Bringing God, message of love to community

Her foundation, begun in 2018 with a mission to support residents in low-income communities in South Carolina, provides outreach programs such as this social event, as well as empowerment conferences, mentorship, counseling, tutoring, scholarships and other financial and educational services.

“Today is a very important day. In a neighborhood where we know the crime rate is often high, I believe that people need Jesus, they need love,” she said remarking that giving people food is one of the best ways to show love.

“It’s about being out here and fellowshipping with them, showing them Jesus and feeding them. We are showing our support for them; that we are here for them and with them,” said Holman, who pointed out those who gathered with her to make this moment special and uplifting.

Live music reverberated off buildings and trees as Alonzo Canzater and others from the Christian Lounge of Columbia shared the gospel in their unique way as they took a moment along their 2022 Love Thy Neighbor Tour to join Brittney on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. 

“Brittney has an organization called Brittney LaShe Youth Mentoring and my organization is called Open Mind Mentoring. We reach out to the community to encourage and inspire young people to let them know that they can make it,” said Christopher Green, who can often be found alongside Holman serving citizens in The T&D Region.

“Brittney had this idea to come out here to give back to the community and the less fortunate,” said New Izreal, originally from New York, who now lives in Columbia.

“I want this community to know this is where God is — God is at the bottom. The most valuable things are hidden in things considered invaluable. God hides himself in plain sight; God is in the poor and we are out here to remind them of that,” he said.

“We’d seen a vision to come out here and give back to the community which is where God is at. I feel like by us coming here is showing people that there is more going on than worldly things. God is in control,” said Izelow.

“I love being in the neighborhood because this is where I am from even though I’m not from the South. I’m from Brooklyn, New York, but we have the same type of energy. This is the place we need to win souls. That’s why we are here, and I love Ms. Brittney,” he said.

As a young girl, Holman saw a need for uplifting and motivating her peers and the community-at-large. She is an alumna of Hunter-Kinard-Tyler high school and has spent her life passionate about serving others. As an author, entrepreneur and positive role model, she has made it her purpose to perpetuate a cycle of giving back as she not only mentors others but also teaches and equips her mentees to do the same with those who have a need.

Currently 20 years old, a dynamic Holman says that planning and organizing makes her happy and she remains thankful and grateful that her work impacts the lives of men, women, boys and girls in Orangeburg and surrounding areas. She appreciates the fact that while she was younger, she was kept in the ministry and taught about Christ and the principles of the Bible. Two of her favorite scriptures are Proverbs 16:18 and Matthew 6:33, which remind her to keep God first in her heart and to remain humble giving Him the glory for the good that transpires through her efforts.

Holman has been recognized by the Orangeburg Rotary Club for her mentoring efforts in reaching out to the youth in the area. Each summer, the Brittney LaShe Youth Mentorship program provides a Youth Leadership Summit to interact with young people and share her experiences and knowledge to empower them to greater potential. This year’s summit, scheduled to be held in Batesburg from Aug. 4 through 6, features sessions on becoming a published author, creating promotional videos and discovering the path to recording as a gospel artist. Young people can also enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as horseback riding and paddle boating.

For more information on the summit or Brittney, visit www.brittneylashe.com, email her at brittneylashementorship@gmail.com or contact her via phone at 803-928-7525.