Continuing the Legacy of Mary Lou & Arthur Freeman Mahone, since 1999
The Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation was created in 1999 to perpetuate the legacy of two dynamic change agents. While possessing different leadership styles, both Mary Lou and Arthur were the most influential couple advocating for social justice in Kenosha. They were married 51 years and raised nine children.
The Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation was created in 1999 to perpetuate the legacy of two dynamic change agents.
While possessing different leadership styles, both Mary Lou and Arthur were the most influential couple advocating for social justice in Kenosha. They were married 51 years and raised nine children.
Mary Lou Mahone, a native Kenoshan, was a bridge-builder, joining disparate sectors of the community to challenge racial discrimination and to create equal opportunity in education, healthcare, housing and labor. The first black PTA president in 1962, she was later appointed to the mayor’s committee, Concerned Citizens for Fair Housing, and the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights. These efforts led to the city’s desegregation of housing and schools, as well as an increase in black teachers, police officers and civil servants.
A lifelong member, she served as president of the Racine-Kenosha NAACP chapter and held the office of state treasurer. She volunteered as president of Church Women United; chairman of the Interfaith Network for the Shalom Center Women’s Shelter; and charter board member of the Boys and Girls Club. A lifetime member at Second Baptist Church, she served on countless committees, including director of education.
Her employment with the Lincoln Neighborhood Center, the Urban League, and Community Action Agency enabled her to alleviate the suffering of people facing poverty by creating health and wellness, and Alcohol and Drug abuse intervention programs. In her later years, she developed the civic support group, Ethnic Elders, and served on the founding board of the Kenosha Community Health Center. In 2002, the Kenosha Unified School District named the newly built public school in her honor, the Mary Lou Mahone Middle School.
Arthur Freeman Mahone retired from Gateway Technical College as a Welding Instructor. He mentored young men from all walks of life through martial arts, teaching physical and mental discipline as a foundation to prepare for life’s challenges. He studied the Japanese language and became proficient in writing and speaking. Over the years, he participated in a variety of roundtable discussions on race and inclusion and volunteered on the Kenosha Unified School District Student Achievement Advisory committee. He was a member of the NAACP Kenosha Branch.
Today, their civic and philanthropic legacy lives on in the footprints of the Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation, under the leadership of their children and the dynamic Board of Directors. Please join us as we celebrate the life and contributions of Mary Lou and Arthur while creating sustainable and equitable opportunities for our young people.
Our Mission
The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation mission is to provide educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth, while supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color.
2026 Dine & Donate for Degrees
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Lincoln Park Live! Music Series
Thank YOu for a Great Summer!
REaching for Rainbows: Pursuit of Excellence Gala
Thank You for celebrating with us!
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Mahone Middle School!
Mahone Middle School
Kenosha, WI
Volunteer Opportunties
Your Investment Matters
The Mahone Foundation's "Need is Now Student Emergency Fund" provides essential emergency support to Mahone Scholars currently enrolled in school, helping them navigate life's unexpected challenges.
Donating is Easy!
By using the donation form on this page, you can help our students resolve sudden or unforeseen financial problems and reduce their barriers to succeeding in College.
At our 2026 Reaching for Rainbows Gala, an anonymous donor pledged to match every donation up to $25,000 — doubling your impact for students who need it most. There has never been a better time to give.
Use the donation form on this page or simply mail a check to: Mahone Foundation, 2222 63rd Street, Kenosha, WI 53143.
We thank you for your continued support!
Providing educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth, while supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color.
The Mary Lou and Arthur L Mahone Foundation is a proud partner of the United Way of Kenosha County. To ensure ongoing positive community impact, the United Way of Kenosha County will serve as the Mahone Foundation’s fiscal sponsor as they broaden horizons and expand services. All donations made on behalf of the Mahone Foundation will be tax deductible as permitted by law.
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