Media: Photos & Videos

The Journey Behind the Mission

Founder Marcus Byrd-Ray Sr.’s commitment to youth and families grew from his own journey toward education, encouragement and community service. Alive & Free / Omega Boys Club is part of that story.

2015 — A new direction. KTVU featured Marcus Byrd of Richmond as he prepared to attend Laney College. He described the value of a supportive, nonjudgmental space and learning to resist peer pressure. Alive & Free’s 2015 annual report also includes testimony under Marcus Byrd Ray’s name about his future and education.

2017 — Giving back. Coverage of the University of San Francisco’s California Prize for Alive & Free and Dr. Joseph E. Marshall Jr. included Marcus’s reflections on the program’s impact. Change for FiveHundred was founded in 2017 to help turn care into practical support for youth and families.

2019 — Community in action. Alive & Free shared a video of Marcus’s third annual backpack giveaway in Richmond. Watch the recap below and explore the original reporting.

KTVU: Omega Boys Club, July 31, 2015 · Alive & Free 2015 Annual Report · Oakland Post / USF News, March 9, 2017 · Alive & Free: 2019 giveaway video

Serving Families During COVID-19

Fourth Annual Drive-Through Backpack Giveaway — January 9, 2021

Change for FiveHundred and Ya-NEEMA organized a contactless drive-through giveaway at Shields-Reid Community Center in North Richmond. Event materials listed backpacks, school supplies, face masks and COVID safety items, with families asked to stay in their vehicles.

The original flyer credits Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter, and Chevron as sponsors.

View the original COVID giveaway flyer and announcement

Explore Our Facebook Photo Archives

First Annual Backpack Giveaway · Second Annual Backpack Giveaway · Operation Feed the Homeless · Community Photos & Mobile Uploads