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The Mabel R. Smallwood Foundation, Inc. has been launched in loving memory of Mabel R. Smallwood. It was announced today by her loving son, Grammy and Stellar Award winner Richard Smallwood. The non-profit, charitable Foundation has been developed to carry on the great work of Mrs. Smallwood and will work toward becoming a viable vehicle for the support and assistance of young people in areas of education and academic development, through training for creative and artistic development, and mentoring for their growth as viable contributors to our society. 

The Foundation will raise awareness for its cause and goals through an inspirational concert being held April 26, 2013 at the Andrew Rankin Chapel on Howard University’s campus. The event is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating.  The multi-artist bill will include Dr. Edwin Hawkins, Ms. A’ngela Winbush, a former Howard student who knew and loved Mrs. Smallwood, and the Maestro himself, Richard Smallwood and his celebrated group “Vision”. Spokespersons from the Foster Care and Adoption Community will be on hand to speak to the special commitment Mrs. Smallwood had for children.

Mabel Smallwood had a heart full of compassion and love. She and her husband were the foster parents for many youths that were wards of the court and temporarily housed at the DC Village facility until he passed away.  It was then that her son Richard agreed to help her with fostering these at risk youths as it was a requirement at that time that foster homes had male and female parenting in the home.

Until the time of her death, December 2009, Mrs. Smallwood was active in her community and has had a hand in raising many successful men and women who credit their attaining their life’s goals to having the love and care of this great woman. Personal testimonies will be shared by some of Mrs. Smallwood’s “children” who were labeled to be hard-to-place.  Additionally, family and friends whose lives were touch and blessed by the Godly love poured into them by Mrs. Smallwood will pay tribute to her work.  Her love and sacrifices will never be forgotten with the implementation of the Mabel R. Smallwood Foundation, Inc.   

Scholarship support and assistance will also be a major focus of the Foundation’s work. Because of the love for his mother, Richard honors her memory today by forming the Mabel R. Smallwood Foundation, Inc. so her contributions to society will forever live in history.

Financial support for the Foundation’s work is greatly needed.  Contributions can be sent to:  

The Mabel R. Smallwood Foundation, Inc., 15480 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD

About Mabel R. Smallwood

Born to Richard and Nellie Locklear in the rural area of Durham, N.C. in 1915, Mable Ruth was an only child, raised in a loving Christian home; she had a very close relationship with both parents.  She often prayed that she be given a long life, and the opportunity to bring joy to the lives of others.

At the young age of 19, she married the Rev. Chester Lee Smallwood, an older itinerate minister, and as a ‘first lady’ she travelled throughout the East Coast, the Midwest and the South, meeting the many people whose lives she was destined to touch.

About Richard Smallwood

Renowned for his musical prowess, Richard Smallwood is the progeny of the namesake of the Mabel R. Smallwood Foundation, Inc.  He personifies the spirit of his mother’s dream that children and youth would have love and compassion as they reach for their life’s goals.  He is committed to ensuring that the Foundation embodies the character of his mother’s heart as he serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

Richard’s music has been recorded by artists such as Destiny’s Child, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard, and many more. He accompanied opera legend Leontyne Price at a White House Christmas celebration during the Reagan administration. Richard, with his current group Vision, has recorded several successful projects for Verity records. He finished his Master’s degree in Divinity from Howard University in 2004 and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Courtest www.thebellereport.net   www.twitter.com.thebellereport     www.youtube.com/thebelletv

Gospel Music Hall of Famer Richard Smallwood Forms Foundation  was originally published on praiserichmond.com