The Black McDonald’s Operators Association says it is committed to education and is sponsoring a Black college fair next week during the 12th Annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field.
DEFENDER STAFF WRITER
The Black McDonald’s Operators Association says it is committed to education and is sponsoring a Black college fair next week during the 12th Annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field.
This year’s match up pits Alabama State University against Mississippi Valley State University and many Chicagoans are alumni, such as Secretary of State Jesse White, a Alabama State alumnus and former Rich South High School football star Patrick Cathey, who now plays for Mississippi Valley State.
BMOA member Melvin Buckley said this is the second year BMOA will sponsor the Classic’s college fair, which will be held 9:30 a.m. Sept. 24 in the United Room at Soldier Field.
"The fair is an informative opportunity for students to submit admission applications to Black colleges and get information about them," Buckley said. "A lack of education is the biggest problem in the Black community. This fair raises the awareness for young students."
Ronald Childs, a spokesman for BMOA, said the restaurant owners sponsor college fairs "because they recognize how important a college education is to young people, to their futures and to their success. The college fair offers a rare opportunity for prospective students and their families to interact with knowledgeable recruiters, to gather information from and to apply to Historically Black Colleges and Universities."
But college fairs do more than provide information about schools, Buckley added.
"College fairs are wonderful events that are also strong assets to the Black community. As Black McDonald’s owners we touch the community in many ways," he said.
"Our fairs offer education workshops for both students and parents."
Buckley, a graduate of Chicago State University, owns three south suburban McDonald’s- one in Monee, Richton Park and South Chicago Heights. And he previously owned a McDonald’s at 740 E. 47th St. but swapped with current owner Yolanda Travis, who had previously owned a suburban McDonald’s.
Even though the BMOA will not be awarding scholarships at this year’s fair, Buckley said BMOA members have and will continue to do what they can to help the community. Travis said she plans to give away $100,000 in college scholarships to needy students living in the Woodlawn community where her 6560 S. Stony Island Ave. restaurant is located.
"This community has always supported us. Our customer base in this area range from teenagers to seniors, so it is an honor to be able to give back to a community that has given me so much more," Travis said.
"Breathing new life into this historic landmark franchise demonstrates McDonald’s commitment to education and employment."
The BMOA is a membership organization comprised of 14 Chicago-area and Northwest Indiana McDonald’s restaurant owners. The organization’s members say they are committed to exhibiting leadership, supporting education and developing partnerships within the Black communities they serve.
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