Activism

Giving Back, While Giving Thanks

Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB) wants everyone to truly embrace the concept of giving back year-round to those in need, which could help to alleviate homelessness, joblessness, poverty, hunger, healthcare and many of the ills that have befallen our community in every conceivable way.

Published

3 years ago

November 20, 2022

Oakland Post

Caption: FIGB co-founder and Post columnist Richard Johnson with Stanley Cox, aka, Mistah FAB.

Mistah FAB Collaborates With FIGB, AASEG and Post to Help Needy

By Richard Johnson

Every year the season of giving is highlighted by the acts of those who desire to give to those who are less fortunate.

We should salute and embrace those givers!

One such person is Stanley Cox, better known as Mistah FAB, who has been giving to the community for more than 18 years. He has demonstrated a remarkable spirit of thanks, gratitude, and humility in all of his various forms of giving back to his community.

This year, the Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB) organization, in partnership with the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG) and the Post News Group, will volunteer in collaboration with Mistah FAB by distributing a variety of items — from turkeys and other food items to coats, gloves, blankets, boots, umbrellas, hats and more to the needy.

The upcoming event is Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at 4506 Market Street, Oakland, CA. All items are Free! As stated by Mr. Fab, a hot meal will be prepared on the spot for homeless individuals. We look forward to your attendance.

FIGB considers this opportunity to serve, especially needy families with children, both a pleasure and an honor.

The gifts we give are confirmation of what’s in our hearts.

FIGB wants everyone to truly embrace the concept of giving back year-round to those in need, which could help to alleviate homelessness, joblessness, poverty, hunger, healthcare and many of the ills that have befallen our community in every conceivable way.

Giving back is our way of saying that we are truly our brother’s keepers. When each one of us reaches others through selfless actions we will set a positive example for others to emulate.

At times, as a society, we fail to realize that life always has its ups and down, yet through the graciousness of God we overcome a lot.

In recent years, however, it appears that society has allowed the failures to overtake the successes, causing too many to lose hope and faith and replace it with selfishness, greed and disregard for their fellow human beings.

Look around you and see what I see; the pain, hurt and despair is what we have allowed ourselves to become and to exist in. People of wealth and means can be at the forefront of giving if they truly desired.

It should never be a question of “should I,” or “shouldn’t I?” It should always be “how can I help?” It should always be how can I help change suffering and poverty into stability, joy, and appreciation for life?

Whether we accept it or not, we are an extension of one another.

We need more people like Mistah FAB who truly understands what it takes for us to believe, trust and have faith that through a sense of giving we can change the trajectory of defeat.

One does not have to be wealthy to give. The only criteria are that you give wherever you can to help others. Everything will fall in place and take shape for the betterment of all.