Three years after graduating together from HBCU, Newman couple looks back on their accomplishments so far

May 30 02:34 2019

Amber Newman and Leo LeMarcus Newman is a power couple, renowned in their community for all the achievements and philanthropic activities they have done at a young age. The couple graduated together from an HBCU in 2016 and since then, they have added more to their list of achievements and activities to make a difference in the society. LeMarcus recently received the Mission Ally Award from the Houston Lawyers Association, and Amber also received the Dillard University 40 under 40 awards. The couple has been an inspiration to many for a long time and continues to do that, after their graduation in 2016, with a Master of Public Administration from a Historical Black College and University, HBCU.

At the time when we graduated and our story went viral. We had idea of the number of people we inspired. Married with a family working full-time jobs going to class was not easy. Our kids sacrificed also when we were in school there was times they wanted us to take them to fun place and we were not able to because we were trying to complete assignments. When we walked across the stage when we graduated my cousin Tammy took a picture of our kids. The smile on their faces said it all. We knew how proud we made them.

Amber is the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Brazoria County. Newman sits on various board of directors including the Pink & Green Charitable Foundation, President of the Dillard University Houston Alumni Chapter, she sits on the Presidential Alumni Committee for Texas Southern University, Houston Independent School District Superintendent Community Advisory Counsel, Brentwood Baptist Church Scholarship Committee, The St. John Missionary Baptist Church fundraising committee which was founded by freed slaves in 1869, and board member for Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber and a member of Off the Field – National Football Player Wives Association and Threads.

The couple has over two decades of Non-profit experience, and they have worked with the relief effort during and after hurricane Katrina, volunteering at the Blue Triangle, served as the Fundraising Director and Athletic Director for the South Main Mustangs little football organization, served on the Board of Directors for the Shadow Creek Titans Little League Football Organization, member of the Huddle Up Foundation, sits on Texas Southern University Staff Council, feeding the homeless at the Salvation Army, ‘Green it up’ campaign for former Houston Council member the Late Larry Green and more.

When asked about what the couple thinks about billionaire Robert F. Smith waving off the student debt of entire class of 2019 of the college graduates at Morehouse College, they said, “During Mr. Robert Smith speech, he announced that he would pay the student loan debt belonging to the entire Morehouse College graduating class of 2019. His decision was as unprecedented as it was a very generous: aiding nearly 400 young men at an estimated value up to $40 million. Overall I think it’s great, and he has raised the bar for all the wealthy around the world. Most wealthy people love the completion, and I can guarantee you someone will try to top him next year. Working at a University, I had to come out of my pocket to help a host of young men, and it’s very fulfilling so I know how Mr. Smith felt. He will create opportunities for so many young men which God will bless in return.

“I was having a conversation with one of my closest friend’s Ced, Garrick “Big G” Jones former player of the Houston Texans & Actor Hill Harper who plays on the hit show The good doctor about giving back and working at the University. I took a huge pay cut to return home to be with my family but I did not want to question God. Amber said look at the big picture its going to be hard, some people will not like it, but they will, learn from you, benefit from you, be inspired by you and most important our kids needs you here. So my overall motive was to give back to the community, by providing an opportunity to help the kids family through education which in return help the University and to help my family.

“I never knew why God allowed me to come back home to work at the University but now understand. He wanted me to use my gifts to put smiles on people faces, create ideas, motivate others and create opportunities. Sometimes I think what If I wasn’t at home to offer guidance and assistants to so many young men and women who were just like me who needed a little push or guidance to graduate. Having a helping hand with providing a second chance opportunity for young men like Darvin Kidsy a young man just needing a opportunity and had a chance on help him into the university now playing in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, Marquel Daigle who was feature on a local News network by earning a football scholarship and now starting defensive back and having a helping hand with friends like Antrechelle Dorsey who I grew up with. Antre’chelle was a nontraditional student, who returned back to school to receive her degree 20 years after graduating high school. While at Texas Southern, she served the world-renown Debate team as President for two consecutive years.

“Creating opportunities for young men and women to view the world differently like our study aboard, the program which I was motivate through the Study abroad program that Texas Southern has to Ghana that Amber and I participated in that change our lives a a study abroad trip that was hosted by Dr. Adams. I wanted to create my own, so I team up with Texas Southern professor Dr. Kavil, Dr. Shelton, Dr. Maddox with Texas Southern President Dr. Lane blessing it became a reality. Like my parents always say as long as you helping people, do it for your family God will always Bless You and he will protect you against great darkness.”

Amber: “I think it is a blessing that they are getting an advantage and a head start to financial freedom. It definitely will give them all a great start because they will be able to invest money into something that will give them a great return instead of having to pay on a student loan.

An estimated 86.8% of black students borrow federal student loans to attend a four-year public college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).2018.”

Overall we like to motivate others, I learned a lot from my dad Michael Alfred about teaching, motivating and helping others. Without my family my Aunts and Uncles and cousins I wouldn’t be who I am now. I will be teaching my first Non Profit Course at Brazosport College this upcoming fall and I have plans on bringing the same program to other Colleges and Universities.

Amber’s husband, Leo LeMarcus Newman is also a Black Enterprise Top 100 Modern Men, Top 50 Texas Black Professionals. Together they have raised three children and continue to live a meaningful and inspiring life, both inside and outside their home.

Instagram: @Official_ambernew & @lemarcusnewman

Media Contact
Company Name: Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
Contact Person: Nichole Wilkerson
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Phone: 979-373-9668
Country: United States
Website: www.instagram.com/Official_ambernew/