INA, Ill. (Oct. 27, 2023)—There are many heroes out there who’s contributions towards their community go unnoticed, but remain invaluable, nonetheless. James Malone, the founder of The Crew in Mt. Vernon, might be classified as one such hero.
James Malone, founder of The Crew, stands in front of a class of RLC students to share his story and what inspires him.
Malone founded The Crew in 2010 after tragedy struck in his neighborhood. Two blocks from his home, a high schooler was shot and killed. The news rocked Malone to his core and he questioned what more he could be doing to make a positive difference. With violence that takes young lives happening right around the corner, what could he be doing to protect the younger generation?
He started The Crew as a way to get young adults, middle-school and high-school age, to give back to their community by picking up trash around their neighborhood. It started off as a small project of about 6 or 7 people showing up to clean up streets and lawns as a way to support the family who was still in mourning. Since then, it has only grown. In 2023, up to 70 volunteers show up every Saturday to clean up neighborhoods in Mt. Vernon.
“I know no system is perfect,” Malone said. “But I tried to do what I could for my neighborhood, and it continued to evolve.”
Malone pays every volunteer who comes by to help as a way to provide another source of income for those who need it. This is a way he sees himself giving back and preventing young adults from seeking other forms of income through more dangerous means.
The Crew not only volunteers their time through clean-up, but they also host fundraisers, cook-outs, and charities.
For two years in a row, over 75 RLC student-athletes have volunteered their time with The Crew to help out their cause. Through that, they have formed valuable relationships with Malone and the other volunteers.
RLC Associate Professor Dr. Jeannie Mitchell invited Malone to guest lecture in her class during the Fall 2023 semester. He shared his story with her class, what inspired him to form The Crew, and inspire young minds to give back or at least start thinking beyond themselves.