By Daniel Hamon
A young man drops out of high school to help support his parents and four siblings in Louisiana. At age 19, he moves to Detroit in search of better opportunities and joins the Ford Motor Company. He works there sixty two years from 1940 to 2002. The highest position he holds is that of forklift operator and his highest salary is close to $100,000. Matel Dawson Jr. passed away in 2002. During his lifetime, he gave more than $1 million so that others could have a better life.
According to The New York Times, Dawson's donations included "$680,000 to Wayne State University and $300,000 to Louisiana State University at Shreveport... He contributed $240,000 to the United Negro College Fund" and gave thousands of dollars to community colleges, churches and civil rights groups.
In 1996, Ebony first reported on Dawson's life, philanthropy and care for his family:
His tradition of helping family members is a long one. "With my very first pay, I bought two of my brothers a suit of clothes and sent it to them," he remembers. When his great-niece graduated from Southern University, he presented her with $2,000 for her graduation present. He also helped her mother through college and has given his only sister "more money than she's ever seen in her life."
"The Detroit philanthropist gives credit for his financial success to "the grace of Almighty God and the Ford Motor Company," says Ebony.
Some of the money donated to Wayne State University in Detroit funded a scholarship that helps pay for the full four-year tuition of its recipients.
Thanks Dan - What a great reminder how each of us can touch anothers life when we are open and have a heart of sharing. I'm trying to imagine the pure joy and the wonderful life this person lead and felt through his giving..... WOW :)
Posted by: Dana | January 20, 2009 at 06:20 AM
WOW! I am really happy reading stories like this and thank you for sharing this wonderful example that this person, who did not have a lot, was able to help others.
Posted by: Ligia Hamon | January 23, 2009 at 06:01 PM
interesting story, thanks for inspiring other people.
-nico
Posted by: forklift | November 27, 2009 at 01:50 AM