Am I My Brother's Keeper?

New year, new attitude and a new entry. I took the time over my short vacation to interview a delicious black man that is doing the work of Jesus. Jesus is the most prolific person the world over. Regardless of whether you believe in him or not. Debate about his color of skin, origin or his date of birth. It can not be denied that Jesus was a worker. He came to do a job and to deliver a message. My friend Mr. James Hughes is doing the same. He has taken it upon himself to go to the masses of the forgotten to help them in and out of their situations. James has started a charitable organization for homeless men, women and children. His organizationThe Captn's Closet Capers was established to help those who are most in need. As we all know with the current economic climate in our country we could all be a paycheck away from from being homeless. I took the time to ask James some questions about his organization. Please enjoy our interview.

BMAD: What inspired you to start Captn's Closet Capers? (Side note: James is affectionately known to his friends as The Captain).

James: I couldn't understand why there was money to fight wars but none to
help every homeless persons in America get off the streets but it was through my
F.O.I. training in the Nation of Islam I was taught that we who have the ability to go in
the streets where those who are suffering and need help should go and help. That
training took away any fear of dealing with those who we may sometimes look at as
rough and hard to deal with. A year ago a good friend of mine named Pink asked me
if  I could go with her to take blankets to those living on the streets and to
anyone in need but we never got the chance to do it. I was very excited too and
over the year my urge to help the homeless just grew. It wasn't something
that happened or I saw, Allah really just laid it on me hard to do this. It was
actually Pink who gave me the name of my charity organization The Captn's Closet
Capers.

BMAD: I've often heard you say that you are doing the work of Jesus. Tell us why.

James: Without going all into the Bible, we all know that Jesus was about helping
the poor and suffering and it is through Minister Farrakhan who to me is the greatest
example of a human being following in the footsteps of Jesus that I learned what
it really means to be a servant for God's people. So I say humbly that my mission of helping the homeless is my way of following in Jesus' footsteps.
.

BMAD: Do you feel that homelessness and homeless men in particular are overlooked in this city?

James: I am just really getting started but  I think its safe to say that over the
years homelessness has been over looked for sure. Baltimore City is now
working on a 10 year plan to end homelessness and I think the County is looking
into it as well but for the City its a done deal and plans are on the way. The
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Housing and Resource Center opened on Fallsway in Baltimore City back in June. Its holds 275 men and women (I only see the men there) it provides food, showers, Internet and other services. State Delegate Jill Carter this past summer also introduced a bill(HB 248) that will grant the funding for a new shelter for homeless youth. So it seems like some in State and City government are trying to really end this problem. This national problem of homelessness.

BMAD: What has been your experience working with your charity? How have the people you served responded to you?

James: Well my charity is also for those who are in need as well. My experience with the
homeless has been very emotional and I have met some great people who are living
on the streets but my highlight so far was the adopting of 20 families. I received names from Social Services for the holidays through a charity program my childhood friend Keion Carpenter been doing the last few years called the Special Delivery. Just the feeling of helping these families and putting a smile on the kids face, because they wouldn't have had anything for Christmas.

BMAD: Do you feel that you are making a difference and how can others help you with your cause?

James: I believe through Allah's grace that I am making a difference and I am just
getting started. I have plans to grow this organization to the point we are able
to help statewide. Right  now my main form of communicating with others on what
I am doing next and just getting information is through my Captn's Closet Capers page on Facebook. I'm always inviting anyone who would like to go out with me. I usually go to the shelter on Fallsway every other Saturday.

I wanted to start the new year off with a brilliant example of a delicious black man and encourage you all out there along with myself to be more compassionate towards those who are most in need. Everyone needs help sometime and some need more help than others. Excellent job James. If you would like to help James in his mission please friend him on Facebook. Until next post please enjoy the picture of a delicious black man, Mr. Hughes of course and Kanye West's video Jesus Walks. I think the song is fitting for this post. As always have a great week. Church Hugs Gents, Diva Wave Ladies!