By Vanessa McCullers and Tiffany Bargeman

“I MOBB because Black boys and men walk a tightrope between their educations, their futures, their families and the systemic racism that leads to their being profiled and incarcerated. I MOBB because as mothers of Black sons, we walk that tightrope with them in our hearts every day. We can’t be idle. We have to try and change the world.”

     Passionate, vocal, caring, self-aware, protective, willing, proactive...these are just the first few characteristics that come to mind when CK’s name is mentioned. She has made many contributions to MOBB United since joining in July of 2016. She says that she spent some time exploring the different committees, including Policy, Health and Wellness, and Education and Engagement before settling down in Communications and working on our Newsletter, where she contributes ideas for content and writes and edits articles.

     You’ll find CK busy at any given time in several areas of MOBB United for Social Change’s (MUSC) mission to protect our sons. Here are just a few ways CK has made a difference at the grassroots level:

• Dedicating her time to calling officials on important issues from our virtual call center.

• Helping to found the Moms of Black Boys United Book Club, along with Kumari Ghafoor and Uchechi Eke.

• Gathering photos for inclusion in image campaigns to change perception about our sons.

• Contributing to the Policy Committee as a liaison to New York City.

• Joining our bi-weekly national status and update conference calls.

• Participating in committee conference calls.

• Posting in the MOBB United Facebook group her timely, thoughtful opinions on current events that impact our Black boys and men.

• Attending local rallies for our sons, representing MOBB United in her Woke Mom T-shirt!

     Remember that ONE thing is a big thing. If you volunteer to do just one thing that you have time and energy to do, it is SOMEthing that will make a world of difference in the lives of our sons. Please volunteer today. We are seeking help in many areas, including copy editing, research, graphic design, etc.

We have an urgent need for Chapter leaders for cities and towns all across the country. If you're ready to start a local chapter, applications will be available October 10. Visit www.mobbunited.org/ChapterDevelopment for details.

     Also, Moms of Black Boys United appreciates donations. To date, our organization has been completely self-funded; but to grow and expand, we need your help. Please consider donating to Moms of Black Boys United this month at mobbunited.org/donate.