By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JUNE 19, 2020 | Every now and then, a story comes by that just gladdens your heart.
On Wednesday we heard of a gathering set for Saturday, June 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Thrasher Park in Norcross. It’s called the “Togetherness Project,” and has been organized by members of the 2011 Class of Norcross High School. It will be a catered cookout, free to all. All families in Norcross are invited. The project is being held in cooperation with the 5ive Foundation of Norcross High.
Besides coming together, there will be music, guest speakers, raffles, and food. All will be free.
Bradley Coleman, now living in New Orleans, La. and teaching at George Washington Carver High School, is the lead organizer. His parents are Vengia and Jeffrey Coleman, who live off Medlock Bridge Road. Bradley says: “This gathering will be family friendly, with no smoking and no drinking. We want to bring the entire Norcross community together in a positive and peaceful atmosphere.”
Bradley wanted to hold this event two weeks ago, but took the time to organize it correctly, and get a permit for the event from the City of Norcross. Bradley says that recently, he has been peacefully protesting, but felt the need to do something for the community where he was raised. “I talked to my old teammate, Kendrix Hitt, and we bounced ideas off each other. Then we reached out to more guys, classmates of ours, and we came together with this idea of a ‘Togetherness’ celebration. Then we organized, putting people with jobs which they were good at, and all of a sudden, we had something going.”
Coleman was a member of the Norcross High football team and 2011 state basketball champions. “I was born and raised in Norcross, and the area is dear to me.” He later coached at Peachtree Ridge and Mountain View High Schools.
Bradley has had lots of help from his classmates, many who were members of the Norcross High football and basketball teams. That includes three professional football players, Max Garcia (Arizona Cardinals), Jason Croom (Buffalo Bills) and Geremy Davis (Detroit Lions.) Several other classmates have been helpful, including Seth Hinsley of Atlanta, Kendrix Huitt of Lawrenceville and from Norcross, Arius Wright, Erika Miranda, Matt Poole, Montgomery Tardy and Neil Reifenburger.
Jesse McMillian, the boys basketball coach at Norcross High, says that in talking with Bradley, “He remarked on how he felt that Norcross High School had prepared him for ‘real life’ because of our racial and economic diversity, because of his teachers and staff, and two incredible school resource officer, like Officers Chuck McCallum and Jennifer Gardner. He also mentioned the consistent feeling of community and cooperation that we have also enjoyed. Bradley also mentioned that he had spoken to many of his high school friends, and that they echoed these same statements.”
McMillian said that he understood that Bradley has been “an impressive voice during these times, taking part in and organizing peaceful protests in Georgia and Texas. And now he has taken this step further by championing many of his peers to organize the Togetherness Project in Norcross.”
McMillian adds: “We were lucky enough to teach these students. I ask that you join me on Saturday and bring people you know. It’ll be an afternoon of people that care for each other and are committed to navigating these unprecedented and difficult times.”
Isn’t this a great story of local graduates making a meaningful undertaking!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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