Jacob Town, Paynesville City — Grandmother Marjorie Mitchell, dressed in her black outfit, sat joyfully, stirring at the over 200 children who were being fed hot meals as part of her American NBA player, David Duke, Jr Foundation celebration of her 74-year-old birthday.
By Jaheim T. Tumu
The children who gathered at the feeding hall that was constructed by her grandson Duke, Jr. and dedicated by her a few months ago, excitedly sang a birthday song, as one of them (Jessica Roberts) lay hands on her head uttering prayer of blessings.
Duke, Jr., 24, who plays professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA) on a two-way contract with the Austin Spur of the NBA G. League was born in Rhode Island to Liberian parents after they escaped the Liberian civil crisis to settle in the US.
David Duke, Sr. returning from the US, accompanied his mother to Neckleze Town Community, where the center was constructed, recognizes the importance of his mother being inclusive and sensitive to underprivileged children who have practically been excluded.
Carrying hot meals by himself to distribute to the kids, he says that Grandmother Mitchell, 74 birthday celebration is a milestone occasion not only for her but family.
Said Duke, Sr., “At 74 age, where she has come from, the gratitude that she wants to see right now is to give back.”
He added, “Her kids have grown and now we have kids, the best thing we can do is to come and see her and she always wants the children to be fed and celebrate her birthday.”
Duke, Sr., displaying over 100 sneakers and soccer boots, when down memories line. He explains that the family came from a humble beginning and people stood by them in the request for a successful life.
Mr. Duke, Sr. while tying the sneaker laces of one of the children, after presenting it, applauded his son for the thoughtfulness of giving back. He says the compassionate gesture demonstrates that these kids who are seen as excluded deserve love and care.
“We can’t make a difference in everybody’s life but when you can make a difference in a child’s life it is important,” he said.
He added, “We wish and pray for better days, so we can make a better impact. We pray that we can do more for all the children. So even if we put shoes on one child today it is important because good things and better things are ahead.”
Duke Sr., also appreciates Madam Ne-Suah Beyan Livingstone who runs the Rescued for Abandoned Children (REACH) that catered to underprivileged children across the country.
Madam Livingstone’s organization provides scholarships, and mentors and addresses the needs of smart, and underprivileged kids whose parents are unemployed or dead, single parents, orphans, street kids, or kids who come from homes where they are sexually and domestically abused.
Duke, Sr. further emphasized that the works that have been implemented over the years have made a great impact on those suffering kids.
“She goes around the country to get children to ensure that they get something to eat, their well-being, and better education, he said.
Madam Livingstone who has partnered with the David Duke, Jr. Foundation, presenting her warmest and most emotional hug of gratitude to Grandmother Mitchell, said she has made it traditional to always celebrate her birthday with underprivileged kids since she got to know about the REACH feeding program.
According to Madam Livingstone, it is thoughtful and even more exciting to share the celebration at the dining hall which was built by her grandson, Duke, Jr. one of the primary financiers of her sponsorship program.
“On behalf of the volunteers and the children, we want to say, Grandmother, we loved you. Thanks for your exceptional contribution. We are asking God to give you a long life,” she prayed.
