Welcome to the John Landon Black Foundation

Hope for the hopeless.

The John Landon Black Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization created by Clarendon County, South Carolina leaders to honor the memory of a former resident, John Landon Black, who passed away from an accidental drug overdose at
25-years-old.

John Landon Black

John Landon Black, 25, loved his family and friends with his whole heart – always without judgement. He was a walking sports encyclopedia, an entertainer, an entrepreneur, and the life of every party. His family will remember him most for the kindness and compassion he showed to those less fortunate.

He was active in his church, the Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, and part of the Belin Memorial United Methodist Church Guatemala Mission Team. He was forever moved by the hardships and heartaches of others.

The John Landon Black foundation was set up in John’s honor to give others the type of support he received from his family and that he wished for others. Through scholarship, the foundation hopes to provide recipients with exceptional care, dignity, and above all – hope.

If you know someone who is suffering from drug, alcohol or other dependency, and is in need of help, please consider applying for a scholarship on their behalf or donating to our foundation.

About John

Hope for the hopeless

John penned this sentiment in a card to his parents. It serves to inspire the work of the foundation today.

Mission

“John Landon was a bright star in the Clarendon County Community where he lived most of his life. He was a friend to all - full of love, kindness and acceptance. He always saw the goodness in others, never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Sadly, John Landon suffered from the disease of addiction. He tried his best to overcome this addiction but lost his fight to do so. This group wants to carry on his legacy by helping people in the area who suffer from addiction but lack the resources to get long-term, in-patient and quality treatment,” said Amy Land, Board Chair of the Foundation and Judge for the Third Circuit Drug Court Program.

Our Work

More than $250,000 has been pledged to date by family and friends, and the Foundation plans to raise funds each year to support those who seek treatment from addiction, but don’t have the financial means to get help. The Foundation’s first fundraising project was Clarendon Behavioral Health Services’ 5K Walk/Run during Prevention Recovery Month. Through fundraising events and pledges, the Foundation was able to award the John Landon Black Foundation Scholarship, making it possible for a chosen recipient to receive long-term treatment at no cost.

Our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for the Foundation include Amy Land, Board Chair of the Foundation and Judge for the Third Circuit Drug Court Program; Natalie Gray, CEO of Clarendon Behavioral Health Services; Ladell Grice, Professor at Central Carolina Technical College and retired law enforcement leader; Gene Morris, Chief Deputy of the Clarendon County Sherriff’s Department; King Cutter, Public Defender for Clarendon County; Greg King, teacher and coach at Clarendon School District; Payne Gregory, local business owner and Dawn Still, retired Clarendon County Department of Social Services leader. Shaun Kent and Jack Furse, Manning attorneys; as well as Jeff and Stephanie Black, John Landon’s parents, are serving as advisors to the Foundation. There is also a Student Advisory Board with high school students from each of the five public and private schools in Clarendon County.