By Brandon Johnson – Contributing Writer
The back room of the Malcolm X Library was filled on November 23rd as the homeless of our city were treated to an amazing Thanksgiving meal; complete with all of the trimmings including every type of pie, turkey and all of the usual thanksgiving goodies. Everyone was welcomed, especially those less fortunate, to come in for a free meal. This is all thanks to the kindness of Alice Lloyd and the Blessed Woman and Elegant Divas Organization. “Three years ago I had a vision,” says Mrs. Lloyd. “I told my Blessed Diva group that instead of us celebrating birthdays, I would like to give back and do something for the homeless and my daughter said she wanted to do something too. This was the result.” And what a result it was, so much so that they had to keep a steady rotation of guests so that everyone could come in grab a seat and enjoy. In speaking of her mother and grandmother, the two women responsible for this day, Kanitra Simmons shared a little bit about their heart for giving. “My grandmother and my mother are two amazing women of God with huge hearts. They both dedicate their lives to giving back to the community and helping those in need.”
Simmons continued “My mother has tons of stories of offering money and food to anyone she encounters. From sharing her packed lunch with a hungry man on the Greyhound to buying a meal for a homeless man outside the convenience store and even helping a women buy a bus ticket to get home to her family. My grandmother has spent her life serving God and her community. She and my grandfather, before his passing, donated money, time and so much more to help make our community a better place. Although my grandma is still mourning the loss of my grandfather, she has not stopped her efforts. Being the benevolent person she is, she picked herself back up and decided to start a new annual tradition of feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving. She has been feeding the homeless weekly for several years, but this new event has expanded her giving to reach more people in the community. These women are passionate about what they do and they amaze me every day.”
