Lane Harper
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
Over the years, Alabama State University alumnus Lane Harper has had a history of reaching out to help those among us whom he terms as "the least, the last and the lost.” This year is no different.
Just in time for the holiday season, Harper (ASU Class of 1994) has given away more than 1,000 turkeys, cash grants and other foods and fixings to families and individuals in the Fultondale area of Jefferson County, Alabama who live below the poverty line and might not be able to afford a traditional holiday meal.
While a student at ASU, Harper played point guard and shooting guard for the Hornets' basketball team. He continues to be involved with the University as an active alumnus and does his part to support O' Mother Dear.
"I have been blessed in many ways, and I feel it is important for me and for those who assist me in all ways possible to help people be able to celebrate the holiday season and to especially know that others care about their welfare," said Harper, who has been an officer with the Birmingham Police Department since 2008.
This is the fifth year in a row that Harper has donated holiday meals to those in need, via the non-profit that he founded, The Power of Life Foundation. This year, he staged his program at the Fultondale Elementary School, thanks to the approval of the school’s principal and the Birmingham Board of Education.
"We had so many people show up for assistance that some had a wait of almost five hours to be a part of our giveaway to God's people," stated Harper, who majored in Criminal Justice as a student at ASU. "This long wait is indicative of how many citizens are in need of help and care just in Jefferson County alone."
Harper explained that his non-profit's purpose is to reach out to the greater Birmingham area's underserved and poor residents in an effort to empower them economically and socially, to enhance their health and well-being, and to assist them in overcoming hardships. Harper added that the people that Power of Life helped include women and children, seniors, veterans, the homeless and at-risk youth.
"Both myself and my Power of Life volunteers and benefactors are here to help bridge and close the gap as much as possible for those who are truly in need,” stated Harper. "Regardless of how bad people's lives appear to be, one must never forget that God is here to look after us all."
"One merely needs to remember the word of the Lord God, as stated in Proverbs 3: 5–6, which reads Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
To learn about Harper's Power of Life Foundation, visit: poweroflifefoundation.org.