Over 100 people are expected in Manning this Thursday, August 18 to attend the launch of the John Landon Black Foundation, a non-profit organization created by Clarendon County leaders to honor the memory of a former resident who passed away recently from an accidental drug overdose at 25-years-old.
More than $210,000 has been pledged to date by family and friends, and the Foundation plans to raise funds each year to award John Landon Black Scholarships for those selected to receive long-term addiction treatment at no cost. The first scholarship recipient has been chosen.
“John Landon was a bright star in the Clarendon County Community where he lived most of his life. He was a friend to all - full of love, kindness and acceptance. He always saw the goodness in others, never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Sadly, John Landon suffered from the disease of addiction. He tried his best to overcome this addiction but lost his fight on May 13, 2022. This group wants to carry on his legacy by helping people in the area who suffer from addiction but lack the resources to get long-term, in-patient and quality treatment,” said Amy Land, Board Chair of the Foundation and Judge for the Third Circuit Drug Court Program.
In addition to Land, Board of Directors for the Foundation include Natalie Gray, CEO of Clarendon Behavioral Health Services; Ladell Grice, Professor at Central Carolina Technical College and retired law enforcement leader, Gene Morris, Chief Deputy of the Clarendon County Sherriff’s Department; King Cutter, Public Defender for Clarendon County; Greg King, teacher and coach at Clarendon School District; Payne Gregory, local business owner and Dawn Still, retired Clarendon County Department of Social Services leader. Shaun Kent, Manning attorney; as well as Jeff and Stephanie Black, John Landon’s parents, are serving as advisors to the Foundation. There is also a Student Advisory Board with high school students from each of the five public and private schools in Clarendon County.
The launch will be 12:30pm at the Manning United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 17 East Rigby Street in Manning. Lunch will be provided.
