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16th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:35:58 GMT

A Day of Community, Legacy, and Impact!

The 16th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when community, purpose, and legacy come together.

From the early morning hours to the final moments of cleanup, the day was filled with connection, gratitude, and impact that will carry forward into the lives of young men pursuing higher education.

�� A Full-Circle Moment

One of the most meaningful highlights of the day was the presence of Officer Barbara Davis (BJ), a former D.A.R.E. Officer who made a lasting impact on countless students in the community.

Volunteering at the ticket table, she brought not only her time but her legacy. For many—including members of the JLD team—her influence helped shape life choices at a young age.

Moments like these are a powerful reminder that impact doesn’t end—it multiplies.

�� A Community That Shows Up

This year’s event welcomed both familiar faces and new supporters—many of whom shared they discovered the event through social media.

That reach is a testament to the strength of JLD’s longstanding partnership with the Davidson County Rescue Squad. Their continued support and willingness to amplify the mission plays a vital role in connecting the organization to the broader community.

Throughout the day, supporters, families, and friends stopped by—not just to purchase a plate, but to stand behind a mission that continues to transform lives.

�� Real Impact: $2,000 Raised for Scholarships

Because of the generosity of this community, the event raised $2,000 toward scholarships for young men of color graduating from Lexington Senior High School.

Each dollar represents more than financial support—it represents opportunity, access, and a future made possible.

With nearly 60% of scholarship applicants being first-generation college students, this support is critical in helping remove barriers and open doors.

��‍�� The Team Behind the Mission

Events like this don’t happen without a dedicated team.

From the grill to the kitchen, from setup to cleanup, volunteers and team members gave their time, energy, and heart to ensure the day was a success.

Special appreciation goes to:

Curtis, the grill master who continues to deliver year after year
Volunteers and supporters who stepped in to help wherever needed
Both longtime and new volunteers who made the day run smoothly

Their commitment reflects the spirit of JLD—service rooted in love and purpose.

�� Partners Who Make It Possible

JLD Community Solutions extends sincere gratitude to its valued partners and sponsors:

Davidson County Rescue Squad, for their continued partnership and community support
Davidson Local, for helping amplify the mission
Shuler Meats, a dedicated sponsor who has supplied fish for all 16 years of this event

These partnerships are more than support—they are foundational to sustaining impact year after year.

��‍��‍��‍�� A Legacy Carried Forward

As the day came to a close, what remained was more than a successful fundraiser—it was a reflection of legacy in motion.

From the next generation stepping in and embracing the mission, to families working side by side, to moments of reflection rooted in love and remembrance—this work continues to be deeply personal and purpose-driven.

JLD Community Solutions was founded to honor the life and legacy of Johnny Leroy “Lee-Lee” Dawkins Jr.—and 16 years later, that legacy continues to live on through every scholarship awarded, every student supported, and every life impacted.

�� Thank You

To every supporter, volunteer, partner, and donor:

Thank you.

Because of you, students are not just dreaming about college—they are getting there.

�� What’s Next?

Missed the Fish Fry but still want to make an impact?

�� Join our Backpack Scholarship Fundraiser
�� Help us fill the backpack
�� Help fund a future

Click "Donate" and help us reach our $500 goal to continue or investment into the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to our partners!

MLK Day of Service

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:18:24 GMT

Everybody Can Serve: Reflecting on Our MLK Day Crafts & Cocoa Pop-Up

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that greatness is not reserved for a few—it is available to anyone willing to serve.

This MLK Day, JLD Community Solutions gathered with families, volunteers, youth, and elders for our MLK Crafts & Cocoa Pop-Up. What unfolded was more than an event. It was a reminder of what community looks like when service leads the way.

Children created crafts inspired by Dr. King’s message. Volunteers guided, listened, encouraged, and laughed alongside them. Teenagers shared reflections on what Dr. King’s legacy means to them—offering insight, hope, and honesty that reminded us the dream continues through the next generation.

Service showed up in many forms that day.
In warm cups of cocoa.
In patient hands helping with glue and paper.
In conversations between neighbors.
In youth finding their voice.

At JLD Community Solutions, we believe service is a pathway to empowerment. It builds confidence, connection, and community. Our MLK Day celebration affirmed that when we make space for one another, we move closer to the beloved community Dr. King envisioned.

To every volunteer who served, every family who attended, and every young person who shared their voice—thank you. You helped transform a holiday into a living, breathing example of love in action.

A special thank you goes to:

Davidson County Rescue Squad - for providing the venue
Krispy Kreme - for providing sweet treats
Panera Bread - for providing sweet treats

Everybody can serve. And together, we did.

PBS American Coup Screening & Panel Discussion

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:33:11 GMT

A Thought-Provoking Community Conversation

On Thursday, November 13th, Davidson Local , PBS North Carolina, Working Films, and a coalition of faith, civic, and cultural partners joined forces to host a powerful evening of truth-telling and community connection.

The event featured a screening of American Coup: Wilmington 1898 — a PBS documentary exploring the only successful coup d’état in U.S. history and its lasting impact on democracy, race, and power in North Carolina.

After the screening, they held a thought-provoking panel discussion and audience Q&A with local voices and John Biewen, Director of Storytelling & Public Engagement at Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics.

The event also featured the "Ebony Community Collective Holiday Market" where attendees were able to shop local handcrafted goods and holiday gifts — proceeds supported small business engagement and local journalism initiatives.

JLD Community Solutions is proud to have served as a nonprofit partner for this impactful event.

Read the full article about the event published by Davidson Local.

Our First JLD Community Support Circle Session

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:06:15 GMT

A Powerful Beginning: Healing, Hope, and Community

On Monday, November 10th, JLD Community Solutions held its very first JLD Community Support Circle — a safe space designed to bring healing, connection, and collective strength to individuals and families in Lexington, NC who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

Led by Alphonso Thomas of CHAMP Wellness, the evening centered on helping participants begin to shift their mindsets — introducing practical tools for self-awareness and personal growth. Alphonso reminded attendees that we think nearly 60,000 thoughts each day, and 95% are the same as the day before. The challenge? To start feeding our minds with new intel — knowledge, affirmations, and perspectives that help us heal and grow.

�� Areas of Focus for Whole-Person Wellness

The discussion focused on nurturing wellness across eight key areas:
Intellectual · Social · Environmental · Physical · Emotional · Occupational · Financial · Spiritual

Participants reflected on how small steps in each area can help move them toward balance and peace — and how caring for one dimension often helps strengthen the others.

�� Building a Personal Support Team

Alphonso also shared a powerful analogy: building your personal “support corner” like a boxer’s team in the ring.

Trainer: Knows the rules and strategies to help you navigate challenges.
Medic: Knows when it’s time to rest and helps you take needed breaks.
Cutman: The encourager who believes you can still win, no matter how tough the fight.

This reminder reinforced that healing is not meant to be done alone — and that it’s okay to lean on those who want to see you succeed.

�� What Participants Said

Feedback from attendees was deeply positive:

All participants rated the session as Good or Excellent.
Every participant said they would recommend the group to others and continue attending.
Many noted that what felt most meaningful was feeling welcomed, supported, and not pressured to speak.

This feedback reaffirms that the Support Circle is meeting a vital need in our community — offering a space where people can breathe, connect, and know they are not alone.

Continuing the Journey

As we prepare for our next session, we’re excited to share that a special gift is planned for attendees — a small token of appreciation for their courage and commitment to healing. Register to join us for the next session!

