FBL : Our Billboards

COMMENTS ON THIS BILLBOARD

Jan 23, 2008

>> I really like the story about Oral Lee Brown. It gives a lot of information about her. I think she is a great citizen. Destiny S., Bakersfield, California USA

Nov 29, 2007

>> Saw the bus commercial because I had taped the Regis show. Great commercial, keep it up, all young kids, all nationalities, wonderful! Marian K., New York USA

Nov 21, 2007

>> I love this part of the backstory: "and if not me, who?" I think that is the message we should all take from Oral Lee and this site. It's up to us to make changes, take action, be positive examples. Thank you so much!

Jul 28, 2007

>> We should be understanding and caring to all beings. Violette M., Kenya

Apr 25, 2007

>> that's nice

Apr 23, 2007

>> I agree. Read the backstory. As a future teacher (six months to graduation and counting) this is the definition of what we should be doing for our kids. Above all else, inspire people to do more. Rebecca D., Houston, Texas

Apr 8, 2007

>> helping others really provides true satisfaction and really that's life true life for me. raksha rana, lainchaur

Mar 12, 2007

>> Read the 'backstory' on this billboard. That is a very very inspiring story. What a sacrifice and commitment she made for those kids, their futures, and OUR futures. Truly, that's amazing. I feel like I need to do more after reading about her. And I definitely know I CAN do more! I would love to hear about successes or stories from her "adopted" students!

ADD YOUR OWN COMMENT

Oral Lee Brown made a promise to a group of 23 East Oakland, Calif. first-graders in 1987, "Stay in school, and I'll send you to college." The realtor began saving immediately, putting $10,000 per year in a fund from her $40,000 salary. She also held fundraisers to raise the money.

Ms. Brown did more than simply make a promise to the children; she became an active part of their lives. She became benefactor, mentor, and second mother to 23 first-graders. She began with regular visits, Saturday tutorials, and parent meetings. She tracked each child's attendance and grades; bought gifts; and purchased supplies.

Ms. Brown took the students on recruiting trips to colleges and attended nine different high school graduations. She also accompanied each student to college. Nineteen of the students enrolled in college and three others went into trade schools. One student died at age 13. Several have already graduated from college.

With her initial commitment to 23-first graders nearing completion, Ms. Brown has tackled another challenge. She recently "adopted" another class. This time, she is sponsoring 20 ninth graders from six different Oakland high schools. "Somebody has to train these kids. Somebody has to teach them, and if not me, who? If not now, when? We must do it. It's got to be done," said Ms. Brown.