Jeremiah’s HH story told by his mom, Latonya

From 6th grade to the job site

Jeremiah has been with Hood Huggers for a long time.

The very first time he saw DeWayne “B-Love” Barton, co-founder of Hood Huggers Foundation, Jeremiah was just a kid playing basketball at the Burton Street community center with a friend. DeWayne noticed him, struck up a conversation, and invited him to get involved in the community.

Jeremiah took him up on it. He started alongside DeWayne back when he was in 6th grade, showing up, learning, and growing with the work. Now Jeremiah is 22 and training to strengthen his construction skills and build a real path toward a good job and long-term stability.

In this video, his mom, Latonya, shares how Jeremiah got started, what it’s meant for their family, and what she wants for the future of the Burton Street community: “I wanna see more jobs, more young people have their own business and be successful.”

Latonya also shares what she’s excited about next: Blue Note Junction, DeWayne’s vision for Burton that will create opportunity right here at home.

“One thing I’m looking forward to is Blue Note Junction that Mr. DeWayne is developing here in Burton; I think it’s gonna be awesome and bring some jobs for the young people, especially with the construction the young people are doing now. It might even give them the opportunity to help develop that and build that to help his dream come true.”

Thank you, Latonya. And Jeremiah, we’re proud of you, too!