Meet Tiombé O’Rourke | True Blue 1881, Inc. Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiombé O’Rourke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiombé, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Since 2017 I have been helping students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country. This was the year I discovered many college students were experiencing food insecurity, and I decided to feed the students in the Atlanta University Center the week of Thanksgiving. The idea was to give students who couldn’t afford to go home, a chef prepared meal. We also gave away airline gift cards, gift bags and cash to the attendees. This was the impetus for me to seek out additional needs among HBCU students and then bridge the gap.

In 2020 , 1881 True Blue LLC became the nonprofit, True Blue 1881, Inc. Since then, we have fed hundreds of students, given away dozens of scholarships, assisted students through a housing crisis as a result of covid, and paid balances of graduating seniors so they could receive their diplomas. Additionally, we take care of immediate needs such as gas, groceries, car repairs, health insurance, and/or anything that would be a stumbling block to the student graduating.

The makeup company I own (GEATCosmetics.com) with my cousin, Alexis Allen, also gives away a monthly scholarship to an HBCU student. As of 2022, True Blue 1881, Inc has given well in excess of $100,000 in direct aid to students. True Blue 1881, Inc recently partnered with the historical Paschal’s Restaurant and paid to feed almost 50 students of the AUC.

My goal has always been to directly impact the students while minimizing the red tape. Very few of the scholarships given are academically based, which allows more students to benefit. Our mantra is, “Philanthropy done differently!” Moving forward, we hope to continue partnering with local businesses and corporations to help eliminate food, shelter and financial insecurities among HBCU students. Thank you to Coke, Puma, AT&T, Gardner Trial Attorneys, Kenneth R O’Rourke, Jr. Esq, Kevin Washington, MD, Clifton Prince, MD, Kenisha Barron, Valerie Vanterpool, The Chapel of Peace Funeral Homes, among many others for your continued support.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our  nonprofit has a goal of making it EASY for HBCU students to get help with anything that could be a hindrance to their matriculation through school. We do our best to eliminate the red tape that is often associated with seeking aid.

What excites me most is what I hope to be the ripple effect. When I assist students, I ask them to pay it forward/reach back when they can be the answer to someone else’s prayer. The students we are helping now will hopefully play an integral part in our initiatives in the future.

Raising money and supplying needs takes a lot of work, but when you are passionate about something it doesn’t FEEL like work. I believe when one is walking in his/her purpose, God will provide everything needed. I never would have guessed in 2017 that we would be a nonprofit in 2020. Everything has transpired organically. Someone sees what we are doing, believes in it and then asks to help; it’s honestly been that seamless. I went from funding much of this out of pocket to having corporate sponsors, that is nothing but God’s grace.

I am learning that people want to be a part of something positive. The World is a very different place and is often unpredictable from moment to moment. Affecting positive change is a glimmer of light in a time of darkness. My Italian Mom said, “Do good and forget about it. Do bad and think about it.” It’s really that simple.

I want the World to know we assist these students directly. We minimize the hurdles and the time it takes to receive assistance. We are working diligently to eliminate food, shelter and financial insecurities among college students, we hope that you will be inspired to join us! Philanthropy done differently!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday: I would take him/her on a walking tour of the Atlanta University Center, taking  pictures by the signs of each school. We would end at Paschal’s Restaurant, an establishment frequented by many Civil Rights leaders, including my Morehouse brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We would later eat at Poor Calvin’s for an early dinner. Their Lobster fried rice is divine! Tuesday: We would take a bike ride on the belt line to burn off some of the calories we consumed. Wednesday:  We would visit the Civil Rights Museum because knowing our story keeps us grounded. Following the museum we would need a great meal, so off to Slutty Vegan. Slutty Vegan is owned by a Clark Atlanta University Alum. Thursday:  We would go to Arnette’s; their beef Wagyu ribs NEVER disappoint. Friday we would take a walk/run on Silver Comet trail, again trying to minimize the damage done from all of the wonderful food consumed! Can you tell I am into fitness, but love to eat? After our workout, we would have lunch at the Beverly, a restaurant owned by Mario Johnson, my Morehouse brother and a supporter of True Blue 1881, Inc. We may even catch a game there, depending on the time of year. Saturday: We would walk around Truist Park and enjoy all it has to offer, including lunch at one of the many restaurants available. Later in the evening we would patronize Little Alley in Buckhead, they have something for EVERYONE to enjoy. Sunday:  We would have the tough decision of worshipping at Word of Faith or Ebenezer Baptist Church, both lead by Morehouse graduates. Brunch at South City Kitchen in Vinings would end our weekend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Joy Smith my Spelman sister and friend was the first person to agree to help me on this unpredictable journey. She is the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Co-Founder of True Blue 1881, Inc.

Desmon Short, Executive Chef, donates his time and talents to our events.

Dorian Hunter, Fox 5 Master Chef winner, she donates her time, talent and resources to help True Blue 1881, Inc fulfill its mission.

Kenneth Reginald O’Rourke, Esq (Morehouse graduate) my husband and True Blue 1881 Inc’s resident DJ…he donates his time, talent and resources while giving me the flexibility to live in my purpose.

Vincent T. Watson, Pastor of New Christian Center, my cousin and proud graduate of Alabama State University.

Kanika Sloan Williams, Esq. Spelman sister and board member
Kimberly Bryant, MBA Spelman sister and board member
Kenya Thacker Pierre, Esq Spelman sister and board member
Juanita Ramos, MS Spelman Sister and board member

Joslyn Jackson, Esq (Spelman) Eric McGlothen (Morehouse), Denise Brooks, Kevin Washington, MD (Morehouse), Marlan Gary, Lonzy Robertson (Morehouse), John Peoples, (Florida A&M University) Flex Alexander, Jason Dirden (Morehouse), Túere Nucklos (my biological sister and Spelman sister), Clifton Prince, MD (Morehouse)…when I come up with an idea to help these students, they are first in line to lend a hand!  Without the help of these individuals, none of this would be possible. If you can fulfill your vision alone, you need a bigger vision!

Website: trueblue1881.org

Instagram: TrueBlue1881

Facebook: True Blue 1881 Inc

Other: My cosmetic company is GEATCosmetics.com IG: @GEATCosemtics and my personal IG is @tiombefit

Image Credits
Kemi Griffin Photography