Black History Month & Direct Service
150+ students. 7 schools. 750 lunches. One afternoon.
Why it Matters
February is Black History Month — and YouthServeCLE doesn't just reflect. They show up.
Cleveland has a rich and powerful Black history. From civil rights leaders to educators to entrepreneurs, Black Clevelanders have built, fought for, and sustained this city for generations. YouthServeCLE celebrates that legacy by centering direct service and honoring the voices that shaped Cleveland.
February 2026 was the biggest month in YouthServeCLE history. 150+ students from 7 schools came together for the YouthServeCLE x R.A.K.E. event — packing 750+ lunches and assembling 100 essential care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness. The post said it all: "YouthServeCLE Vision ➡️ Reality."
Students supported CMSD at the Thea Bowman Center, helping kids shine in their BHM presentations. YouthServeCLE shared the legacy of Langston Hughes — a Clevelander by way of Central High School — and celebrated the Black leaders who built this city. Direct distribution alongside Ricky Smith put hygiene and care packages directly into the hands of neighbors. And at the Hawken Philanthropy Phair, YouthServeCLE showcased its work to a new audience.
What We Did
150+ students. 7 schools. One mission. YouthServeCLE Vision → Reality. Together we packed 750+ lunches and assembled 100 essential care kits alongside R.A.K.E. and Ricky Smith.
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YouthServeCLE teamed up with CMSD at the Thea Bowman Center to help kids shine in their Black History Month presentations and spread love at the food pantry.
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No big production. Just a few of us doing direct distribution alongside Ricky Smith — hygiene packages, meals, conversation.
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More moments from February's service events — photos by @focsphotos.
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Big thanks to the Hawken Philanthropy Phair for letting us showcase our work.
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THE BIG EVENT.
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Cleveland has always been more than a city — it’s been a movement.
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🏈 The Browns are setting the example, using their platform for good this Black History Month.
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150+ students. 7 schools. One mission. YouthServeCLE Vision → Reality. Together we packed 750+ lunches and assembled 100 essential care kits alongside R.A.K.E. and Ricky Smith.
❤️ 248 likes
YouthServeCLE teamed up with CMSD at the Thea Bowman Center to help kids shine in their Black History Month presentations and spread love at the food pantry.
❤️ 116 likes
No big production. Just a few of us doing direct distribution alongside Ricky Smith — hygiene packages, meals, conversation.
❤️ 103 likes
More moments from February's service events — photos by @focsphotos.
❤️ 113 likes
From the Event
150+ students. 7 schools. One mission. YouthServeCLE Vision → Reality. Together we packed 750+ lunches and assembled 100 essential care kits alongside R.A.K.E. and Ricky Smith.
More moments from February's service events — photos by @focsphotos.
Cleveland has always been more than a city — it’s been a movement.
“I, too, sing America”
YouthServeCLE teamed up with CMSD at the Thea Bowman Center to help kids shine in their Black History Month presentations and spread love at the food pantry.
Big thanks to the Hawken Philanthropy Phair for letting us showcase our work.
🏈 The Browns are setting the example, using their platform for good this Black History Month.
Black History Month at YouthServeCLE.
No big production. Just a few of us doing direct distribution alongside Ricky Smith — hygiene packages, meals, conversation.
THE BIG EVENT.
Awareness starts with understanding the facts. Change starts with what we do next.
Spreading the word 📣
Our Partners
Homeless Hookup
Homeless Hookup delivers essential supplies, hygiene kits, and meals directly to Cleveland's unhoused residents on the street. Founded and run by community members who believe in direct, no-barrier support, they show up regardless of weather or circumstances. YouthServeCLE has partnered with Homeless Hookup to help pack and distribute hundreds of care packages to Cleveland neighbors in need.
R.A.K.E. (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere)
R.A.K.E. is a Cleveland-based organization founded by community activist Ricky Smith that mobilizes volunteers to perform large-scale acts of kindness across the city. From packing meals and care kits to distributing supplies to those experiencing hardship, R.A.K.E. turns compassion into direct community action. YouthServeCLE's November 2024 R.A.K.E. event brought together 150+ student volunteers who packed 600+ meals, 100 care kits, and 500+ handwritten kindness notes.
Another Chance of Ohio
Another Chance of Ohio transforms lives in Slavic Village through transitional housing, job training, education support, and wraparound community resources for individuals returning from incarceration or overcoming homelessness. Their holistic model focuses on sustainable independence, providing participants with the tools and support systems they need to rebuild stable, fulfilling lives. YouthServeCLE has partnered with ACOO to support community events and service projects that demonstrate Cleveland's commitment to second chances.
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries has served Greater Cleveland for over 80 years, addressing homelessness, youth at-risk, and re-entry from incarceration through a network of programs and facilities across the region. One of Cleveland's most trusted social service organizations, LMM operates shelters, transitional housing, and youth programming that provides real pathways out of crisis. YouthServeCLE partnered with LMM for its inaugural September 2024 Homelessness campaign, where students served meals and packed supply kits for residents.
The Reality
Want to Help?
Join us at our next event or connect with one of our partner organizations.
Get Involved