A positive influence feeds the community

LYNN – With one of the most cherished holidays of the year coming up this weekend, Americans across the country have a reason to enjoy burgers, hot dogs and everything else a barbecue entails.But not everyone gets the opportunity to celebrate America’s independence as they’d like.Enter: “Feed ?Em Fridays.”The effort is being undertaken by local music producer Brandon Hamilton, who was inspired by a friend to give back to his community. Hamilton, along with friend Ernest Partin, is challenging members of the community to go out and give back.Each week, the two friends spend money out of their own pockets to buy meals for those who need them. What started out as a friendly competition between the two over who could give more has turned out to be a inspirational movement for the community, Hamilton said.Hamilton, a Florida native, received a degree in business management from Fisher College in 2010, before relocating to Lynn, the city he now calls home.”I want the city to be recognized for the positives, not the negatives.”This isn’t the first time Hamilton has performed random acts of kindness. Last Thanksgiving he bought a dozen turkeys and personally handed them out to people on the street. He also started the “Can I Live” canned food drive.Wednesday, Hamilton and Partin arrived at My Brother’s Table on Washington Street prepared to distribute bags full of food. After a positive response on social media, the duo wants to provide a positive activity in the city.”I ran the streets when I was younger,” said Partin, a Lynn native. “I was a knucklehead. I know what it’s like for someone going through this right now. As a kid, I had to eat here.”Saturday, the pair will be hosting a cookout for the homeless at My Brother’s Table’s Washington Street location.”I am overwhelmed in a quite good way of the task at hand of improving the organization,” said Alison Brooks, a primary care physician at Mass. General Hospital and the president of the board of the Lynn Shelter Association.The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to show support and donate.