, but when strangers bless you and give assistance, I was overjoyed. It makes us know we are doing the right thing and keep doing what you are doing. John not only partnered with us, but he gave us advice and direction. We are truly blessed.
Q: Are you looking to reach out to more amazing people like him?
A: Yes, and we are going to work with John on some of their events. We are also doing a community event on Sept 12th that we will be partnering with another organization.
Q: Do you hope that this program helps youth and adults looking to come back to college?
A: Yes, we usually only gave to students going away to college. However, this year, we included students that are staying here and going to university. I hope is to include all youth and adults. Everyone can’t go away, and it’s nothing wrong with it. We encourage all and want to bless them too.
Q: How do you think we could show our youth that college is supposed to be an opportunity to strengthen their talents and be exposed to new environments instead of choosing to go just for their resume?
A: Do an event with a panel of people from different professions who are successful because of college. We can include a range in age, not just older successful people, and include a wide age range so they can feel connected generation-wise.
Q: Speaking of generational connections, how important is it for parents and peers to support youth in school, college included?
A: Very important. We must also reach parents and assist those that can’t help their children.
As the interview ended, Hill-Williams left with these wise words “We would like to say to our students, ” Keep up the good work. Keep God in your hearts, and prayers will change things. Stay healthy and keep negative people out of your lives. It’s ok to have friends but don’t let anyone steal your joy and peace of mind. Continue to do good in school and strive to be the best you can be.”
Written by Daylontie Jasper
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Source:
Interview: Yolanda Hill-Williams
Images Courtesy of Omari Aton – Used With Permission