Kathey Avery of the One Help One Project. Photo: Johnnie Grant – Urban News

by Kathey Avery

After many discussions with family, friends, and other African Americans, I have come to realize the old theory that we as a people don’t trust each other has some merit. Moreover, the idea that we often appear not to want each other to succeed may be more truth than theory. I want African Americans as a group to address these issues.

After reading “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” by Dr. Joy Degruy Leary, I am convinced we need to deal with these issues sooner rather than later. I think we can all agree that although we have a history that clearly has not — and sometimes still does not — work in our favor, we have issues that clearly are our own that KEEP US DOWN as much as anything done to us in the past.

The One Help One project conducted an experiment this past summer to see if African Americans would be willing to give $1.00 to help other African Americans within their community. We tried it out at Asheville’s Goombay Festival where the community responded by giving $282. The money raised from the One Help One experiment went to several organizations in the community that focus on helping disparities in our area, which included New City Christian School, and Building Bridges’ scholarship program. 

While raising money to help organizations that are helping people in the community, the One Help One experiment can get us discussing important issues, and make a big impact on our community. Giving one dollar is not a big effort for most folks, but our combined effort can make a big impact. People will continue to give because helping people who need “a leg up,” especially in this economy, is good for everyone.

Building Bridges has decided to sponsor the One Help One Project with future endeavors. We are so appreciative of all those who contributed and participated. One Help One is a concept that can continue with the support of the community.

One age group of concern is between the ages of 18-25. If young adults from this age group don’t go to college, their wages in the workplace are so low for uneducated workers they are already in poverty. If they have children, or criminal background — this puts them further into poverty. We must continue to direct and guide our young adults to living a better lifestyle.

We will continue with this project and try to raise funds to be used for organizations trying to improve areas of education, health, job skills training, and child care issues.