Photo by: Blake Beauvais

By: Elijah Megginson, Managing Editor of Print

“Originally, when I started Loving Stone Non-Profit, it was to bring back that MLK-type of culture to campus,” Beauvais said.

Loving Stone Non-Profit is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Blake Beauvais, a graduating senior from Philadelphia, who discovered his purpose through his passion for social advocacy. During his sophomore year at Morehouse College, Beauvais faced significant hardships and isolation. These challenges inspired him to create Loving Stone Non-Profit to address issues such as homelessness, food insecurity and spreading hope within Atlanta communities.

The organization’s name reflects Beauvais’ values and life experiences. Throughout his life, he has strived to embody unconditional love and demonstrate tenacity. He believes these traits are the foundation of Loving Stone’s mission.

“I am unconditional love. I am not just regular love, but I am also strong like a rock—you can’t move me. This describes Loving Stone, every member and our initiatives. Our strength is unmatched, and our love is unyielding,” Beauvais said

Loving Stone Non-Profit operates branches in Atlanta Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington D.C. Under Beauvais’ leadership, the organization has hosted several community service events. It has partnered with the Gateway Center, a government shelter in Atlanta and collaborated with Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia and Atlanta, including Glaciers Italian Ice.

One of the organization’s signature events is the annual Hoops for Homelessness Tournament, a community service initiative recently sponsored by many partners including Overtime Elite. The tournament began in Atlanta, but Beauvais created it with Philadelphia in mind.

“It’s important to have things like this, especially growing up in West Philly, that area isn’t really nice and back home needs a lot of help. I am doing everything I can up here so eventually I can go back home and help out there,” Beauvais said.

Beauvais believes he can engage people in his community across all age groups and backgrounds through basketball. Having played the sport his entire life, he even received a few professional offers. Basketball has opened up many doors for Beauvais, and he continues to use it as a platform to inspire and uplift others in his community,

“Basketball saved my life. As I got older, life became more serious and so I owe a lot to basketball. The sport helped me stay grounded and helped me stay dedicated within myself and everything that I choose to do,” Beauvais said.

The inaugural Hoops for Homelessness Tournament raised over $500 and drew more than 70 attendees.

In addition to the tournament, Loving Stone Non-Profit launched its first Pillar Program on Sept. 28. The program is held twice a month in areas with high homeless populations and provides food, clothing and other essentials while offering music, activities and job opportunities for individuals in need. Beauvais’ efforts are not only to nourish individuals experiencing homelessness, but to provide strength and hope to people mentally, physically, and emotionally while helping them reintegrate into society.

Beauvais hopes through Loving Stone Non-Profit he can be another key player in changing the culture of the AUC for the better. 

“We can do a lot when unified. It starts here within our community and it starts here with how we work together with each other,” Beauvais said.

To learn more about Loving Stone Non-Profit you can check them out HERE

Copy Edited by Elijah Megginson, Managing Editor of Print