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Aboriginal Black Men United celebrated their 30th annual Thanksgiving Turkey give away in the Bayview area of San Francisco and gave away over 2,200 turkeys to area residents. Held at the corner of Lane and Shafter, hundreds of community members passed through on foot, in cars and via public transportation.
“It’s a blessing for our community to have this,” Brenda P., who attended this event for four years said. “They make sure that even if we cannot come, we can still get a Turkey.”
This year’s give-away also recognised one of ABU’s former members, Sirvante Rhodes for his service to the community. “Serv exhibited perseverance and strong character, traits which many were challenged to do first hand through a vision of success, not just for himself, but for his comrades as well,” said Ashley, Rhodes’ father.
The President of ABU, James Richards, thanked all who came to recognize the organization’s decades-long commitment to the community. “We’re here today for our annual Thanksgiving Turkey giveaway, and this is our 30th time, 30th year. It helps feed the community and we are finally being recognized for all the work that we’re doing,” Richards said.
The benefit, which raised more than 27,000 dollars from general contractors and donors, went directly to purchase turkeys. ABU means hire locally and develop the community. It has been an anchor for Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood for thirty years.
Nicole, a resident and cousin to the late Sirvante Rhodes, explained what it all means. “This is in honor of my cousin Vante who passed away that would have been right here giving away the turkeys and sharing loud, joyful, and vibrant ideas. This is beautiful.”
Besides giving away turkeys, ABU works throughout the year to assist the community, recognize various cultures, and address various social issues involving indigenous and aboriginal Bay Area people. From activism to workforce development, the organization seems to be placing its emphases on making the economic conditions of these marginalized communities better.
The presence of ABU in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood has been transformative. Beyond the annual turkey giveaway, the organization engages in various community service activities, from organizing protests for local hiring to distributing essential supplies to the less fortunate. Tabari Morris, an intern with SFBayView, reflected on the event’s significance, “This is beautiful. I’m glad to be a part of it. When I saw it, I was like, ‘oh yes, I’ve got to be here.'”
As the event concluded, smiles, hugs, and handshakes were exchanged, symbolizing not just the end of a successful day but the ongoing commitment of ABU to the community. “I am happy to finally be able to be there and even got to participate in handing out some turkeys too. After over 30 years, I am happy to participate in giving them their flowers for all they do and have done for the community,” said one of the volunteers.
The ABU Turkey Giveaway serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, ensuring that thousands in the community have a Thanksgiving meal and a reason to celebrate the bonds of community spirit and resilience.
Tabari Morris is a journalism major at CCSF and SF Bayview National Black Newspaper internship journalism program. He can be reached at beneficial415sf@gmail.com.
