With music pumping through the Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall Social-Economic Institute on Saturday, June 28, community members of all ages stepped onto the dance floor, not just to move their feet, but to move a mission forward.
The “Boots on the Ground Dance-A-Thon” brought together neighbors, advocates and elected officials for a night of line dancing, raffles, food trucks and fundraising. The event aimed to help the Circle of Brotherhood (COB) remain afloat after the U.S. Department of Justice abruptly cut a $2 million grant in April, which had funded gun violence prevention, wellness services, and COB staff salaries.
“This is a fundraiser, boots on the ground style,” said Executive Director Lyle Muhammad. “The community is coming out and supporting to say that we understand that the work that we do against gun violence is not only by the needle, but we should all be supporting essential workers.”
Dancing for a purpose
The Dance-A-Thon was hosted by Darryl “Coach D” Thomas, a health and wellness coordinator with COB, and co-hosted by Sybrina Fulton, mother of the late Trayvon Martin and another member of the organization’s wellness team. The idea for the Dance-A-Thon was sparked by two staff members and brought to life by Thomas.
“They know I love dancing, and we are in a fundraising mode right now,” said Thomas. “So I took it, ran with it, got all my colleagues, coworkers, and family and friends aboard, and this is where we are. We had a great turnout tonight.”
More than 60 attendees packed the room with energy and enthusiasm, wearing cowboy boots and hats. Contests for best dressed and best line dancer added flair, while a mechanical bull provided entertainment. Black-owned vendors offered food and accessories for purchase just outside.
Thomas said more themed events are on the way to maintain the momentum…