This has become my NBA week. No, not because of the NBA championship games between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. (I haven’t seen any of the 6 games played so far). You know I love sharing stories that crush stereotypes by celebrating those who are thriving and not just surviving, right? Well, this is my NBA week because I learned about two NBA powerhouses who have dedicated their lives to supporting youth. On Sunday I had the pleasure of hearing an enlightening Father’s Day message from Etan Thomas and on yesterday I heard Derek Anderson’s inspiring interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show (audio).
Roland Martin began an introduction about a boy abandoned by his parents at 11 years old and responsible for his own survival. While shuffling from place to place he became a teen dad at 14 and was tasked with a second person to provide for. This young man worked two jobs, continued in high school, and played basketball because of the support and mentoring provided by a community of caring adults. Derek graduated high school and went on to college.
Derek won the 1996 national championship with Kentucky and was drafted 13th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played 11 seasons in the NBA and won a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. Derek retired from the NBA in 2008 and has since been spreading his message of empowerment to the youth of America through his motivational speaking engagements. He founded the Derek Anderson Foundation which provides aid and assistance to abused and battered women as well as under-privileged children.
Derek is now author of a new book “Stamina” which chronicles his rise from a difficult childhood to a man of perseverance and character.
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Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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