Wednesday, April 29, 2009

"Giving Back" -Reconnecting With Our Roots & History

Gene Banks, former High School Philly legend, Duke All-American and NBA star, has embarked on another start-up program and this time, it's in his native "City of Brotherly Love"- Philadelphia.
Gene has formed the newly acclaimed "City Legends of Philadelphia" where in which this organization was developed, to reconnect all city legends with each other to make a difference in the communities of Philadelphia of where they grew up in.

"Reuniting the people that help build the foundation and tradition of city basketball, has been a goal and vision of mines for far too long and I know this venture will have an impact on the future of the city of Philadelphia," says Gene. Philadelphia has such a rich tradition of social leaders in the fields of athletics (Wilt Chamberlain) entertainment (Will Smith) music (Kenny Gamble) and civic social issues (Councilwoman Jeanie Blackwell) that it is vital, in this day an age, that we come together and form a solidarity unit and force, that will come up with ideas and resolutions for our youth, adults and communities, for a brighter future and not give just give "lip-service."



Even in this day of recession and economic strife, it always comes back to the basics- "it takes a village, to raise a child" and there is no better time to enact this proverb, than in today's circumstances and issues. "it was because someone stood, I stand" says the former USA No. 1 high school legend.

Besides developing the newly formed group (City Legends of Philadelphia) Gene still maintains his other foundation(The Gene Banks League) which caters and aids under-privileged youth in the state of North Carolina. Gene has also reconnected with NBA Hall of Fame Greats- Julius "Dr. J Erving, George "Iceman" Gervin and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. Each of which, were reared in inner-city environments, that were less than desirable, but went on to be great members and givers of society. Gene has been speaking nationwide on issues of community redevelopment, youth responsibility and education and has made a pledge to combat the ill-wills of societies traps and pit falls. "Our youth have been brainwashed to accept that life is of no meaning and instant gratification, is the only means of success without rules, boundaries and discipline. It is time now...especially men, to stand up and be accountable, responsible and give back to their roots of beginning. Their communities need strength . Their families need love. And God needs us to do what he sent His son to do...to sacrifice, to nurture and really show and give love, the way it was meant to be...loving and caring for thy brethren.
Amen






































































Sunday, April 12, 2009

The Lou Williams Foundation...

I had the extraordinary moment, while visiting Philadelphia, in meeting some truly wonderful people, that traveled to the "City of Brotherly Love." The group was representing the newly formed Lou Williams Foundation. Lou Williams is a professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Memphis native is in a rare class of NBA players where in which, he was drafted right out of high school to play in the NBA in 2005.

The people supporting this newly formed foundation were Ms. Kimberly Haynes, who serves as a chief consultant for the Ombi Group Company in Atlanta, Georgia. And there was the heart and soul of Lou...His mommy.

Lou graduated from South Gwinnett High School located in Snellville, Georgia. His talent put South Gwinnett HIgh School on the map. As a sophomore, he scored a season high 50 points. As a junior, he led his team to the Georgia 5A State Championship. As a senior, he was selected as a McDonald's All-American and named "Mr.Georgia Basketball."


One of his many top accomplishments was receiving the Naismith Award , signifying the nation's top high school player. Lou committed to play at the University of Georgia, but decided to be declared for the 2005 NBA draft. He was selected in the second round of the draft by the Sixers.
He is currently in his fourth season with just over 11 points per game with 3.3 assists.




Ok...that is all great! But...what makes this young man special, is his desire to give back to his community, city, state and the nation in-striving to empower and inspire youth by combining athletics, education and positive mentorship to motivate them to reach their highest level of success.

Lou conducts a basketball camp each summer a his Alma Mater in Georgia, But...Mr. Williams plans to to conduct a free camp for inner-city youth in Philadelphia. FREE??!! That speaks volume of a young man reaching out to help and heal communities and disadvantage youth.

The Lou Williams Foundation will choose three high school basketball teams and challenge them to make outstanding academic achievements. The schools will be from Memphis, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Each student is required to write an essay on the importance of acquiring a good education while pursuing his or her athletic goal. The best essay will be awarded the "Lou Williams Academic Baller of the Year" award and a scholarship to the college of his or her choice. And you notice it said his or hers ... That's right, the young ladies are truly involved the same as the young men.


We need more "Lou Williams" today and to have such a young start and be focused in touching young lives, when his is still upstarting, is truly a blessing and God send. I applaud Lou Williams for this effort and his staff of phenomenal people. I didn't even get to meet the young man, for he had to leave for practice before I arrived. But if the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, his mother, Janice, who serves as the executive director-shows you the fire, love and commitment of her son and this is a testament of her raising this exceptional young man.

For information and more details of this lovely foundation contact the foundation at:
3550 Centerville Hwy. Ste.107-228, Snellville, Georgia 30039. You can also email at: The LWFoundation@gmail.com and http://www.louwill.com/ . If you would like to speak to the Executive Director, call (770) 860-0162- Ms. Janice Faulkner

Support this wonderful foundation and the youth there of and know that You...and Lou...can and will , make a difference in the lives of our youth of America.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Gene Banks, former Duke All-American and NBA stalwart, joined fellow basketball greats in San Antonio to honor basketball icon George Gervin alson known as the Iceman.
The three-day weekend event held in San Antonio, Texas in late March, was filled with spectators and NBA players gathering and sharing great memories. Former asketball greats such as Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Otis Birdsong, JOhn Lucas, Bob Lanier, James Silas, Artis Gilmore, Mike Mitchell, Spencer Heywood, Ric Berry, Bill Russell and Dr. Julius Erving were present.

Banks said, "To be gathered along with such NBA greats, on the dias and be apart of the program as a speaker, had to be one of my most glorious moments in my sports life."




With more than 400 people in atendance, Banks had his turn at needling and roasting Gervin, but also gave a sincere speech about being blessed to have had the experience as an NBA player and witness the era, of Gervin and the Spurs. He also gave thanks to the NBA gerats by saying to them, "Thank you, for paving the way for us."