We were lucky to catch up with Alonzo Perrin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alonzo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My parents always found the time to serve others. My dad used to tell me, “I can feel you looking at me.” I always watched my parents and how they treated people. I’m standing on the shoulders of my parents and my ancestors. They made sure that I knew that I was born to be a blessing and to not just receive blessings. I will do what I can to empower and inspire the next generation of families and kids that God sends our way.
Alonzo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Focus on the City, a 501(c)(3) organization, was started to honor my dad and mom . My father, Colonel Alonzo Perrin, was a police officer in the city of East St Louis for 33 years. He passed away in March 2017. My mom Toni Perrin was an educator in the city of East St Louis for 30 years. My mom is still a resident of East St. Louis. I was blessed to come across some backpacks at a Office Depot in Houston Texas that was in the process of closing. I ended up buying close to 70 backpacks before the store closed. After that, I awaited God’s direction. I knew I wanted to give back to my hometown but wasn’t sure how. I was blessed to partner with the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to co-host a Backpack giveaway and Health Fair starting in 2018. This event has taken place every summer since. So far, we have given away 1500 backpacks 1500 books, and 2000 items of clothing. We have been blessed to partner with Bombas Socks to giveaway 4000 pairs of socks. In the year of 2020, We started the T.A.P Scholarship award also called The Toni & Alonzo Perrin Scholarship award. Since 2020 we have given over 3000 dollars in funds and resources to help students to further their education. In 2021 we started a Boys Mentoring Program and Seminar called, “Battles, Books, and Business”. This event is to inspire and empower young African American boys. We try to equip them with words and resources that can help them with the battles that they face. We have helped and mentored 21 boys and are currently prepping for our 3rd boys’ event on April 22, 2023 in East St. Louis. Our Backpack Giveaway and Health Fair is scheduled for August 5th 2023.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, everything was altered and shut down. Everyone had to accept a new normal. That isn’t always easy. Our 3rd Annual Backpack giveaway was originally scheduled for August 1st. There were still restrictions on the volume of people that were allowed in a building at a time. Our first two Backpack Giveaways and Health Fair served close to 600 people. Due to the restrictions, the Health Fair part was canceled. We had to change the date of the event. We really weren’t sure how to move forward. Even with the challenges of the pandemic, I felt that our resources could bless the families in East St. Louis. The new date was set to August 22nd. I’m grateful to Mark Fryer and the JJK Foundation as we were able to have the Backpack giveaway outside. We loaded all of the backpacks with school supplies and books. The cars lined up and our volunteers put the items into their trunks. We ended up giving away 175 backpacks and books. It felt great to still be a blessing in such a time of chaos and confusion.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’m originally from East St Louis Illinois and most of our events have taken place there. One of the hardest things is living in Houston and planning for an event in another state. I have had to learn on the fly about event planning, shipping resources and the power of consistency. We have been blessed to have events that the people of East St. Louis looks forward to. When there are shipping challenges, I always remember the smiles of the families at each event and I know how the items that will be shipped will be a blessing for a family. Most years, I have shipped our resources from Houston and I have also driven the resources from Houston to East St. Louis. I’m grateful to have had traveling Grace over the years. It doesn’t feel like a burden because I know I’m in my Purpose. Purpose doesn’t burn you out. It takes a full year to get ready for our summer events and I welcome the challenge and I’m blessed God chose our family to give back to the City of East St Louis and wherever He sends us. I’m forever grateful to all of my family, friends, and classmates that have given their time and efforts to our events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.focusonthecity.org
- Instagram: @FocusontheCity1
- Facebook: AlonzoPerrin
- Linkedin: AlonzoPerrin
- Youtube: @urbaneyecon292
Image Credits
Christopher Mikals Photography and Marshall Mullen (M.Anson Mullen Photography)