We also encourage everyone to explore the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network (NCVAN), our incredible partner in this work. Download their Surviving Violent Crimes Handbook .

�� A Special Thank You!

Thank you to Southern Lunch for catering the meal for our first support group meeting. We appreciate you so much!

Thank you to our partner!

Mission Monday: A Single Thought Can Change Everything

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:12:28 GMT

A Thought. A Breath. A Change.

This week’s Mission Monday was inspired by a powerful reminder shared with us by one of our former JLD Community Solutions board members, Shanette Lockhart:

�� “Just a single thought is capable of changing the breathing pattern.”

Pause for a moment and really take that in.

We’ve all experienced it—how one thought can shift our emotions, our energy, and even our decisions. A memory that makes us laugh can brighten our day. A worry can weigh us down. And sometimes, a single intentional thought can bring us peace, focus, and the strength to keep moving forward.

At JLD Community Solutions, we believe change begins with small shifts like this. If one thought can change the way we breathe, imagine what many intentional thoughts, actions, and voices can do for our community.

✨ That’s why Mission Monday exists: to pause, reflect, and take one step toward growth, healing, and impact each week.

This week, our challenge for you is simple:

Notice your thoughts. When a negative thought arises, try replacing it with one rooted in love, hope, or gratitude.
Share encouragement. Speak life into someone else’s day with a thoughtful word or act of kindness.
Take action. Channel those positive thoughts into movement—supporting a cause, joining a group, or helping a neighbor.

One thought can change your breath. One action can change a life. Together, we can change the world.

�� Call to Action : We’d love to hear from you—what intentional thought will you carry into this week? Visit our Facebook page and share it with us in the comments.

#MissionMonday #CommunityHealing #PositiveChange #MindsetMatters

Mission Monday: Honoring Lee-Lee’s Legacy & Building a Safer Future

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:17:22 GMT

A Tribute. A Call to Action.

Last week, we shared 5 Tips for Back-to-School Success —practical steps to help our youth step into the new school year prepared, focused, and supported. Today, we carry that same mission forward in a deeply personal way.

Eighteen years ago, Johnny Leroy “Lee-Lee” Dawkins Jr. lost his life to gun violence at the age of 25 in Lexington, NC. He was more than a statistic—he was a father, son, brother, and friend. His laughter filled rooms, his presence lit up hearts, and his dreams were cut short far too soon.

Lee-Lee’s life—and the heartbreaking way it ended—was the spark that ignited the creation of the JLD Scholarship Fund and, ultimately, JLD Community Solutions. Our work exists because we believe every young person deserves the chance to live, learn, grow, and succeed without fear.

Our latest JLD Storytellers episode premieres on YouTube—a heartfelt tribute to Lee-Lee’s life and legacy. His family shares personal memories, the lessons his story leaves behind, and a call to action for all of us to help protect our youth from the rising tide of violence.

3 Life Lessons from Lee-Lee’s Story:

1️⃣ Pause Before You Act – One split second can change everything.
2️⃣ Asking for Help is Strength – You don’t have to carry life’s weight alone.
3️⃣ Your Future is Bigger Than This Moment – Sometimes the most courageous choice is to walk away.

This episode also takes a hard look at the increase in gun violence here in Lexington and the nation as a whole, exploring its root causes and ways we can come together as a community to stop the cycle.

�� We invite you to watch, reflect, and share your voice. Whether you knew Lee-Lee or not, this conversation is for anyone who believes in hope, healing, and change.

�� Watch the premiere here: https://youtu.be/tnBBy61ybEM

If you need support:

Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health assistance, 24/7.
Families affected by homicide can contact the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network (NCVAN) at www.nc-van.org or call 919-831-2857.

Together, let’s honor Lee-Lee’s legacy—not just with words, but with action.

#JLDStorytellers #Legacy #EndGunViolence #LexingtonNC #CommunityHealing #YouthEmpowerment #GunViolenceAwareness

Mission Monday: Back-to-School Success

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:29:15 GMT

5 Tips to Make This Your Best Year Yet!

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, the air is filled with possibility. Each year offers a fresh start—a chance to set goals, try new things, and push yourself toward your dreams.

At JLD Community Solutions, we believe in the power of preparation, mindset, and community support to help every student succeed. Whether you’re starting high school, beginning your senior year, or heading off to college, you have the power to make this your best school year ever.

Here are 5 practical tips to set yourself up for success:

Set Clear Goals
Know what you want to accomplish this year—academically, personally, and socially. Write down your top three goals and keep them somewhere visible as a reminder to stay focused.
Stay Organized
Use a planner, calendar app, or notebook to keep track of assignments, projects, and important dates. Organization helps you manage your time effectively and reduces stress.
Build Positive Relationships
Surround yourself with friends, teachers, and mentors who support and inspire you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—school is a team effort.
Take Care of Yourself
Eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and make time for physical activity. Your mind works best when your body is healthy and well-rested.
Get Involved
Join a club, sport, or volunteer group that interests you. Being involved builds leadership skills, expands your network, and makes school more enjoyable.

Remember: Your future is built on the choices you make today. Show up, give your best effort, and believe in yourself—because we believe in you.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish this year. Let’s make it the best one yet!

What’s your top goal for the school year? Share it with us—we’d love to cheer you on!

#MissionMonday #Education #YouthEmpowerment

Mission Monday: "The Time for Action Is Now"

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 22:23:03 GMT

Join us. Speak up. Show up.

“We cannot, and must not, allow this to become our normal."
— Thomas Martin, The Daily Toll: Ending Gun Violence in Lexington, NC [View full Davidson Local article here ]

In Lexington, North Carolina, too many lives have been interrupted — or ended — by gun violence. These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern. A crisis. And we cannot wait another day to face it.

At JLD Community Solutions, this work is deeply personal. Our organization was founded in memory of Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr., a young man whose life was cut short by gun violence here in our hometown. His story isn’t just our origin — it’s our mission.

Each year, during Gun Violence Awareness Month, we hold space for healing, for remembrance, and for action. But heartbreakingly, each year we also receive news of another life lost — often during the very same week we gather to address this issue. This cycle is not a coincidence. And it must not be ignored.

We don’t need perfect data to tell us that something is wrong. The truth lives in the lived experiences of families, neighbors, students, and community members who wake up each day carrying the weight of fear or loss. Their stories are valid. Their safety is non-negotiable.

It’s time for all of us to act — and act together. At JLD Community Solutions, we believe in:

*Investing in young men of color** through scholarships and mentorship.
*Creating safe spaces** for dialogue, healing, and collaboration.
*Building a community culture** of responsibility, opportunity, and care.

We don’t have all the answers — but we have a commitment: to be relentless in our work, rooted in love for this community, and clear in our conviction that the time for silence has passed.

If you feel this urgency too, we invite you to join us.

The time for action is now, and even one step makes a difference. Here's what you can do today:
✅ Share this post to raise awareness.
✅ Follow us for updates on community safety work.
✅ If you or a loved one have been impacted by the loss of a loved one due to gun violence and would find value in building a support group, please click the link below to complete our interest form.
�� JLD Community Support Circle - Interest Form: https://form.jotform.com/JLD_support/interest_form

We are writing the next chapter in Lexington’s story. And we refuse to let violence hold the pen.

�� Join us. Speak up. Show up.

