DOBBINS HEIGHTS - At the Dobbins Heights Town Council meeting on the evening of Thursday, July 12, a gentleman named Marcus X, president of The Magnificent Eight, spoke to the commissioners about his community service organization. The organization is comprised of representatives from Scotland, Richmond, Moore, Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, Marlboro, and Dillon counties.
It partners with other service organizations to provide valuable resources and improve educational opportunities for the young people in these eight counties. In addition to the work he does with The Magnificent Eight, Marcus X is also an HVAC Instructor with Richmond Community College.
Marcus X stated, “We have all heard the old saying, it takes a village to raise a child. The question then becomes, what is the address to that village? The Magnificent Eight is striving to establish addressable villages in the eight counties, so that our children will have a designated location to obtain the resources needed to become successful. The main and first addressable village is The Laurinburg Institute. We want to keep our children excited about learning, and one of the ways to have a positive impact on the communities in these eight counties is by educating the children.”
He continued, “When the children get the tools they need from their communities that they need to be successful, then they can in turn do real and positive things for their environments.”
Marcus X also shared information with the commissioners about a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) program that was held at The Laurinburg Institute. The program included video game development and 3D modeling. Other programs that are being offered include drone piloting certification, women’s rape prevention and self-defense, and conflict resolution and mediation. There are also additional courses in the planning stages.
The Dobbins Heights City Council thanked Marcus X for his presentation and the information he shared. As it says on his business card, “Education is power. Let’s give it to our children.”
For more information about The Magnificent Eight, contact Marcus X at xmarshville@yahoo.com or (704)207-8933.
