By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
The holidays are a time for loved ones to come together, celebrate, create memories, and enjoy good food. For Louis and Ayanna Brown, co-founders of the Alajawan Brown Foundation – a non-profit organization founded in the memory of their son, Alajawan Brown, who was killed in 2010 – the hosting of a Thanksgiving dinner for the community is one of the many ways the Brown’s are carrying on their son’s legacy of wanting to always give back to the community.
This year, the event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Thurs., Nov. 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Talley High School in Seattle.
“In 2010, at the age of 12, Alajawan was shot and killed on purpose but in the case of mistaken identity. So, this foundation was created by my Husband Louis and I, in his honor because he used to say he wanted to make a difference in his community,” said Ayanna Brown, executive director of the Alajawan Foundation. “The dinner is taking place because one of the things Alajawan used to do was feed people, and so just carrying on his legacy is where the Thanksgiving dinner comes in.”
According to Brown, the Thanksgiving dinner aims to bring our community together during the season of giving, as many volunteers from the community are dedicating their time to give back to the community that they all cherish.
“All of the food is cooked the day of, so we will be there at 8:00 in the morning prepping the food and getting it ready, and there is a team of volunteers who will show up to help that day,” said Brown. “The doors open at 11:00 for a social gathering hour, and then the feeding starts at noon until 2:00. All are welcome, it is a free dinner that we want everyone to enjoy.”
For Brown, offering a free meal on Thanksgiving creates a sense of unity and compassion in the community, especially for those who may be struggling financially or facing food insecurity.
“This is a time for family to be together, and family is not always by blood, sometimes family is by bonds and connections,” Brown said. “And nothing brings a family together like food.”
As a strong community advocate, Brown shows her support for other local, non-profit organizations by attending their events and gatherings. One such organization is Cierra Sisters, a breast cancer survivor and support non-profit organization in Seattle. Brown says she and Bridgette Hempstead, founder and president of Cierra Sisters, have a mutual support system that is endless.
“I am not a part of the Cierra Sisters directly, but Mrs. Bridgette and I support each other in our different community support efforts,” said Brown. “At the time we lost Alajawan, we were living in Skyway and Skyway became like family to us. So, with me doing my community work there, that led me to meet Mrs. Bridgette and we have gotten close through our individual positions within the community.”
“So, while even though I am not part of Cierra Sisters, when Bridgette hosts events with her organization, sometimes I am able to make it to her events in support of her, and vice versa,” she continued.
As we embark on the holiday season, Brown’s only wish is for the community to come together to eat and be happy.
“The only thing that I ask, is that I want everyone to be a part of this dinner. I want you to eat,” said Brown. “And if you are vegetarian and don’t want to eat, then taste the tea and make sure it is sweet enough. I just want everyone to truly be a part of this dinner for the holiday.”