Empowering communities: Cameron Baldwin's initiative to provide professional attire in his hometown

Cameron Baldwin, a high-achieving Honors College student at Central State University, has taken a remarkable step to uplift his community in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Amid his busy schedule as a double major in Political Science and Communications and aiming to open his own law firm one day, Baldwin launched a clothing drive this summer to provide suits and professional attire to those in need.  

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The inspiration behind Baldwin's initiative stemmed from his observations of the challenges individuals in his hometown faced. "Every time I opened my phone, there was some negative news — someone got shot, a house was broken into," Baldwin shared. Motivated to make a positive impact, he decided to use his summer break to help his community.  

Baldwin's parents, Ted and Jene' Baldwin, influenced his decision to attend Central State, Ohio's only Historically Black College or University. He planned to attend Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia, until he discovered he could earn the scholarships and grants needed to pay for his college tuition at CSU.   

His mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, ultimately made his decision easy. He wanted to be closer to her as she underwent treatment. "Over time, being at Central, I've had constant reassurance from the Lord above and from family that this was the right decision for me," Baldwin said.  

Baldwin, a running back on the Marauder football team, will serve as assistant coach for running backs during the upcoming season. The role permits him to prioritize himself and flourish by using his strengths.  

"I still get to be around my brothers," he said. "I want a championship."  

As a Resident Assistant, a member of the Honors College, a campus tour guide, and a Central State University Pre-Law Society board member, Baldwin has always prided himself on his top-notch grades and community involvement. 

Improving his community   

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The idea for the clothing drive came to Baldwin while unpacking his belongings. Realizing he had an abundance of suits he no longer wore, Baldwin sought a meaningful way to repurpose them. He wanted to ensure that these clothes would directly benefit those who needed them rather than being discarded.  

"I realized when I was going home for the summer, as I was unpacking and putting clothes up, I had a lot of suits that I couldn't fit in anymore. I used to give them to my little cousin, but he's taller than me now," Baldwin said, laughing.  

Baldwin's mother, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., played a pivotal role in shaping his idea. Through conversations with her and her sorority sisters, Baldwin learned that he could organize a clothing drive with the support of the local Delta chapter. The initiative quickly gained traction, with plans to collect suits and professional attire for distribution within the community.  

Baldwin's efforts have garnered support from various local organizations and individuals. He aims to establish a system where people can come and select the clothing they need, fostering a sense of dignity and empowerment. The project, although still in its initial stages, reflects Baldwin's commitment to social responsibility and his desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.  

Those in his community, including former NFL player Wendall Brown and local tailor Warrick Richardson, also rallied to support the cause. 

"When I came to Central, I had business attire," he added. "Playing football, your body changes a lot.

"I noticed how many people didn't have business attire, and I thought, if this is what is happening on campus, what about out in the community?"  

Baldwin even invested his own hard-earned dollars into the project.  

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The rising junior, who promotes self-care through meditation, plans to donate the professional attire not used in his first event to the Marauder Closet, an Office of Career Services initiative to provide dress clothes to the student body.  

"I want to get these (clothes) directly into the hands that need them," Baldwin said.  

While Baldwin is focused on his studies and community work, he also has ambitious plans. Aspiring to become a lawyer, Baldwin is driven by a passion for justice and service. He believes that individuals can create meaningful change through education and proactive engagement.