DR. MLK Day of Service 

Fuse Project invests in initiatives promoting the health, fitness, education, and social responsibility of our children. Our work through The Historic Avenue Foundation is focused specifically on the community surrounding the Avenue named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In January, Fuse Project staff and Order of Fuse members joined forces for the second year in a row with Mobile United to participate in their 10th Annual Day of Service. The site was hosted by Mobile Baykeeper and Councilman William Carroll. Together, we were able to tackle the trash along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. and surrounding residential areas in District 2. It was a special day being able to serve the community that we serve every day with additional partners.

PUAD Gala

In 2023, Fuse Project and The Historic Avenue Foundation were extremely honored to receive the Dr. MLK Educational Award at the People United to Advance the Dream Mobile’s 8th Annual Black Tie Awards Gala honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This distinction is chosen by the members of PUAD who recognize five trailblazers throughout the community making a difference in Education, Community Service, Health and Human Services, Humanitarian, and Leadership Services. It was a beautiful event, and we especially loved Rev. David Edwards, Jr.’s message of 
“Overcoming Hate with Love.”

PUAD advocates for productive workplaces by diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Their mission is to further Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream by empowering the underserved through overcoming social disadvantages by increasing racial equity and increasing financial literacy. This year, members of our staff and board of directors joined the celebration again for the 9th Annual People United to Advance the Dream Black Tie Awards Gala. As the 2023 Educational Award recipient, Fuse Project had the honor of presenting this year's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Award to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Franklin Barrow. After Lieutenant Colonel Barrow retired from the Army on January 1, 2002, he immediately assumed duties as the Senior Army Instructor for the Junior ROTC program at LeFlore High School in Mobile, AL. After teaching in the classroom for eleven years, he was selected for his current position as the Director of Army Instruction responsible for supervising all JROTC programs in the Mobile County Public School System. Lieutenant Colonel Barrow leadership in the JROTC inspires students to take the path of serving and protecting our country. He plays a vital role in shaping the character, leadership abilities, and physical fitness of its participants, preparing them for success in both military and civilian life.