Deloyd T. Parker, Jr. has been the Co-Founder and Executive Director of S.H.A.P.E. for over 42 years. Growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, Deloyd’s parents, Mrs. Ruby Parker and Mr. Deloyd Parker, Sr., instilled in him a sense of humility, a willingness to help, the courage to face adversity, and the strength to fight injustice whenever and wherever it raises its ugly face. Deloyd worked in the Ujamaa Villages of East Africa and traveled to many countries in the eastern part of Africa, spreading S.H.A.P.E.’s philosophy. His most recent trip to Africa was in the summer of 2000. He went to The Gambia in West Africa where he met with the President of The Gambia and was able to expand relations with the government as well as grassroot community leaders. The initiation of the SHAPE philosophy was embraced by the people of The Gambia and “The S.H.A.P.E. of The Gambia” was born.
Deloyd along with countless volunteers, staff and supporters have built S.H.A.P.E., a comprehensive and holistic community institution. Deloyd Parker attributes all of these accomplishments, achievements, successes and victories to embracing the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith) and to…