#MissionMonday #EndGunViolence #LexingtonNC #JLDCommunitySolutions #WriteTheirNextChapter #CommunityHealing #ActNow

Lexington Community Safety Awareness Block Party 2025

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:19:17 GMT

United for Safety. United for Success.

Saturday, June 7th, we came together for a day of unity, awareness, and empowerment at the Lexington Community Safety Awareness Block Party, featuring the Black Business Expo, hosted in observance of Gun Violence Awareness Month. The passion and presence of those who joined us made the event a heartfelt and impactful celebration of community resilience.

✨ Highlights from the Day:

15+ Vendors – Supporting Black-owned businesses, nonprofits, community resources & delicious food trucks!

Powerful Voices – We heard from Mayor Pro Tem Joe Watkins, Chief Robby Rummage, Black Business Storytelling Spotlight Speakers, our Keynote Speaker Mr. Al Thomas of C.H.A.M.P. Training & Consultation, and a heartfelt message from Mike Loomis of RACE AGAINST DRUGS 501-C3 NONPROFIT .

Memorial Vigil – Honoring lives lost to gun violence.

Uplifting Performances – Beautiful music from the Community Fellowship Mass Choir, Full Gospel Fellowship Choir, & Files Chapel Baptist Churc Choir.

�� This day was met w/ a bittersweet moment. On the very day we gathered to raise awareness, our community suffered another tragic loss—a 19-year-old young man lost his life to gun violence. Our hearts break for his family, and the entire JLD Community Solutions team sends our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers. This painful reality reminds us why our mission is so urgent. As Chief Robby mentioned during his speech... if you know something... SAY SOMETHING!

�� We Want to Hear from You!
If you attended, we invite you to take 3-5 minutes to fill out our feedback survey . Your input will help us make next year even better.

A huge thank you to our spons or Davidson Local !

Thank you to Restore Hope Outreach Ministry and The Inside Scoop Ministries for helping make this possible, Files Chapel Baptist Church fo r allowing us to use their venue for the 2nd year, Eugenio Perez Jr. for a n AMAZING job emceeing the event (you truly did a wonderful job!), Small Sounds Entertainment for stage & sound that helped transform the event this year, all our vendors, speakers, performers, volunteers, and every community member who showed up. Your presence mattered, and we’re committed to growing engagement next year.

Together, we can build a safer, stronger Lexington. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Vendors - we thank you!

Brandi Myers Photography & Design

YAMS

Spiritual U

Davidson Prison Ministry

OneClick Cleaners

Aflac

Elizabeth Clodfelter for Davidson County Sheriff

Motherland Inspirations

Davidson-Davie Community College

Davidson Local

Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc.

RACE AGAINST DRUGS 501-C3 NONPROFIT

NAMI NW Piedmont NC

Grace Education Advocacy Incorporated

Uptown Grill & Beatz

Artist Kenrick Jobe

Melody Mobile Snack Bar

Bella's Italian Ices

Honorable Mentions:

City of Lexington (Trash Cans & Cones)

Team Rental (Tent & Chairs)

Comer Sanitation (Port-a-Potties)

2025-2026 Scholarship Award Recipients

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:35:49 GMT

Celebrating Our 15th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Award Recipients!

We are overjoyed to announce the recipients of the 2025–26 JLD Scholarship Fund! This year, we proudly awarded a total of $4,500 in scholarships to three exceptional young scholars, each receiving $1,500 toward their academic journeys.

Please join us in celebrating the achievements of this year’s recipients:

Kordaye Hemphill – Attending UNC Wilmington
Montese McDuffie – Attending North Carolina A&T State University
Steven Stewart – Attending North Carolina A&T State University

These students have demonstrated outstanding dedication, resilience, and commitment to their education and communities. Their passion for learning and service mirrors the very spirit and legacy of Johnny Leroy “Lee-Lee” Dawkins, Jr, in whose honor our scholarship fund was founded.

We are not only celebrating academic excellence, but also the promise of a brighter future. We believe in these students, and we are proud to play a role in helping them achieve their goals. Whether they go on to become innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, or community leaders, we know they will carry forward the mission and values we hold dear.

To Kordaye, Montese, and Steven—congratulations!
We are incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.

Thank you to our supporters, donors, and community partners for helping us make moments like this possible. Together, we’re investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

#JLDScholarship #ScholarshipAward #FutureLeaders #Congratulations #YouGotThis

Fundraiser Recap: Battle of the Squads Basketball Tournament & 15th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:22:33 GMT

A Day of Community, Competition, and Generosity: Recap of JLD Community Solutions' 15th Annual Fish Fry & Battle of the Squads Basketball Tournament

April 5, 2024 – The JLD Community Solutions team is still buzzing from the incredible energy and support during our 15th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser and the debut of our Battle of the Squads Basketball Tournament ! These back-to-back events brought together friends, families, and supporters for a day of delicious food, fierce competition, and—most importantly—community impact.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised $3,000 to support the JLD Scholarship Fund and the JLD Leadership Program , helping us nurture the next generation of leaders. None of this would have been possible without the collective effort of our sponsors, volunteers, participants, and attendees.

Highlights from the Day

**��️15th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser**
A long-standing tradition, our Fish Fry once again delivered mouthwatering meals, lively conversations, and a warm sense of togetherness. Whether you dined in or took your plate to go, your participation helped fuel our mission.

**��Battle of the Squads Basketball Tournament**
The gym was electric as local teams faced off in our first-ever "Battle of the Squads" basketball tournament. The competition was fierce, the camaraderie was strong, and the crowd’s energy was unmatched.

There were three teams:

1) The Dream Team (Sidney Challenger, Maury Holt, Alex Holt, Great Shivers, & Shamarcus Curry)

2) And 1 (Denard Harris, Henry Barnes, Rashard Clodfelter, Henry Gibson, & Rocky Shivers)

3) Jackets (a team of young men from the community)

THE DREAM TEAM TOOK HOME THE VICTORY! ��

A huge shoutout to all the teams that brought their A-game—you made this event unforgettable!

⭐Thank You to Our Incredible Supporters!⭐

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this day a success:

- Our Generous Sponsors: Shuler Meats and The Inside Scoop Ministries – Your financial and in-kind support provided the foundation for this event.
- The Basketball Teams: The Dream Team, And 1, & Jackets – Your passion and sportsmanship embodied the spirit of community.
- Our Talented Photographer: Matthew Liles – For capturing every dunk, cheer, and heartfelt moment.
- Our Dedicated Volunteers & Organizers – Managing two events in one day was no small task, but the hard work of all of our volunteers made it seamless. A special thanks to Tim Holt for refereeing the basketball tournament and Curtis McDuffie for making sure we had fresh, hot fish and chicken to serve!

Most of all, thank YOU —our community—for showing up, donating, and proving once again that when we come together, we can achieve amazing things.

How You Can Continue to Support JLD Community Solutions

Missed the event but still want to contribute? You can help us sustain this vital work by making a donation. Every dollar goes toward scholarships, leadership development, and programs that empower youth and strengthen our community.

Make a donation by:

Click the donate button below
Cashapp: $JLDSCHOLARSHIP ( Note: please enter "Donate" and your email address in the memo line)
Send a check payable to "JLD Community Solutions" to: P.O. Box 30027, Winston-Salem, NC 27130

Stay tuned for more updates, events, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one plate, one game, and one leader at a time.

