OUR MISSION

The mission of our family foundation is to foster enduring unity, intergenerational fellowship, and cultural continuity among the Barefield/Barfield, Clay, Claypool, Henderson, McClelland, and Woolfolk families, along with our extended kinship networks. We are committed to strengthening the bonds that tie our families together through intentional gatherings, shared heritage, and collaborative initiatives that celebrate our collective legacy.

Our work centers on advancing educational achievement and promoting economic empowerment, especially among African-American communities historically marginalized by systemic inequities. Through scholarships, mentorship, financial literacy efforts, and workforce readiness programs, we support our youth and adults in reaching their highest potential and contributing meaningfully to society.

Health equity is another cornerstone of our mission. We support and promote health education and wellness initiatives that directly address the disproportionate health burdens faced by African Americans, including chronic disease, mental health disparities, and access to quality care. Our aim is to foster healthier families and communities through awareness, advocacy, and culturally responsive interventions.

We are equally devoted to the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of our family history. Through genealogical research, oral history projects, documentation, and digital archiving, we strive to ensure that our stories, struggles, and achievements are not lost to time, but instead inspire future generations.

In honor of our ancestors, we also fundraise and organize preservation efforts for the historic Ranney Hill Cemetery in Grand Chain, Illinois. This sacred ground, which holds the remains of many of our forebears, deserves not only upkeep but also a renewed place in our collective memory. Our activities include documentation, restoration, educational outreach, and community engagement to increase awareness of its historical significance.

Together, these efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to honoring our past, strengthening our present, and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

JOIN THE GCFF BOARD

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GCFF BOARD ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2023-2024

Donated $3,000 to Ranney Hill Cemetery

• Sponsored $10,000 for scholarships

• Successfully completed 2 health & wellness seminars

• Discovered the slaveholders of the Cox-MCClelland bloodline

• Conducted interviews with elders

• Discovered a connection with a group of Louisiana Woolfolks

• Provided free DNA kits

• Implemented Quickbooks to improve financial management

• Increased membership on Family Facebook page from 420 to 588

• Planned and managed the 2024 family reunion

• Adopted a new platform for donor and membership management

2022-2023

Donated $1,900 to Ranney Hill Cemetary

• Sponsored $3,600 for scholarships

• Successfully completed 2 health & wellness seminars

• Identified new family members

• Conducted zoom interviews with elders: Clydia Barefield Curtis & Mollie Barfield Tyson

• Implemented/created a new reunion process

• Gathered and archived family history

2021-2022

Donated $1,900 to Ranney Hill Cemetary

• Sponsored $3,600 for scholarships

• Successfully completed 2 health & wellness seminars

• Identified new family members

• Conducted zoom interviews with elders: Clydia Barefield Curtis & Mollie Barfield Tyson

• Implemented/created a new reunion proces