By: Richard L. Smith
Last night, under the lights of Weequahic Park's football and soccer stadium, a Newark native returned home with a heartwarming mission: to give back to the community that shaped him.
Mr. Lamont Rouse, chairman of The Black Core of DC21, an organization within the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), spent the evening distributing turkeys to families in need while honoring Newark's championship-winning Brick City Lions youth football team.
He was assisted by other black core members such as Mr. Richard Parker who is a coach with the Brick City Lions.
Mr. Ervin Banks, who is also apart of the Black Core DC21 organization, was instrumental in the evenings’ event.
I connect with Lamont as his former high school communications instructor for one year.
Rouse, a proud former student of Arts High School, organized the turkey drive not only as a gesture of holiday generosity but also to celebrate the achievements of the young athletes.
The Brick City Lions are gearing up to represent Newark in a national championship game in Florida—a testament to their hard work, discipline, and commitment to positive pursuits.
“This is about more than turkeys,” Rouse shared. “It’s about investing in our youth and showing them that there’s a community behind them, cheering them on every step of the way.”
The event, which began at 7 p.m., was part of a broader initiative by The Black Core of DC21 to inspire and support communities through outreach and opportunity.
Families gathered at the stadium to receive turkeys and hear about career pathways through IUPAT's apprenticeship programs.
The day also marked "Apprenticeship Day" for the union, with earlier events held at the Finishing Trades Institute in Philadelphia. Middle and high school students toured the facility, met current apprentices, and learned about the hands-on training and career opportunities available through the union.
For Rouse, the evening was deeply personal. As he mingled with the young athletes, their parents, and the team's staff, he emphasized the importance of providing constructive opportunities for youth.
"These kids are choosing to dedicate their time to something meaningful, and that's worth celebrating," he said. "At the same time, we're sharing information about how they can build a future—whether it's through sports or a trade."
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, which represents over 140,000 active and retired craftspeople across the United States and Canada, is deeply committed to strengthening local communities.
Through events like the turkey drive, the union highlights its dedication to diversity, opportunity, and outreach beyond the workplace.
As turkeys were handed out and stories shared, the atmosphere at Weequahic Park was one of warmth and hope—a fitting start to the holiday season and a reminder of what's possible when communities come together.
The football field setting was also personal to Rouse, as he spent his high school and college years playing the sport that he continues to love.
