On Dec. 7, students from Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland, ROTC cadets, and veterans took to the Strength to Love II Farm in West Baltimore to participate in a community-driven Day of Service in honor of 1st Lieutenant Richard Collins III. The event coincided with what would have been Collins’ 31st birthday on Dec. 12. It aimed to both celebrate his life and address food insecurity in the local area.
The former Bowie State University student was tragically killed in 2017, just days before he was set to graduate. To commemorate his legacy, the 2nd Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Foundation and the Social Justice Alliance—an initiative between Bowie State and the University of Maryland—organized the service day. The collaboration underscores the commitment of these institutions to promote social justice and honor Collins’s memory.
Remembering While Giving Back
Strength to Love II Farm serves as a beacon of hope in the community. It converts vacant land into a flourishing urban farm that produces fresh, organic vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, and beets. On Saturday, volunteers performed vital tasks, including clearing fields, building greenhouses, and enhancing irrigation systems. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that nutritious produce can reach those facing food scarcity.
The Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship
Among the enthusiastic participants was Bowie State student Adonis Soul. He expressed a personal connection to the cause, sharing how the Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship has alleviated his financial burdens, enabling him to focus on his studies in broadcast journalism. “It’s made a huge difference in my life, and helping on this urban farm is my way of giving back,” Soul stated.
Dirichi Nwanegwo, a junior from the University of Maryland, echoed similar sentiments about the impact of the scholarship on his educational path. “The $10,000 Collins Scholarship has allowed me to go to school and pursue my degree in mechatronics without the financial cost of college and better myself by becoming an Army Officer,” he remarked.
“It’s absolutely imperative that the Social Justice Alliance continues to honor the legacy of Lt. Collins,” said Bowie State Professor Matasha Harris, co-chair of the alliance. “This event brings the SJAs from Bowie State and the University of Maryland together to collectively work on a project so that students at the institutions develop a better understanding of the importance of giving back and service.”
Dawn Collins, mother of Richard Collins III and co-founder of the foundation dedicated to his legacy, expressed pride in the community’s efforts to come together. “My son, 1st Lieutenant Richard Collins III, was dedicated to serving others through his commitment to the U.S. Army. By coming together as a community to serve, we not only honor his memory but also carry forward his vision of making a tangible difference,” she noted.