#JLDCommunitySolutions #BuildingLeaders #CommunityStrong #ThankYou

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Want to stay connected? Follow us on social media (links below)!

Monday Motivation: Secure Your Financial Future

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 15:16:51 GMT

Securing Your Financial Future : A Call to Action for Young Men of Color

Securing Your Financial Future – A Call to Action for Young Men of Color

Financial literacy is more than just a skill—it’s a pathway to empowerment, independence, and generational wealth. For young men of color, understanding personal finance is critical to breaking systemic cycles of economic inequality and securing a brighter future. At JLD Community Solutions, we’re here to encourage and equip our community to take control of their financial journey. Let’s dive into actionable steps you can take today to protect your personal economic well-being.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

Research shows that financial literacy among Black youth is disproportionately low compared to other groups, leaving many unprepared for the financial challenges of adulthood. According to a study by Sue May (2023)[1], young Black men often lack foundational knowledge about savings, budgeting, and investing, even though they express eagerness to learn. This gap in education can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit opportunities for wealth-building.

Did you know?

1 in 4 U.S. high school students is guaranteed to take a personal finance course before graduation in 2024, according to Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF)[2][3 ]
10 states, including North Carolina, have fully implemented programs requiring economic and personal finance education[4][5]

Until Economic & Personal Finance courses reaches all of the classrooms in the U.S., it is vital that we teach our children early the importance of understanding money management and protecting our own personal economic. By taking proactive steps to improve financial literacy, young men of color can gain the tools needed to make informed decisions, build wealth, and take control of their personal finances.

3 Steps to Secure Your Financial Future

1. Start a Budget

A budget is the foundation of financial success. It helps you track your income and expenses, ensuring you spend less than you earn. Use this simple framework:

Income: Calculate all sources of money coming in (e.g., wages, allowances).
Expenses: Break these into fixed (rent, car payments) and flexible (groceries, entertainment).
Savings: Allocate a portion of your income to savings first—this is called “paying yourself first.”

Using the 50/30/20 rule can be a great way to help build your budget:

50% for needs : Rent, utilities, groceries.
30% for wants : Entertainment, dining out.
20% for savings or debt repayment .

Resource: Download this Monthly Budget Worksheet for Young Adults[6] to get started.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund acts as a financial safety net for unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills. Aim for $1,000 as your initial goal—it’s manageable even on a tight budget. Start small by saving $10–$20 per week and watch it grow. Once you've reached the goal of saving $1,000 then challenge yourself to save 3-6 months worth of expenses. #YouGotThis!

Tip: Open a high-yield savings account to earn interest while you save.

3. Educate Yourself on Wealth-Building

Wealth-building isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone willing to learn. Explore topics like:

Investing: Learn about stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts like 401(k)s.
Homeownership: Understand how owning property builds equity over time.
Entrepreneurship: If you dream of owning a business, educate yourself on managing cash flow and business credit.

Resource: Check out Hands on Banking’s Budgeting Guide[7] for more tools and tips.

BONUS TIP: Protect Yourself Against Fraud & Scams

Monitor bank statements, set up alerts, and safeguard personal info to prevent identity theft.

Breaking Barriers Together

Systemic challenges like discrimination in financial systems have historically created obstacles for Black communities. However, by equipping ourselves with financial knowledge, we can challenge these barriers head-on. Remember: every small step you take today contributes to long-term stability and success.

Take Action Today

At JLD Community Solutions, we believe in empowering our community through education and action. Whether you’re starting with your first budget or saving your first $100 toward an emergency fund, every effort counts. Share this journey with your family—financial literacy grows stronger when it becomes part of our collective conversations.

Let’s work together to secure brighter futures for ourselves and the generations that follow. Are you ready to take control of your personal economics? Start today!

Resources:

Let’s build wealth together—one step at a time!

Citations:

Other Citations:

Disclaimer

Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund dba JLD Community Solutions is not a licensed financial professional agency. This blog post is not sponsored; we’re simply sharing tips we hope you’ll find helpful! Please consult with your local financial institution or a licensed financial advisor for professional advice tailored to your situation.

WATCH! New YouTube Series, JLD Storytellers

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:03:09 GMT

Showcasing inspiring stories of young men of color in our community!

We’re excited to launch our new YouTube series, JLD Storytellers , where we’ll share inspiring stories of young men of color in our community. These stories highlight resilience, leadership, and the power of opportunity.

⭐️ Our first interview is with Coccaro Smith and he shares the profound perspective he gained after the loss of his father, the impact serving in the army had on his life, and the heartfelt encouragement and motivation he received from Lee-Lee during his earlier years playing basketball. PLUS... we have a special announcement at the end of the video. You don't want to miss it!

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

MLK Day "I Have A Dream" Crafts & Cocoa Popup Recap

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:33:19 GMT

�� MLK Day Magic: A Community Celebration of Dreams! ��

Brave young girls and boys share their dreams of making the world a better place.

Our MLK Day "I Have a Dream" Crafts & Cocoa PopUp was a heartwarming celebration of community, unity, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy. The event, held at the Davidson County Rescue Squad, welcomed over 100 children and community members, including Mayor Jason Hayes and President of Davidson County NAACP - Lexington Branch, Pic Clark.

Highlights of the Day:
- Children's Engagement: Young participants dove into creative crafts, expressing their understanding of Dr. King's vision
- Community Spirit: Families and community members came together in a spirit of unity and hope
- Sweet Moments: Over 100 guests enjoyed warm cocoa and delightful treats

A very touching moment came from a young boy who shared his deep admiration for Dr. King and how much he wants to be "just like [Dr. MLK]" when he grows up! The event culminated in a powerful display of hope, with brave young girls and boys sharing their personal dreams of creating a better world.

Our event embodied the true essence of Martin Luther King Jr. Day - inspiring the next generation to continue the work of building a more just and compassionate society.

A huge thank you to all of our partners who made this happen:

- Davidson County Rescue Squad

- The Inside Scoop Ministries

- Fancy Pastry

- Red Donut Shop in Lexington, NC

- Krispy Kreme in Salisbury, NC

- Panera Bread

- Food Lion

- Davidson Local

- Anything for Our Youth

Thank you to our volunteers:

- Alicia Bryant

- Curtis McDuffie

- Danielle Clodfelter

- Jacqui Duncan

- Jimmy Alston

- Lesley Alston

- Kasey Wilkie

- Natalie Sheppard

Thank you to our wonderful board team!

Thank you to our partners!

2024 Men of Valor Christmas Sneaker Ball Recap

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 01:01:07 GMT

Kickin' It for A Cause: Celebrating Our Men of Valor

The 2024 Men of Valor Christmas Sneaker Ball, held on Sunday, December 1st at the Edward C Smith Civic Center in Lexington, NC, was an intimate yet impactful event that embodied our mission at JLD Community Solutions.

CONGRATULATIONS to Coccaro (Cocoa) Smith who was crowned as our 2024 Men of Valor Christmas Sneaker Ball winner! Cocoa was crowned by our 2023 Men of Valor Christmas Ball winner, Garrett Holloway (City Council Ward 5 - Lexington, NC). Cocoa then turned around and crowned Dale Rashard Jr, the youngest contestant, because... he is our future! Congratulations to you both and to all of our 2024 contestants. You are all Men of Valor!

