Every February, as we celebrate Black History Month, I think about the journey that brought me here – from my early days playing basketball to starting Future Foundation to my work in the G League. The legacy of Black athletes who came before us isn’t just history in a book – it’s the reason I had the opportunity to pursue my dreams.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
The path to progress in sports has always required more than athletic excellence. Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier in 1947 – he redefined what it meant to compete with dignity under extraordinary pressure. Wilma Rudolph transformed from a child wearing leg braces due to polio into an Olympic champion who shattered both records and expectations. Bill Russell’s 11 NBA championships tell only part of his story; his courageous leadership in civil rights opened doors that benefit athletes to this day.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through the G League
Player development is about so much more than perfecting your jumpshot – it’s something I’ve learned throughout my career in the G League. Just like we review game film to improve on the court, I see our players analyzing not just their basketball skills, but their potential to make real change in their communities.
Every player’s path is different – I know that firsthand. Whether they’re coming straight from college or taking an alternative route through international leagues, what matters is how they use each experience to grow as both athletes and leaders.
Future Foundation: A Second Family for Atlanta’s Youth
At its heart, Future Foundation serves as a Second Family for youth caught in the cycle of generational poverty. What began as an afterschool program in Atlanta’s underfunded schools has grown into a comprehensive support system that’s transforming lives.
Our impact tells the story:
- 100% of students who remain engaged in our program graduate
- Our students graduate at twice the rate of their peers
- We provide safe, supportive environments where students can grow intellectually and gain confidence
The Keep It 100% Luncheon exemplifies our community approach, bringing together over 200 leaders from Atlanta’s philanthropic, corporate, and civic communities.
At these events, our students connect directly with community leaders, sharing their stories and building relationships that can shape their futures.
Looking Ahead
As we honor Black History Month, I see our work as part of a continuing legacy. Through the G League, we’re developing athletes who understand their power to impact communities. Through Future Foundation, we’re breaking cycles of poverty by providing youth with the support they need to thrive.
The game has given me an incredible platform, and I’ve learned that our biggest wins don’t always show up on the scoreboard. When I see our G League players mentoring young people, or Future Foundation students breaking cycles in their families, that’s what real victory looks like to me. Just like those who opened doors for me, we’re creating pathways for the next generation to thrive.
I invite you to join me at Keep It 100%, Future Foundation’s Luncheon that brings donors, community leaders, and many of our students from various backgrounds and neighborhoods together for a powerful experience highlighting Future Foundation’s work.
Learn more about Keep it 100% here.
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