Last Saturday, three Black-owned businesses came together to host a community giveback event. The businesses were joined by youth from A 4 Apple Learning Center and members of the University of Washington football team who distributed coats, toys, books, and other essentials at A 4 Apple Learning Center’s newest location on 23rd & South Jackson.
According to organizers, the partnership between QueenCare, True Motivation LLC and A 4 Apple Learning Center highlights the positive impact that can be made when companies work together and who are committed to reviving Black culture at that intersection.
“My community means so much to me and especially here in the Central District,” said Monika Mathews, owner of QueenCare. “To be able to give back in a neighborhood that has been integral to my personal development makes me feel good and to be able to work together with other business owners who are also my business neighbors makes me feel even better. We are better together under any circumstance.”
All three business owners have an affinity for youth and recognize the need to bring more positive changes to the corner of 23rd and Jackson. QueenCare provides paid internships for Young Queens at their flagship location on Jackson, and A 4 Apple provides a high-quality learning environment for children aged 18 months and above.
“The youth are our future,” said Tre Simmons, CEO of True Motivation LLC. “It’s important for us as adults to model the values that we want to see in our youth. We want to continue to give hope to our young people and our community.”
Appolonia Washington, Owner of A 4 Apple Learning Center, says that this is the first of many community giveback events to be hosted by Black businesses on Jackson.
“It is important that A 4 Apple Learning Center support our communities to help build a solid foundation for youth and family and continually supply needed resources,” said Washington.