Though small in scale, the event's impact was mighty. The highlight of the afternoon came during the "Most Creative Sneaker" contest, where members of the audience showcased their sneakers for a chance to win cash prizes. One young winner, overwhelmed by his prize, was filled with gratitude stating, "A kid like me shouldn't have all this money." This gave our Co-Founder & Executive Director, Dia Nyarko, the opportunity to encourage this young man stating, "Yes you do, because you deserve it!". This poignant moment encapsulated why our work matters.

The joy on this young man's face, sparked by a simple act of kindness, reinforced our commitment to focusing on 'an audience of one.' This approach creates a ripple effect - impacting one life can lead to transforming many more.

Our Sneaker Ball not only celebrated creativity but also emphasized our ongoing mission to empower young men of color, promote community safety, and cultivate future leaders. It served as a powerful reminder that small gestures can have profound impacts, inspiring us to continue our work one life at a time.

A special thank you goes out to:

Edward C Smith Civic Center and all their support staff

Lexington Barbecue Inc.

Sam's Club

All of our participants: Coccaro Smith, Dale Rashard, Jr, and Terence McDuffie

Our host: Damien Hammie

Our speakers: Elder Albert Armstrong and Michael Clinton, Jr

Our performer: Montese McDuffie

Our DJ: Antoine Jackson

Our photographer: Antonio Lattimore

Mr. Donnie Holt and Males Only Service Club

All of our volunteers

Our team that helped bring this together - Kasey, Miranda, Angela, & Dia

To everyone in the community who attended, donated, prayed, and helped us spread the word!

Special recognition to:

Mayor Jason Hayes and City Council

Chief Robby Rummage

Faith Kie (360 booth) - for helping to make our event special!

"Try Love" Community Against Gun Violence Event Recap

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 23:14:27 GMT

#TryLove Commitment

On Saturday, June 22, we hosted the "Try Love" gun violence awareness event, a powerful and heartfelt gathering that brought our community together during June, Gun Violence Awareness Month. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support we received from everyone who attended. Your presence and engagement made the day truly special and underscored the importance of addressing this critical issue.

We encouraged the community to join the #TryLove Commitment, a pledge to intentionally spread love and kindness daily to help break the cycle of violence. We believe that small acts of compassion can make a big difference, and we invite all our readers to take the commitment as well. Together, we can create a more peaceful and supportive environment for everyone.

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated volunteers and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event possible. Your hard work and commitment are the backbone of our efforts, and we couldn't have done it without you.

A special thank you goes to the esteemed men who participated in our engaging panel discussion. Your willingness to share your experiences and insights shed light on the complex factors contributing to gun violence and inspired us all to take action. Your voices are invaluable in our collective effort to make a difference.

As we reflect on this event, we are filled with hope and determination. We have realized new ways to serve our community, and we look forward to sharing more information in the coming months. Together, we will continue to spread love, promote understanding, and work toward a safer, more compassionate world.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners:

City of Lexington - Government

Files Chapel Baptist Church

Ezekiel AME Zion Church

Costco

Sam's Club

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity - Davidson County

Red Donut Shop NC

Arts Davidson County

Thelma Smith Foundation South Branch

Lexington Police Department

Mr. Donnie Holt & Males Only Service Club

Larencia Bethea “Reiki Ren”

To all of the panelists:

Facilitator: Mike “The Barber” Winston

Damien “Dizz” Hammie

Henry Munoz

Joseph Stafford

Lahmi Simmons

Michael Clinton Jr

Saro Vay

Volunteers:

Bernardo Bridges

Carla Holt

Cassie Mcmillon

Damion Tingle

Darryl Leflore

Deshawn Leggett

Glenn McCray

Harrie Cooper

Janice Richardson

Karen Taylor

Katrina Hairston

Nyshawn Pearson

Philip Taylor

Rashad Beard

Samuel Robertson

Shemika Cassell Evans

Tasha Melton

Tina Hargrave

Tony Moses

Planning Team:

Angela McDuffie

Antonio Dawkins

Dia Dawkins Nyarko

Jennifer Corbett

Miranda Holt

A special thank you to:

Cory Holt (for taking time out to provide input during the early stages of planning)

April Apdapainter Reich (for providing encouragement)

Teshia Mae (Cakes by the Pound) for providing a delicious lemon pound cake

All of the community who came out to support

DJ: Antoine Jackson

Videographer: Coccaro Smith

A few additional acknowledgments who helped make the event a success:

Sky High Entertainment

Comer Sanitary Service

Team Rental

Lineworx

Davidson Speed Printing

National Gun Violence Awareness Day 6.7.24

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:54:43 GMT

#WearOrange

Friday, June 7 was recognized nationwide as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Throughout the weekend thousands of individuals across the nation participated in the #WearOrange campaign to honor victims and survivors of gun violence.

On Monday, June 10, Mayor Jason Hayes presented JLD Community Solutions with a proclamation in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Davidson Local , a hyperlocal daily news publication, recently highlighted a proclamation by Governor Roy Cooper recognizing June 3 as Gun Violence Awareness Day to raise awareness and remember the lives lost to gun violence. They shared a staggering statistic:

"North Carolina has the 17th highest rate of gun deaths in the nation, with an average of more than 1,300 gun deaths each year."

Governor Cooper has proposed that the state budget include $5 million for violence intervention grants and $2.5 million annually for violence education and prevention programs aimed at at-risk youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system. Davidson Local also reported that "Governor Cooper has included violence intervention as a top funding priority," focusing on community violence intervention and prevention initiatives.

Receiving a second proclamation related to gun violence awareness from Mayor Jason Hayes, coupled with the emphasis Governor Roy Cooper places on this issue, reassures us that we are on the right path. It is encouraging to know we have both local and governmental support available to further our mission.

Read more Davidson Local articles related to JLD Community Solutions here .

2024-2025 Scholarship Award Recipients

Wed, 22 May 2024 21:25:45 GMT

2024 JLD Scholarship Fund Award Recipients

We are so proud to announce our 2024 scholarship recipients!

Each recipient has received a $1500 scholarship for a total of $4500 in scholarships awarded.

Congratulations to:

Felipe Martinez Agapito - attending UNC Greensboro
Michael Holmes - attending UNC Charlotte
Shymell Pearson - attending Greensboro College

14th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:37:37 GMT

Community support makes a difference!

On March 23, 2024 we held our annual fish fry fundraiser... the fundraising event that started it all!

We're always so grateful that the community continues to come out each and every year to support. Just as someone said at the fundraiser... "It's like a family reunion"!

We met the halfway point of our goal to raise $6,000. We are confident that we will meet our goal and award the largest amount in scholarships this year than we've awarded in the past thirteen years!

SPREAD THE WORD... HELP US REACH OUR GOAL TO AWARD $6,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS THIS YEAR!

There are so many to thank for the success of this fundraiser. Take a moment to watch the video as we express our gratitude for all those who made this event possible and share a heartfelt story about the impact your donations are making.

Thank you to our partners!

Celebrating Women's History Month

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 23:19:09 GMT

“Women Who Advocate for Equity, Dive rsity and Inclusion.”

We celebrate all the the remarkable women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Acknowledging the historical and present contributions of women, whether they're known publicly or quietly influential in their communities, is both timely and essential. Their dedication, passion, and tireless efforts, have made significant strides toward creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion is not just the responsibility of one gender or one group—it's a collective effort that requires the commitment and action of all. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor the legacy of the inspiring women who have pathed a way for us by continuing to strive for a more just and inclusive world for future generations.

