The Boys' Club of New York will always hold a special place in my heart and every opportunity to give back to the organization I grew up in is a great one. So, when I was contacted about creating a short video for BCNY, I was honored and thrilled to oblige.
From the ripe age of six years young, I was a member of The Boys' Club of New York (BCNY). I remember lining up outside the doors in late August or early September to be among the first to register for the year. I was once among the first 20 to register, a very proud achievement. Isabel Ramirez registered me. She and her husband, Eddie, continue to do great work at BCNY and it makes me happy to see them when I return.
After I earned my college degree I returned to BCNY to work full time. During my tenure there I had the opportunity to meet some great people and was in a position to have an impact on youth from my community and throughout New York City.
BCNY helped me earn a scholarship to an independent boarding school and taught me that education is the great equalizer. A delusional teen with a basketball and a dream, I was confident that I would find my way into the NBA and help my beloved Knickerbockers win that elusive championship. College was an afterthought. A first-generation high school graduate, my mentors at BCNY helped me throughout the college application process and encouraged me to attend college.
I was fortunate to meet and work with some amazing young men at BCNY and helping to tell a small piece of their story has truly been a privilege. To learn more about BCNY, please visit their website at bcny.org.
Here's my short film that was premiered at one of BCNY's fundraiser gala's in 2015.