On Aug. 18, 2022, several members of the Clarendon community and members of John Landon Black’s family announced the John Landon Black Foundation in honor of the young man’s memory after he died from an accidental overdose on May 13, 2022 at the age of 25. John grew up in Clarendon County and was known and loved by many. He was remembered for his humor, his kindness, and his unique personality. John never met a stranger and his love and accepting spirit were the inspiration for the Foundation in his honor.
The foundation consists of a board of directors. Judge for the Third Circuit Drug Court Program, Amy Land, serves as chairman. Other members include CEO for Clarendon County Behavioral Health Services, Natalie Scott, Central Carolina Technical College professor Ladell Grice, public defender for Clarendon County, King Cutter, teacher and coach for Clarendon School District, Greg King, local business owner, Payne Gregory, and retired Clarendon County Department of Social lServices leader, Dawn Still. Since the original formation, three board members have been added. They are teacher at the Clarendon County School District, Rhonda Joyner, member of Probation Pardon and Parole, Deanna Ward, and community member Jonathan McLeondon. There is also a student advisory board consisting of students from each of the five public and private schools in the county. Serving as advisors for the foundation are local attorneys from Kent Law Firm, Shawn Kent and Jack Furse, along with Black’s parents, Jeffrey and Stephanie Black.
According to jlblackfoundation.org, the foundation’s website, the mission of the foundation is to keep the memory of John Landon Black alive by providing a path to recovery for members of the community who are suffering from the disease of addiction. The organization is a 501(c)(3) and works primarily off donations. They are run by the board of directors, but hope to add an executive assistant in the near future. In keeping with that purpose, the Foundation has announced the creation of John’s Place, a recovery resource center. It will be located at 16 N. Brooks St. in Manning and as the name suggests, it will provide resources for those in the community who are seeking recovery. John’s Place will be a meeting place for AA and NA groups, provide computer access, be a space for peer counseling, and will provide a variety of life skill classes. The vision of the Foundation is that the community partners can use this space to offer their expertise to those seeking recovery. In order to get up and running, the foundation is in need of chairs (particularly desk chairs), office equipment, printers, computers, and monitors. If you are able to donate any of these items, you can contact Amy Land at 803-410-0998. Monetary donations may be made through the foundation website, mentioned above.
“John Landon was a bright and welcoming light for all, particularly those who were enduring hardships. The goal of John’s Place is to provide hat same safe and inviting environment while promoting and assisting in recovery. We are so fortunate in Manning to have Clarendon County Behavioral Health (CCBH) because they provide excellent treatment for people with addictions. John’s Place will be adding to this invaluable treatment by providing support and additional resources to this portion of the population and their families. Our possibilities are endless and we look forward to serving the community,” said Board Chairman Amy Land.