Leading with Integrity

Founder & President, Angela McDuffie, has tirelessly made an impact throughout the City of Lexington. Leading with integrity is of vital importance to her.

Celebrating Black History Month

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 14:09:05 GMT

Honoring Our Past, Nurturing Our Future!

During Black History Month, JLD Community Solutions aims to pay tribute and celebrate the influential men in Johnny Leroy "Lee-Lee" Dawkins, Jr.'s life. They have paved the way for their families and made an impact in their community, and we acknowledge their contributions.

Read their stories below.

2023 Men of Valor Christmas Ball

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:06:01 GMT

Honoring Excellence, Making A Difference

On December 10th, 2023, we commemorated a momentous occasion – the JLD Community Solutions’ inaugural Men of Valor Christmas Ball. Hosted by Cory Holt (founder of The Cory Holt Foundation ), the event was a resounding success, with each contestant displaying exceptional commitment and character. The evening was filled with excitement as the five contestants showcased their talents, style and embodied the essence of true gentlemen.

Garrett Holloway emerged as the well-deserved 1st place winner, with Antonio Dawkins and Elijah Lockhart McLean following closely behind as 2nd and 3rd place winners, respectively. The youngest participant, Shymell Pearson, showcased remarkable bravery by stepping onto the stage, and Charles Carter Jr.'s participation added an extra layer of magic to the event.

Beyond the competition, we were fortunate to hear inspiring words from Mayor Jason Hayes and witness great performances from poets Tamika Wells and Lahmi Simmons. The event also included rap performances by Chosen, Matthew Daniel, and Táj. Additionally, we gave away a beautiful art piece from “I Am April Shamel.”

The level of dedication and commitment demonstrated by all participants was truly remarkable. Whether crowned a winner or not, each participant is a champion in their own right. We hope that they carry the memories shared during this event with them as they continue to shine in their future endeavors.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants, and we congratulate each and every one of you!

A Special Thanks To:

Edward C Smith Civic Center

Smoke & Oak

Southern Lunch

Davidson Local

S&D Cakes by the Pound

Males Only Service Club

Kasey Lanier Wilkie (Decorator)

Clarence Vernon (Caterer)

Antoine Jackson (DJ)

Cultured Vibes (Photography/Videography/Performers)

I Am April Shamel

Tamika Wells (Poet)

Costco

Sam's Club

Food Lion

Lowe's Food

All of those who volunteered during this event

Every donation, ticket purchased and prayer!

Community Against Gun Violence Block Party Recap 6.3.23

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 18:47:27 GMT

"Together We Stand"

Words can't express the gratitude we have for the opportunity to have joined with all the organizations around the nation observing National Gun Violence Awareness Day/Month by hosting our inaugural "Community Against Gun Violence Block Party" at the Breeden Insurance Amphitheater. There is no way we could have achieved this momentous occasion on our own... there is a long list of "Thank You's" that will be shared in our June 2023 quarterly newsletter.

It saddens me to hear of the recent shooting that took place in Lexington and other stories read in the news recently. The enemy is still at work and further solidifies the need for us to continue to use our platform to stand against the senseless gun violence. I do believe it's possible for us to see the change that is desperately needed in our nation, at least we are going to do what God has asked us to do to be a part of the change.

Thank you to all of those standing together to say "enough is enough"! The work has just begun!

Check out this interview:

Triad family creates nonprofit to honor loved one

Click here to receive your FREE commemorative refrigerator magnet.

Videography & Photo Credit: Cultured Vibes LLC

IG: @culturedvibesllc

Thank you to our partners!

Stories Shared.

We've Rebranded!

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 23:13:12 GMT

JLD Scholarship Fund is now "JLD Community Solutions"!

This weekend during our inaugural "Community Against Gun Violence Block Party" we announced our rebranding. Our organization will now do business as JLD Community Solutions. Where we are still dedicated to the scholarship program which is the foundation of our organization, we felt it necessary to move forward with a name that still honors Johnny Leroy "Lee-Lee" Dawkins, Jr (JLD) and represents the future of our organization. Along with providing scholarships, we are also dedicated to providing mentorship, financial literacy other community centered solutions and promoting gun violence prevention.

Mayor Hayes' Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 21:34:44 GMT

Mayor Jason Hayes makes proclamation in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Friday, June 2nd, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The community is encouraged to wear orange throughout the weekend in support of gun violence awareness.

On Monday, May 22, 2023 during the City of Lexington City Council meeting, Mayor Jason Hayes made a proclamation that the City of Lexington will observe Friday, June 2nd as Gun Violence Awareness Day. The proclamation was presented by City Councilman, Jim Myers. Thank you, Mayor Hayes, for your support of this cause and thank you to the City Council for supporting our 1st annual “Community Against Gun Violence Block Party” by granting $2,250 in the Neighborhood Revitalization funds. Your generous support will truly help us make this event a huge success!

Check out these recordings:

Gun Violence Awareness Presentation

Mayor Jason Hayes' Proclamation

2023-2024 Scholarship Award Recipients

Sat, 20 May 2023 13:41:52 GMT

2023 JLD Scholarship Fund Award Recipients

Congratulations to LSHS c/o 2023… and a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the 13th annual JLD Scholarship Fund award recipients:

Micah Owens (attending Wake Forest)

Ny'Shawn Pearson (attending East Carolina University)

Elijah Huntley (attending UNC Charlotte)

We're excited that we were able to increase our scholarship awards from $500 each in previous years to $1000 each this year! Thank you to all of our change making supporters. Because of you we have finally doubled our awards and with your continued support we can continue to increase our awards every year.

13th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:50:20 GMT

An overwhelming turnout leading to amazing results!

On Saturday, March 25 ^th we hosted our 13 ^th annual fish fry fundraiser. We look forward to this event every year because it gives us an opportunity to serve our community while raising scholarship funds.

This year, we experienced a growth in participation from the community leaving us overwhelmed in the best way possible. Our fundraising goal was $2,000 and, because of the enormous turnout, we exceeded our goal!

We can’t begin to express how grateful we are for the support we continue to receive every year and the support keeps growing!

Participants who attended the fundraiser ranged from family, friends, church members, classmates, scholarship award recipients, the Mayor, the Chief of Police, loyal supporters who have been with us since the first fish fry and newcomers. The outcome was truly amazing, so amazing we ran out of food for the first time! We certainly encountered a set of challenges this time that has created an opportunity for us to learn, adjust and make next year’s event even better!

A special thank you goes out to our team of volunteers – Curtis McDuffie, Miranda Holt, Kasey Wilkie, Janice Richardson Davis, Shanette Lockhart, Henrietta Hamilton, Christi Brunson, Jihan Page and Pee Wee Clodfelter.

A huge thank you goes out to each and every person who attended and gave a donation. Our hearts are filled with joy at how you show up every year… thank you for being a change maker!

13th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Sat. 3.25.23

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:28:23 GMT

12th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser

Come out and join us for great food for a great cause!

National Gun Violence Survivors Week February 1 - 7

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 02:05:56 GMT

1 in 5 adults know or care about someone who was killed with a gun.

Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns.

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Underlying Cause of Death. A yearly average was developed using five years of the most recent available data: 2016 to 2020.)

More people die from gun violence in the United States by early February than during an entire calendar year in other high-income countries

(Source: Everytown analysis of the most recent year of gun deaths by country (2015 to 2019), GunPolicy.org, accessed January 7, 2022).

