Mike Tyson's program gives turkeys to needy

Jet, Jan 11, 1993

Former boxing champion Mike Tyson's seventh annual Team Tyson Turkey Tour recently returned to Indiana and gave 1,500 turkeys to needy families in the Indianapolis community.

The turkeys were distributed by the Indiana Black Expo's "We Can Feed the Hungry Program."

Though Tyson is serving a prison sentence on a rape conviction, he wanted to continue his tradition of helping others during the New Year season. "I may be incarcerated physically, but I will not allow them to incarcerate my mind or spirit," he said. "As long as I have the ability to give, I am going to keep on giving," he said.

He added, "Team Tyson consists of a strong group of individuals, who I am confident that they will continue this program's legacy."

Said Charles Williams, president of Indiana Black Expo, Inc., "Since Indiana Black Expo offers the "We Can Feed the Hungry" program, this was a great opportunity to join forces with Team Tyson...This whole program is a symbolic gesture and a temporary solution to the overwhelming problem of the homeless and hungry in this world."

Team Tyson is an extension of a program that promoter Don King created over 30 years, ago in his native, Cleveland. This year, in addition to Cleveland and Indianapolis, Team Tyson Turkey Tour included stops in New York, Miami and Chicago.

Said Tyson, "I have not forgotten where I came from and as long as I am able to help my brother, I will."