

Our Mission
​
To inspire hope and strengthen our communities through personal, professional and economic development.
Michael Boyd-MESLCI President
Michael “Mike” Boyd is the Board President of the Metro East St Louis Community Initiative (MESLCI). A native of Memphis, TN, Mike relocated to Swansea, IL where he currently works as a Child Protective Specialist with the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. His passion for the welfare of youth is quite evident based on his service on numerous boards such as the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Southern Illinois (BIG) and currently as the Midwestern Region March of Dimes Coordinator for March 4 Babies.
Mr. Boyd is also a strong advocate for personal, professional, and community development. A 1987 initiate into the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., his proven leadership afforded him the opportunity to serve in key roles such as the 16th Chapter President of the Delta Epsilon Lambda Chapter, East St. Louis, IL, and soon after as the Illinois District Director. As the district director he oversaw and coordinated the efforts of 100K+ members of the fraternity to ensure they remained true to their mission which is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
The East St Louis community is fortunate to have Mr. Boyd as its advocate. For example, he organized a United States vice presidential debate event to enable local residents to make informed decisions in regards to the 2020 presidential election. He also organized the City of Champions luncheon to give much deserved recognition to those citizens who have made significant contributions to the City of East St. Louis. Mr. Boyd’s contributions are impactful and just as noteworthy as his personal accomplishments.
His accomplishments include a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis, MO; and a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Graphic Arts with a minor in Military Science from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO, and numerous certifications. He is an Army veteran who obtained the rank of First Lieutenant prior to separation. Mr. Boyd is married to Robin Carey-Boyd of East St Louis, IL.
Our Core Values
"It is always a pleasure to present deserving individuals with the Webb-McDonald Scholarship Award. We never want cost to be a barrier for individuals who are in pursuit of their educational goals. It is therefore, my hope that these scholarships will move them one step closer to graduating with pride and dignity."
- Dr. Jeffrey A. Williams
"The scholarship helped me in realizing that good practice bear fruit, but you have to show consitency if you want the same good results!
- Miles E. Dix
"The act and trust instilled within me by Judge Ora Polk contributed to understanding my life's purpose and the act of paying it forward."
- Coach Nino Fennoy
Testimonials

Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.