Acting isn’t the only skill Academy Award-winning star Denzel Washington possesses. During a recent appearance at a local Boys & Girls Club of America’s National Conference in Chicago, the “Fences” star joined several staff members in a sing-along.
Washington, who has a long and well-documented history with the organization that offers after-school programs to children across the nation, was there giving a speech to staff members who had been working throughout the pandemic to serve its community, Fox 32 Chicago reported.
In the touching clip that appeared to be captured on a smart device and later uploaded online, a young girl wearing a signature blue Boys & Girls Club T-shirt was spotted standing alongside the smiling 67-year-old philanthropist as she started to sing “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. Soon after, the rest of the group and Washington joined in. The actor quipped that the kids were showing off their talents before sharing another message with them.
“Here’s my promise to you,” he began. “As a 60-something odd year member of this Boys & Girls, I promise to stand by you. I promise you that. I will always be there.”
The “Man on Fire” star’s connection to the organization dates back to his own childhood when he became a member of its chapter in Mt. Vernon, New York, when he was only five years old. Washington opened up about that 25-year relationship.
He told FOX 32 about how “one of the great things about growing up in the club” was its environment and how it “was conducive for positive feedback.” He added, “And we thrived on that; we believed it. It was nourishing.”
“This just brought tears to my eyes, I truly love the Man of God “Mr. Denzel Washington.” “
“Thank you Mr. Washington for Mentoring the Kids. You’re inspiring them more than you could ever imagine. Bless your Heart.”
“Look at Denzel Washington you can tell he is down the earth he love to help people love it!!”
Having been their spokesperson for nearly three decades, Washington is genuinely proud of the relationship. He once told Forbes, “I was heading in the wrong direction [as a teenager] when you’re starting to get out there and be tempted by more adult things; but the very lessons I learned in the club, I think, helped to keep me from going too far.”
He added, “I knew right from wrong, and that’s something you’re taught. It’s cliché to say, but it’s true; you’re really taught that in the club, right from wrong, and to be honest, and those kinds of lessons.”