According to a study by Everytown, 1 in 5 adults know or care about someone who was killed with a gun.

In the same article, Everytown for Gun Safety goes on to explain that 70% of black adults have experienced or know or care about someone who has experienced gun violence in their lifetimes.

(Source: Everytown.org /survivors , accessed February 5, 2023)

In their article, "Invisible Wounds: Gun Violence and Community Trauma among Black Americans", Everytown for Gun Safety provides some shocking statistics (according to the CDC) related to deaths in the black community due to gun violence.

Black Americans are 10 times more likely than white Americans to die by gun homicide.
Every 11 minutes, a Black American is shot and wounded.
Every three hours, a young Black male dies by gun homicide in the United States.

(Source: Everytown.org/Invisible Wounds , accessed February 6, 2023)

As Everytown for Gun Safety explains, the trauma of gun violence does not end when the gun violence stops. Life as you have known it is never the same when that loved one is suddenly and tragically taken away. This is exactly the reality experienced by Founder and Co-Founder of the Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund, Angela McDuffie and Dia Nyarko, along with family and close friends when Lee-Lee was killed due to gun violence. His parents were impacted, his children were impacted, his sister, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers, the list goes on! The impacts of gun violence causes a ripple effect throughout families and communities that can last a lifetime. It's time for us to join together all over America, stand up, and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

We encourage all of our life changing supporters to join us in the fight against gun violence.

Checkout our post on Everytown for Gun Safety and the stories of other gun violence survivors.

https://momentsthatsurvive.org/tribute/dia/

2022 "Where They Are Now" Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:41:24 GMT

Celebrating our scholarship award recipients

Keynote Speaker - Ronnie Beverly - Full Video

About our Speaker:

Ronnie Beverly, a native of New York, moved to Lexington in the 70’s with his mother and brother and is a well known and highly respected individual in the Lexington Community.

Ronnie received a Master’s Degree in Management Science from Troy State University in 1999. He received Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from Winston-Salem State University in 1991 and an Associate’s degree in Aerospace Ground Technology while in the Air Force in 1999.

Ronnie was also a member of the Lexington Senior High School State Championship teams in 1985 and 1986. He was the Offensive Player of the Year and the 2A State Championship Most Valuable Player in 1986. Inducted into the Lexington Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Ronnie was a member of the Winston-Salem State “Rams” football team from 1987 through 1991 and a member of four CIAA Football Championship Teams (87, 88, 90, & 91). He excelled as a student athlete being nominated as Division II Black College Sports Freshman All American Newcomer Team (Running Back) 1988, CIAA Freshman Newcomer Team and Winston-Salem State University Offensive Player of the Year and Team Captain in 1991. Ronnie also had a stint tryout with the Indianapolis Colts in 1992. Ronnie is member of the WSSU’s Clarence “Big House” Gaines Hall of Fame class of 2019.

Before serving as the current Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, Ronnie was hired by his college alma mater, Winston-Salem State University as the Director of Facility Operations. Ronnie served as Athletic Director for Lexington High School. Ronnie has served in the United States Air Force, worked as Recreation Director and District Supervisor for the City of Winston- Salem. Aside from his accolades, Ronnie is an active member of his church and community.

Ronnie is a 2016 recipient of the Dave Harris Athletic Director of the Year Award and former Executive Board Member for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Ronnie is a current member of the Association for Facilities Engineering and the Davidson County Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Ronnie is married to Tracy Beverly and they have three children, Alycia, Alexis and Matthew and one granddaughter.

August Event Recap

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 07:22:20 GMT

The Kyndall Project 7th Annual Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway 8.13.22

Black Butterfly Network Fashion Show and Presentation of "Mahogany" 8.20.22

JLD Scholarship Fund YouTube Channel

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 06:48:34 GMT

The JLD Scholarship Fund now has a YouTube channel!

We are so excited to announce the Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund now has a YouTube channel! On our channel we will be sharing all we've learned thus far in our pursuit to becoming incorporated as a nonprofit 501c3, all the things we will continue to learn as well as challenges and successes.

We welcome you to join our community and witness the making of an exceptional nonprofit... and become an exceptional organization of your own!

12th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 17:48:11 GMT

12th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser Success!

The 12th Annual Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser was a huge success! At the beginning of the year our goal was to raise $5,000. Because of some amazing, generous donations and the spectacular turnout at the event, we not only met our goal, we exceeded it! We can't say thank you enough for all the support we continue to receive for the work we are doing. We are so excited that, beginning next year, we will finally reach our goal of doubling the scholarship awards.

The Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund has plans to implement new projects and events and with all the support we continue to receive, and the support keeps growing, we are confident that we will be successful in future endeavors.

A special thank you to our board of directors and another huge THANK YOU to Miranda Holt, Kasey Lanier Wilkie and Curtis McDuffie for always working so hard each and every year to help make the event successful! Thank you to the honorable Judge Rosalind Baker for coming out!

We can't wait to see everyone again next year!

12th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Sat. 7.16.22

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:16:47 GMT

12th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser

Come out and join us for great food for a great cause!

Not able to attend but would still like to support... no worries, we got you covered!

We are now accepting CashApp and PayPal donations.

CashApp: $jldscholarship

2022 Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:16:44 GMT

Juneteenth Holiday - Commemorating Freedom!

It was an honor joining the host of other vendors who came together to celebrate and commemorate the Juneteenth holiday at the Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration held in Lexington, NC on Saturday, June 18th. Celebrating Juneteenth, which is a merging of June and nineteenth, is important for the Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund because it's historical events such as this that makes it possible for us to exist today. When the Union Army, General Gordon Granger, announced on June 19, 1865 the emancipation of the enslaved African Americans in Texas it was the birth of new life! This announcement came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln declared the Emancipation Proclamation. The enslaved people in Texas were not aware of their freedom until 1865 and even after learning of their freedom they still had so many mountains to climb and time that passed before they could really feel the impacts of that freedom. Still today black, African America, and people of color in America have mountains to climb in order to take hold of the freedom our ancestors fought so hard for. But we can now officially celebrate with national recognition that WE ARE FREE!

2022-2023 Scholarship Award Recipients

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 22:31:16 GMT

We're excited to announce the 2022 recipients!

This is the reason we work so hard... for this moment! The moment we can announce the recipients of the scholarship awards. We are honored to announce the 2022 scholarship recipients.

(Pictured left to right)

Elijah Bobo

Jheydin Russell-Harley

2021-2022 Scholarship Award Recipients

Tue, 25 May 2021 07:35:34 GMT

We're excited to announce the 2021 recipients!

This is the reason we work so hard... for this moment! The moment we can announce the recipients of the scholarship awards. We are honored to announce the 2021 scholarship recipients.

(Pictured left to right)

Xavier Wall (A&T State University)

Edward Castillo (South Florida)

Quentin Carter (WSSU)

Keith Johnson (WSSU)

11th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

Tue, 25 May 2021 07:26:42 GMT

Fundraiser Success!

