Alcindor Hankins and The Gift of Laughter

By Evelyn Smith Booker

If you were to ask any mom to describe her ideal son, the name Alcindor Hankins would immediately come to mind. Alcindor Hankins, aka LaSalle LaSalle, wears many hats:

1. A God-fearing man - you can tell by his Facebook posts that he credits God with all that he has

2. A phenomenal son - his admiration, adoration and love he had/has for his mom is simply incredible.

3. A spectacular sibling - the respect and love they exemplify is marvelous. It was obvious from family gatherings and displayed beautifully at Al’s 50th birthday celebration.

4. Generous giver - always sharing his blessings with others... planting flowers, buying necessities for seniors.

5. Heart for the elderly - from giving gorgeous suits to high ticket items such as stoves, freezers while expecting nothing in return.

6. Gardener - take a look at the Facebook posts of his yard – magazine quality. People ride by to take pictures of his magnificent range of flowers. He can use anything, from tires to tea pots to display his works of art.

7. God’s comedian - Al performs all over… churches, class reunions, family reunions, homecomings, special milestone birthdays – pure, clean comedy!

8. Minister - he can share an anointed, powerful sermon and deliver a relevant word to the masses.

9. My husband, Lee and I have adopted Alcindor as our “Godson.” He has helped us as “seasoned seniors” with numerous projects which include planting flowers, dropping off basics since the pandemic began (articles that were difficult to find) and inviting us to be a part of special events.

People from cities and states, near and far, often comment on Alcindor’s posts. His daily write-ups, speak volumes about who he is, and whose he is. Parents often comment that they wish their sons would show half the love and care that Alcindor shows his mom… in remembrance of and while she was alive. People want to smell their flowers while they are above ground.

On all of the pictures of Al and his mom, they are both smiling, and dressed in the same colors. He showered her with gifts on special occasions and often, “just because.” During her illness, Al would take off on Thursday to drive to Wilmington to take his mom for her treatments… now that’s love.

His posts are both inspirational and motivational. They reach people from across the board, all races, young and old, male and female. As a result, people bring him gifts of love and appreciation on birthdays/holidays, just to say, “thank you.”

Alcindor’s core values are exceptional, remarkable, and extraordinary. If only this world had more people with these attributes—what a world this would be.”

Alcindor lost his dad at an early age, and his mom reared 14 children all by herself (Alcindor is the 9th child). You can clearly understand why there is such a connection, bond, love that exists in the Hankins family. Al is such a blessing to so many. We’d like to wish God’s continued blessings to Alcindor Hankins.

For some wholesome, hearty laughs, visit https://www.facebook.com/GospelComedainLaSalleLaSalle.

Evelyn Smith Booker is a Deaconess at New Providence Baptist Church, Fuquay-Varina, NC where LaSalle LaSalle has performed. She is also a doting grandmother, freelance writer and retired Capitol Broadcasting Sales Executive. Her book “A Winner…In Spite Of” is scheduled to be released in January.