Mother Gennetta Plair Street Ministry
Dr. Kenneth Augustus Walker was presented with a Proclamation by the DeKalb County Georgia Board of Commissioners on April 11, 2024 for leading the Mother Gennetta Plair Street Ministry Team to serve the African, Afghan, Syrian and now Venezuelan immigrants in Clarkston, Georgia.
The Mother Gennetta Plair Street Ministry was established in July 2020, inspired by the charitable efforts of Dr. Kenneth Augustus Walker. As the Street Ministry evolved, Dr. received monetary donations from some members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in DeKalb County and abroad. These individuals made financial contributions to support the purchase of school supplies for children in need. Soror Alicia Penny, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, gave the initiative its name, "The Street Ministry."
From its inception, The Street Ministry quickly expanded, evolving into a dedicated effort that provided weekly donations to the immigrant community. The volunteers not only distributed school supplies but also offered snacks, clothing, housewares, furniture, and other essential items to those in need. Through their continued service, The Street Ministry became a vital resource for many, embodying the spirit of generosity and community support.
The Street Ministry quickly expanded its efforts to provide additional support to families during the holiday seasons. They began by distributing turkeys for Thanksgiving and Easter baskets, ensuring that families could celebrate these occasions with joy. The ministry also partnered with Toys for Tots to bring Christmas cheer to children by providing them with toys, further solidifying their commitment to serving the community.
In November 2021, the Street Ministry was renamed "The Mother Gennetta Plair Street Ministry" to honor Church Mother Gennetta Plair, who passed away that same month. Gennetta Plair had been a fervent supporter of the ministry, consistently contributing clothing and books for children every time she visited Clarkston. Her dedication to the cause was unwavering, and her generosity left a lasting impact on the community. Mother Gennetta Plair was deeply committed to her Christian faith and had a particular passion for teaching children to read, especially young Black boys. Her love for education and her desire to uplift the next generation through literacy made her an inspirational figure within the ministry. The renaming of the Street Ministry serves as a tribute to her legacy and the invaluable contributions she made during her lifetime.