Another successful fish fry fundraiser for the JLD Scholarship Fund! We were able to raise $1100 of our $2000 goal! The fish fry is usually held at the Rescue Squad in Lexington, NC. However, due to COVID, the Rescue Squad was unable to rent out their space this year. Nevertheless, even with a venue change we received so much support (a special thank you to Garrett "Papa Bo" Knotts for supplying our venue). We saw many returning faces as well as new faces. We could not have done it without the support of all of our family, friends and the entire community who came out to support and/or gave a donation. We could have also not been able to have such a successful event without our cook, Curtis, and the help of family including Kasey Lanier-Wilkie, Miranda Holt, Lydia McBride and Curtis, Jr. assisting with every task that was at hand! A huge THANK YOU to Mayor Newell Clark of Lexington, NC for supporting our event. And a special S/O to our board of black girl magic!

If you would still like to donate and help us reach our $2000 goal you can send a donation via CashApp ($jldscholarship) or click "Donate Now" to send a PayPal donation.

Think Future. Think Scholarship.

11th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Sat. 5.22.21

Mon, 17 May 2021 22:40:31 GMT

11th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser

Come out and join us for great food for a great cause!

Not able to attend but would still like to support... no worries, we got you covered!

We are now accepting CashApp and PayPal donations.

CashApp: $jldscholarship

Women AdvaNCe: Finding Purpose in Loss

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 12:57:32 GMT

Finding Purpose in Loss

We are honored to have been afforded the opportunity to write an article for Women AdvaNCe to share our story of loss and how we decided to find purpose in the loss.

Check out the article: https://www.womenadvancenc.org

Women AdvaNCe is an independent nonpartisan educational institute dedicated to improving the lives of North Carolina’s women and families by providing education and encouraging constructive public dialogue about progressive ideas and public policy initiatives. Women AdvaNCe empowers North Carolina women by creating a network charged with progressing social change. Our non-profit organization unites women to share their stories and help create a fair chance for every woman and every family.

Johnny's 38th Birthday

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:18:56 GMT

$38 GoFundMe Campaign in Honor of Johnny's 38th Birthday!

Today, February 1st, 2021, as Johnny's (aka Lee-Lee) sister I would like to send a heavenly happy birthday to my first best friend! No matter how many years go by it still seems like just yesterday when you and I were picking fights and arguing over whose night it was to do the dishes! I know you are looking down on all of us and especially keeping a watchful eye on two of my favorite people, your son Jayden and your daughter Leeleean. We will love you always and you will forever be in our hearts.

The Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship Fund would like to welcome all who wishes to help us celebrate Lee-Lee's birthday to join our $38 campaign and make a $38 donation via GoFundMe... link below. We appreciate your support!

https://gofund.me/b2d69cab

Make A Plan For Success

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 15:34:04 GMT

Often times we may have a dream to start a business or non-profit, go to college, or maybe even get involved in missions. However, that dream never materializes because we failed to plan. As we begin to prepare for starting that business, writing those college essays, researching mission opportunities we may find that the tasks may be quite daunting and easily persuaded to give up. But we are here to encourage you to NEVER GIVE UP! Make a plan for success! When you begin to feel overwhelmed by the work required to turn your dream into reality take a moment, stop, breathe, locate resources that can provide assistance and once you have your second wind... keep going. If you are in this place of feeling overwhelmed and need help in making a plan for success and moving forward in the right direction, consider contacting DREEAMMS Global, LLC where they specialize in helping you fulfill your dreams in Life, Love and Learning!

https://www.dreeammsglobal.com

DREEAMMS Global, LLC services include:

Educational Programs

Ministry Assignments

Coaching

Publishing

Consulting

JLD Scholarship Fund Vision for 2021

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:19:32 GMT

Over the past 10 years the Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr Scholarship has been able to award between $1000 and $1500 annually with the help and support of family, friends and the community providing donations and participating in our annual fish fry fundraiser. It is our goal for the year of 2021 for the very first time to award at least $5000 in scholarships this year. Finally accomplishing our goal as being established as a non-profit 501c3 organization we are confident that between obtaining grants and receiving the consistent support of our family, friends and community we will reach our goal! Thank you for your support!

We appreciate your support!

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16th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

A Day of Community, Legacy, and Impact!

�� A Full-Circle Moment

�� A Community That Shows Up

�� Real Impact: $2,000 Raised for Scholarships

����‍�� The Team Behind the Mission

�� Partners Who Make It Possible

��‍��‍��‍�� A Legacy Carried Forward

�� Thank You

�� What’s Next?

MLK Day of Service

Everybody Can Serve: Reflecting on Our MLK Day Crafts & Cocoa Pop-Up

PBS American Coup Screening & Panel Discussion

A Thought-Provoking Community Conversation

Our First JLD Community Support Circle Session

A Powerful Beginning: Healing, Hope, and Community

�� Areas of Focus for Whole-Person Wellness

�� Building a Personal Support Team

�� What Participants Said

Continuing the Journey

Mission Monday: A Single Thought Can Change Everything

A Thought. A Breath. A Change.

Mission Monday: Honoring Lee-Lee’s Legacy & Building a Safer Future

A Tribute. A Call to Action.

3 Life Lessons from Lee-Lee’s Story:

Mission Monday: Back-to-School Success

5 Tips to Make This Your Best Year Yet!

Mission Monday: "The Time for Action Is Now"

Join us. Speak up. Show up.

Lexington Community Safety Awareness Block Party 2025

United for Safety. United for Success.

2025-2026 Scholarship Award Recipients

Celebrating Our 15th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Award Recipients!

Fundraiser Recap: Battle of the Squads Basketball Tournament & 15th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser

A Day of Community, Competition, and Generosity: Recap of JLD Community Solutions' 15th Annual Fish Fry & Battle of the Squads Basketball Tournament

Monday Motivation: Secure Your Financial Future

Securing Your Financial Future : A Call to Action for Young Men of Color

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WATCH! New YouTube Series, JLD Storytellers

Showcasing inspiring stories of young men of color in our community!

MLK Day "I Have A Dream" Crafts & Cocoa Popup Recap

�� MLK Day Magic: A Community Celebration of Dreams! ��

2024 Men of Valor Christmas Sneaker Ball Recap

Kickin' It for A Cause: Celebrating Our Men of Valor

"Try Love" Community Against Gun Violence Event Recap

#TryLove Commitment

National Gun Violence Awareness Day 6.7.24

#WearOrange

2024-2025 Scholarship Award Recipients

2024 JLD Scholarship Fund Award Recipients

14th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

Community support makes a difference!

Celebrating Women's History Month

“Women Who Advocate for Equity, Dive rsity and Inclusion.”

Leading with Integrity

Celebrating Black History Month

Honoring Our Past, Nurturing Our Future!

2023 Men of Valor Christmas Ball

Honoring Excellence, Making A Difference

Community Against Gun Violence Block Party Recap 6.3.23

"Together We Stand"

We've Rebranded!

JLD Scholarship Fund is now "JLD Community Solutions"!

Mayor Hayes' Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation

Mayor Jason Hayes makes proclamation in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day

2023-2024 Scholarship Award Recipients

2023 JLD Scholarship Fund Award Recipients

13th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Recap

An overwhelming turnout leading to amazing results!

13th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser Sat. 3.25.23

12th Annual JLD Scholarship Fund Fish Fry Fundraiser

National Gun Violence Survivors Week February 1 - 7

1 in 5 adults know or care about someone who was killed with a gun.

2022 "Where They Are Now" Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction

Celebrating our scholarship award recipients

Keynote Speaker - Ronnie Beverly - Full Video

August Event Recap

The Kyndall Project 7th Annual Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway 8.13.22

��‍�� The Team Behind the Mission