Inspirational Newark Teen Saves Dogs’ Lives With Bow Ties

NEWARK, NJ — Darius Brown Jr. has already gotten a big nod of approval from former U.S. President Barack Obama for his heartwarming dog bow ties, which help attract attention for shelter animals at risk of euthanasia. Now, the Newark teen has earned another accolade he and his community can hold their heads high about: The Diana Award.

On Wednesday, Brown, 13, officially received the award, which was established in memory of the late Princess Diana. It’s one of the highest honors a young person can achieve for humanitarian action in the United Kingdom.

Here’s why Brown deserves the award, organizers said:

“Sir Darius is an entrepreneur, animal advocate, speaker and founder of ‘Beaux & Paws.’ At 2-years-old, he was diagnosed with speech, comprehension and fine motor skills delays … To help develop his fine motor skills, at just 8-years-old, he began assisting his older sister, Dazhai, by cutting fabric and learning how to use a sewing machine.”

He took to it like a fish to water, spokespeople for The Diana Award said.

Here's what happened next:

“[Darius] started a small business selling bow ties. Notably, he uses his skills to create handmade stylish bow ties for cats and dogs in animal shelters across the United States and beyond, to give them a better chance at being adopted into their forever homes and to save them from being euthanized. Sir Darius also uses his sewing skills to create face coverings for essential workers that have been on the frontline, helping to save the lives of others during the coronavirus pandemic. Sir Darius speaks at events educating others on the importance of volunteering, acting as a voice for the voiceless and working to ‘save lives, one bow tie at a time.’”

Brown offered a big thank-you on social media.

"Princess Diana was dedicated and passionate about helping others," he wrote. "She also believed in the youth, their abilities and how young people had the power to make a difference and change the world."

"From a young age, I always knew I wanted to do something to make a difference in the world," Brown continued. "It just happens to be that I love animals, especially dogs. At 10-years-old, learning about shelter dogs waiting for forever homes and learning about how some get euthanized simply because they don't get adopted fast enough, I knew I had to do something to try and help them have a second chance in life."

"Who would have thought something as simple as a bow tie could change and save so many lives and make such a huge impact worldwide?" he commented.

It isn’t the first time Brown’s efforts have been put in the spotlight. Former U.S. President Barack Obama gave the teen’s bow tie business – Beaux and Paws – a big thumbs-up in 2018, commending him for his community service.

“From founding Beaux and Paws to lifting up the lives of those around you, it's clear you are doing your part to look out for your fellow citizens,” Obama wrote. “Know that I'm rooting for you in all you do, and I wish you the very best.”

Patch first wrote about Brown’s inspiring efforts two years ago. READ MORE: Newark Boy's Booming Dog Bow Tie Business Warms Hearts

Since then, Brown hasn’t taken his foot off the gas pedal. According to his older sister and “assistant,” Dazhai Brown (Shearz):

“In the summer of 2019, [Darius] created the PAW-SOME Mission and the goal is to create and donate bowties to animal shelters in all 50 states, visit the shelters personally, participate in adoption events, and highlight adoptable dogs on his social media of over 55,000 followers. So far it has been successful. He has reached 20 states and he has inspired so many people to adopt dogs worldwide.”

The young entrepreneur had to temporarily postpone his efforts due to the coronavirus crisis, but even a viral pandemic couldn’t slow him down for good. He immediately switched gears and put his skills to work as a philanthropist, creating 150 face masks for essential workers and homeless people.

Brown is now planning to ship his creations to animal shelters and sell them to the public online at his new website, www.sirdariusbrown.com. A portion of each sale goes to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

It’s not just pride that makes it all the hard work worthwhile to Brown and his family. It’s also the knowledge that they’re doing their part to make a positive difference in the world.

“I hope Darius’ story and accomplishments inspire other youth to give back and become change makers in the world,” his sister said.

Want to help Brown create a better future for some in-need pups? An online fundraiser has shattered its original goal and raised more than $71,000 from 2,200 donors as of Wednesday. (Learn more or make a donation)

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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