Your Comments

Wow. This almost made me cry. We need more people like you Ms. Brown in this world. God bless you.
Posted 2 months ago by Roger R. from Miami, FL

Ms. Brown and all of your stories are an inspiration to read. Each brings hope for humanity and serves as a beacon for us to all follow.
Posted 2 months ago by Mark T. from Madbury, NH

Amazing--just imagine how those children might change the world with the opportunity she has given them--more than just helping, that is true commitment.
Posted 3 months ago by Leah W. from NC

Wow, Ms. Oral Lee Brown really achieved a lot because she helped these kids and made a huge impact in their lives.
Posted 7 months ago by Shaquirah H. from Orlando, FL

this is a very inspiring story! I wonder how successful the poor children are now!
Posted 10 months ago by Qamar H. from Canada

That is really nice what Oral Lee Brown done for the 19 poor kids.
She is like my mom helping others
Posted 11 months ago by Elizabeth W. from Canada, ON

We must give Kudos to Ms. Brown. As a person who did not have much as a young person, I commend those who are willing to reach out and help. Give where you can. You will be blessed.
Posted 12 months ago by Gwendolyn from McDonough, GA

This woman is very inspiring and I want to have as much compassion and belief in people as she did (and still does). She is an inspiration to everyone!
Posted about 1 year ago by Nikki & Chelsi E. F. from Paragould, Arkansas

Amazing. I think twice when I read that.
Posted about 1 year ago by Landon G. from Tempe, AZ

While living in CA, my family was "helping others" everyday. I like this board. It feels good to see others achieving as well. We need more people like you.
Posted about 1 year ago by Joanna H. from Bay City, MI.

I really like the story about Oral Lee Brown. It gives a lot of information about her. I think she is a great citizen.
Posted over 2 years ago by Destiny S. from Bakersfield, California USA

Saw the bus commercial because I had taped the Regis show. Great commercial, keep it up, all young kids, all nationalities, wonderful!
Posted over 2 years ago by Marian K. from New York USA

I love this part of the backstory:

"and if not me, who?"

I think that is the message we should all take from Oral Lee and this site. It's up to us to make changes, take action, be positive examples. Thank you so much!
Posted over 2 years ago by from

We should be understanding and caring to all beings.
Posted over 2 years ago by Violette M. from Kenya

that's nice
Posted over 2 years ago by from

I agree. Read the backstory. As a future teacher (six months to graduation and counting) this is the definition of what we should be doing for our kids. Above all else, inspire people to do more.
Posted over 2 years ago by Rebecca D. from Houston, Texas

helping others really provides true satisfaction and really that's life true life for me.
Posted over 2 years ago by raksha rana from lainchaur

Read the 'backstory' on this billboard. That is a very very inspiring story. What a sacrifice and commitment she made for those kids, their futures, and OUR futures.
Truly, that's amazing.
I feel like I need to do more after reading about her. And I definitely know I CAN do more!

I would love to hear about successes or stories from her "adopted" students!
Posted over 3 years ago by from

Helping Others

About This Billboard

Oral Lee Brown made a promise to a group of 23 East Oakland, Calif. first-graders in 1987, “Stay in school, and I’ll send you to college.” The realtor began saving immediately, putting $10,000 per year in a fund from her $40,000 salary. She also held fundraisers to raise the money.

Ms. Brown did more than simply make a promise to the children; she became an active part of their lives. She became benefactor, mentor, and second mother to 23 first-graders. She began with regular visits, Saturday tutorials, and parent meetings. She tracked each child’s attendance and grades; bought gifts; and purchased supplies.

Ms. Brown took the students on recruiting trips to colleges and attended nine different high school graduations. She also accompanied each student to college. Nineteen of the students enrolled in college and three others went into trade schools. One student died at age 13. Several have already graduated from college.

With her initial commitment to 23-first graders nearing completion, Ms. Brown has tackled another challenge. She recently “adopted” another class. This time, she is sponsoring 20 ninth graders from six different Oakland high schools. “Somebody has to train these kids. Somebody has to teach them, and if not me, who? If not now, when? We must do it. It’s got to be done,” said Ms. Brown.