"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