Over the next few days, Hattiesburg Management Group will be in a tight fundraising mode. The firm is attempting to raise as much funds as it can to power the key events of the 26th Annual Black History Celebrations.
Hattiesburg Management Group oversees the Black History Celebrations, the largest Black History Celebration in the state, through its Community Development Division. Most of the key events, which typically averages thousands of people, are held at the end of the month.
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Most if not all of the events are free. The firm says the celebration is one of the biggest opportunities out of the entire year for the community to come together and honor those who've sacrificed so much, including their lives, be educated as well as entertained, and to build on the bridges and successes that has amassed over the years.
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The firm says it's very easy for anyone to support. Simply go online to www.HattiesburgGroup.com/blackhistory24 and choose how they want to support, whether as an individual or as a business. No size is to small or to big. And according to the firm, it's quick and easy.
"This year we have a goal of $20,000 to power our Black History Celebrations. So over the next few days I'll be reaching out to various community leaders, business leaders, community organizations, our pastors, & our churches. We want everyone to be able to participate in helping to power these Black History Celebrations throughout the Pine Belt," says Dee Moye, Chair of the Black History Celebrations Executive Committee.
The firm says the funds not only help cover the operating expenses such as feeding marching bands and powering the fireworks show, but it also helps market outside of the Pine Belt, bringing in more people into the area, increasing tourism and helping to grow the economy.
Dee, who is the Principal and Group Chief Executive of the HMG Firm, says everything is open to the public and free. "All of our Black History Celebrations events are absolutely free to the public," he explained.
"We're not just talking about celebrating Black History we're actually all participating in coming together as a community in hopes that we can perhaps manifest this year's theme, 'Am I My Brother's Keeper', coming together everybody giving something pitching in so that we can come together as a community to celebrate," says Dee.
"I believe that this will be the very best Black History Celebrations that we've had in a long time," he said excitingly.
"Hopefully, we do good with our Pine Belt restaurants part of the fundraiser in which we hope to raise $10,000. Of, course, we present each sponsor with awards at the Black History Ball, thanking them and acknowledging them before the community for partnering and helping power Black History in the Pine Belt," he explained. We worked really well together powering the MS vs AL All-Star game.
HMG is not a stranger to big events. They also manage one of the state's biggest job fairs held annually in downtown Hattiesburg and manage powering the state's all-star games. Considering the success of other events and the firm's success history, this goal shouldn't be a problem.