Mothers from Southeast Washington, D.C. are speaking out against violence via the nonprofit organization, Making a Difference, founded by Suitland, Md. resident Prince Hamm. The organization works to support families–mothers in particular–who have lost children due to gun violence. M.A.D. will partner with Friends of Anacostia Park on Saturday, Dec. 21 for a fundraiser and afternoon of family fun with the Winter Wonderland and Holiday Skate event, at Anacostia Park from 12 to 4 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Prince Hamm)
By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Two nonprofit organizations based in Southeast Washington, D.C., Friends of Anacostia Park and Making a Difference (M.A.D.), are partnering for an event, the Winter Wonderland and Holiday Skate, on Dec. 21. The program will distribute free bicycles and other gifts to youth, offer tasty treats and serve as a time for friends and families to come together during the holiday season.
Prince Hamm, CEO and founder of M.A.D., said the event will be a fundraiser for the organization whose mission is to “nourish the hungry, inspire the broken and serve individuals and families in communities threatened by poverty.”
While it’s the first time M.A.D. has sponsored this kind of fundraising initiative, Hamm said he’s worked with Friends of Anacostia Park in the past for community events.
“We want people to get out their skates and come out for an afternoon of fun and we’ll have a DJ spinning the sounds, hot chocolate, apple cider and instructors on hand to help children make candles that they can take home as Christmas gifts,” Hamm said. “A lot of people have already heard about the event and seem to be excited. In fact, we’re expecting around 500 people. We won’t turn anyone away.”
Hamm now resides in Suitland, Md. but he’s always lived in the region, as he was born in Virginia and raised in D.C. He said he’s led by the mantra that “whatever makes you mad reveals what you can do to make a difference.”
“We help at-risk youth, returning citizens, the homeless, the elderly and especially mothers who have lost children due to gun violence,” he said. “We have some strong mothers who are committed to our mission and are turning their pain into a purpose. But it is painful.”
“On my team, we’ve lost an eight-year-old who was sitting on the couch at home and eating a taco when bullets riddled his home and ended his life. That was our youngest victim,” said Hamm. “The oldest child we’ve buried was a young man, 29, who was shot 22 times. His mother’s name were the last words he spoke before he died.”
Hamm said that part of what he does is lead folks in conflict resolution.
“I often go into schools to provide instructions in the methodology to youth. Another thing that’s essential for improving our community is educating people about the dangers of opioid abuse,” Hamm continued. “In our community, a lot of people are in pain and are suffering and we often self-medicate as a way of coping.”
Hamm noted that M.A.D. is undergirded by a strong group of mothers who have come together and encourage one another in hopes that other parents will not find themselves joining their “fraternity and sorority of gun violence survivors.”
“Our mothers are amazing especially given what they’ve had to endure – the loss of a child,” he said. “They also go to schools in our community and put on workshops, plays – anything that helps people heal and provides coping skills.
“In 2017, before I started M.A.D., I attended more candlelight vigils than some people will attend during their entire life. I was tired of it, and I had had enough. So, along with several friends who felt the same, we decided to do something in our community for our community. As for the skating event, we want to spread the warmth of love. That’s what it’s all about,” Hamm said.
Hamm emphasized that residents should come out even if the ticketing site indicates that tickets are gone.
“We will have enough for everyone,” Hamm promised.
Free shuttles will be available at the Anacostia Metro station and tickets can be secured by visiting tinyurl.com/foapww. To contact Hamm, email makingadifferencenonprofit@gmail.com.
For more information on Making a Difference, please visit www.mad-dmv.org.
