The inspiration for the foundation is my mother, Margaret Byrd Jones.  She is one of seventeen children born to John and Lizzie Byrd and has five children:  Edmond Jones, Glover Jones, Lisa Jones Watkins, Cedric Jones and Leslie Jones Dantzler; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Education degree from Florida A&M University.  She also earned a Master of Science degree in Library Science from Atlanta University.  During her professional career she was the Associate Director of Libraries at Florida A&M University.

 

My mother understood that love of family, persistence, hard work and a good education are necessary components to a achieve most of your goals.  She also realized that negative community influence and lack of guidance are major reasons why youth in general and young girls in particular never reach their full potential. 

​

The Foundation has contributed to more than 2,500 bags of school supplies, $16,500 of scholarships, 300 bags of Thanksgiving items/treats, 150 bags of groceries and adopted 10 families for the holidays since its inception. 

​

Our logo, a "tree" with a "bird in the crown" are symbolisms for the strength of a mother, family and community that kept me and my siblings rooted in love of self and citizenship.  

​

​