By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper
Black Men & Women United (BM&WU) go back almost 20 years to the establishment of Black Men United following the New Year’s Eve murder of two Black women who got caught in a shootout when they stopped at a local store on the way home after a New Year’s Eve church service. Over the years the group evolved from an informal gathering of men from all walks of life in the community, to a non-profit organization which provided mentorship and volunteer Black male support for local schools, to a variety of community services; and support to mothers as single heads of households with Black males needing direction.
Over the years, the group has evolved to not only include Black Women, but also to a support resource for many people and organizations such as our local schools where we have provided food pantries and support to children and families with needs. With the Pandemic, the group moved to online zoom meetings which take place every Tuesday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. If you are African American, you have a membership by birth and are welcome to join. Simply contact the Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper at (619) 266 2233, leave your email address and you will receive a weekly email and link to join the meeting.
It must be stressed, this meeting is restricted to African American and Black participation because it is a healing and sharing space. Others are invited by appointment depending on issues and the sharing of information. This is the continuation of an almost 20 year tradition of providing a safe space for family conversations. This is not an act of racism. We have shared Chairmanship of our meetings and you are welcome to join.
Some of our past activities have included support for Bell Middle School and Porter Elementary School, the Scholarship program at Lincoln High School named after the later Brother Robert Tambuzi, and support of those programs and activities brought to our attention by participants allowing us to collectively provide help. We have no bank accounts, and collect no funds other than designated assistance when agreed upon. We find that this loosely structured approach works well after so many years.
The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint continues its support of Black Men & Women United and its many projects such as collection and distribution of goods to Haitian Immigrants who have been disproportionately affected by their waits at the Border seeking asylum and shelter. The goal continues to be one of seeking to serve rather than being serviced.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
 go back almost 20 years to the establishment of Black Men United following the New Year's Eve murder of two Black women who got caught in a shootout when they stopped at a local store on the way home after a New Year’s Eve church service.){kind=link}