Honoring MLK by Empowering Our Communities
In the spirit of service and unity, Comcast’s Black Employee Network (BEN) Employee Resource Group (ERG) proudly participated in a MLK Day of Service Coat Distribution event in Camden, NJ, on Saturday, January 18, making a meaningful impact on the community ahead of the winter chill.
Organized by It Takes A Village Housing – a nonprofit founded by Camden Councilwoman Jannette Ramos – the volunteer opportunity brought together residents, local leaders and others looking to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of community service and compassion.
Eighteen Comcast volunteers, spearheaded by BEN co-lead Kenyatta Cottrell, Manager, Installation & Service, helped make this the largest and most successful in the event’s three-year history, a fact celebrated by city officials who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the company’s support.
The day was filled with moments of connection and generosity. Families not only received coats to shield them from the winter cold but also books, toys and access to vital resources including flu shots, health screenings and information about community services.
Comcast’s contributions were highlighted by Fred DeAndrea, Senior Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs at Comcast, who addressed the crowd and underscored the company’s commitment to uplifting communities through initiatives like Team UP, Comcast’s always-on volunteer program; Comcast Lift Zones, which provide a robust, and free, WiFi solution in supportive neighborhood locations like nonprofits, community centers, gyms and parks and recreation facilities; and Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program that offers eligible households low-cost, high-speed Internet and affordable computers.
City leaders, including Council President Angel Fuentes, Councilwoman Jannette Ramos, and Councilman Christopher Collins, were on hand to show their support. They praised the collaborative efforts that made the event a success, emphasizing the power of partnerships in creating lasting change.
As the event came to a close, Dr. King’s legacy reminded everyone of the power of collective action in building stronger communities. By coming together to support Camden’s residents in need, volunteers embodied the values of service, compassion and connection.
This day was more than providing coats and resources – it was also about honoring Dr. King’s vision of hope and unity. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to uplift and empower the communities we call home, one act of kindness at a time.