It was a big night for Big Thought on Saturday night, March 4, as the stars shined bright at The Factory in Deep Elum.
Big Thought is a nonprofit organization that impacts education by closing the opportunity gap within marginalized communities in Dallas.
This is done by giving the youth in Dallas the tools and skills they need to create a better life and a better world.
Byron Sanders, CEO of Big Thought, spoke about the importance and the meaningful impact of Big Thought on the youth of Dallas.
“It means so much because it’s the first time that we’ve been out like this since 2019, so it’s the first time since the pandemic, and to see that the reception is still so energetic, so warm, and vigorous, it means that people still connect with the mission and they haven’t forgotten about these young people,” said Sanders.
“We wouldn’t have civil rights, we would not have freedom, liberation if it weren’t for those young people, and so when I think about what those black and brown bodies, minds, spirits can do, what’s the next horizon for us to solve, what’s the next revolution, and it’s not going to be led by you and me,” Sanders continued.
“The ones who are going to really move us are them, that’s what this means, and it’s about giving them the tools so they can go out there and do that better than any of us could have ever dreamed, Sanders concluded.
Mentors play a significant role in the lives of many children from all walks of life. As a multi-award-winning media personality, author, actor, and host of the Big Night Fundraiser, Bevy Smith understands the importance she has of being a mentor.
“I wear many titles – author, tv host, motivational speaker – but the title I love most is that of mentor. Mentoring young people (especially from disadvantaged communities) is my greatest accomplishment,” said Bevy Smith.
Bevy Smith wasn’t the only big name to grace the Big Night Fundraiser; the night brought out former Dallas Independent School District superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa, event chairs Lynn and Allen McBee, Christa, and Ketric Sanford.
The event also brought out honorary chairs Donna Wilhelm and Dallas Cowboys star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and wife Sasha, who gathered in support of the fundraising event.
Former DISD superintendent, Hinojosa, attended the event and received The Edith O’Donnell Legacy Leadership Award.
The award honors outstanding community leaders who have committed a lifetime of work in youth leadership and are also paving the way to close the opportunity gap.
“Big Thought has been one of our biggest partners in Dallas ISD all 13 years that I was superintendent, and they’ve done so much for the community and for our students; whether it’s after school or social-emotional learning there’s so many different things that they’ve helped us with, and it’s been a great pleasure to be associated with big thought for all these years,” Hinojosa said.
“I think that there needs to be an opportunity to keep this momentum going, and it’s very important that people who want to see this continue to happen be part of the team to help keep the momentum going, and it’s just really important for these kids’ future to have people that they know care about them.”
DeMarcus and Sasha Lawrence were honorary chair members, and they were recognized for their contributions and commitment to the children of Dallas.
“This is just a great opportunity to come out, show face to the community and also show the kids love and support,” said Lawrence.
Joshua Carter