To Bonita Dobbins West, her brother Neal transformed even the most heartbreaking weeks of his life into a last expression of selflessness.
Neal Dobbins with his wife, Monica.
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Pastor Kenny Simmons speaks about his uncle Neal Dobbins, the founder of MVP (Most Valuable Parents) at an event at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion to remember and honor him. On the left is Lenny Lane and on the right is Carlanda Meaders. All are members of MVP.
Neal Dobbins at an MVP food distribution site during the pandemic.
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn shares the statistics on the rising number of shootings and homicides in the past two years.
He worked to get young people off the street, taught parenting classes, mentored young men and organized activities and events involving basketball for young people.
Many gathered at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion to honor and remember Neal Dobbins the founder of MVP (Most Valuable Parents), Saturday, May 29, 2021. Marlando Brannon, center, stands with his daughter Ava, 5, as family, friends and school officials talk about Dobbins. Brannon is Dobbins' nephew and a member of MVP.
Many gathered at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion to honor and remember Neal Dobbins the founder of MVP (Most Valuable Parents), Saturday, May 29, 2021. During the opening prayer, Jackie Croom, center, who worked alongside Dobbins at MVP, weeps. She said he was like a brother to her.
Neal Dobbins, center, and fellow parents were regular visitors to the schools.
Through the end of August, 217 people have either been injured or killed in a shooting in the city, according to Buffalo Police Department data.
A dynamic speaker: Neal Dobbins spreads his message.
Neal Dobbins (in blue, center) on the steps of Buffalo City Hall with, from left, Buffalo Board of Education Member Larry Scott, Superintendent Kriner Cash; Board President Sharon Belton-Cottman; and Board Member Ann Rivera.
Neal Dobbins, in white shirt, at the first meeting of MVP of Buffalo.
Photos: Remembering Neal Dobbins
Losing a friend
During the opening prayer, Jackie Croom, center, who worked alongside Dobbins at MVP, weeps. She said he was like a brother.
Respect
Dobbins died last week from complications tied to Covid-19. President of the Board of Education Sharon Belton-Cottman speaks about Dobbins.
Losing an uncle
Marlando Brannon, center, stands with his daughter Ava, 5, as family, friends and school officials talk about Dobbins. Brannon is Dobbins' nephew and a member of MVP.
MVP family
MVP members gather around Dobbins' nephew Pastor Kenny Simmons, center, who is also a member.
Remembering Neal Dobbins
Many gathered at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion to honor and remember Neal Dobbins, the founder of MVP (Most Valuable Parents), Saturday, May 29, 2021.
Comfort during mourning
Jackie Mines, right, a former employer of Dobbins, comforts his wife Monica.
Supporting a loved one
All those present head toward the middle of the football field to release balloons in honor of Dobbins.
Releasing the balloons
All those present release balloons to honor Neal Dobbins.
Gratitude
All those present release balloons to honor a man who helped so many.
