I recently had the privilege of being a guest on The Social Psychic Radio Show with Jason Ciofalo, also known as Jason Zuk. During our discussion about LEAD’s mission to use baseball and tennis to teach Black youth how to overcome three critical challenges—crime, poverty, and racism—Jason brilliantly likened our efforts to giving CPR to Black youth. This analogy perfectly encapsulates the life-saving impact of our work, and I give full credit to Jason for the insight.
LEAD’s Mission: Reviving Hope and Opportunity
Through year-round programming, LEAD (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct) is committed to developing Black youth into Ambassadors who will lead their City of Atlanta to lead the world. Our comprehensive approach includes:
– Launching Student Athletes: We transform raw talent into the refined skills necessary for entry into college athletic programs, paving the way for educational opportunities.
– Exposing Teens to Service and Enrichment: By engaging in local service and enrichment activities, we instill a sense of responsibility, belonging, and investment—key elements for cultivating civically engaged individuals.
– Advising on College-Level Play: We guide players, coaches, and parents through the process of supporting dreams of playing baseball and tennis at the collegiate level.
– Directing Towards Promise: Using the historical journeys of past African American legends as a roadmap, we direct our youth towards their full potential.
Our Beliefs:
– Every young person deserves an opportunity to succeed.
– Baseball and tennis offer valuable life lessons and access to educational and civic engagement opportunities.
– Financial barriers should not prevent young people from pursuing their passion for baseball and tennis or receiving appropriate training.
– Leadership is learned through practice, and individuals understand their value by being valued.
– Greatness in baseball and tennis should be defined by a player’s service to their community as much as their athletic achievements.
A New Chapter: Competing on a National Stage
We are thrilled to announce that our LEAD Ambassadors Baseball team will be back on the field this week, competing in our first Perfect Game baseball tournament in over three years. Our team of Black boys is ready to compete on both national and international levels, with our first game on Monday, July 15th, followed by pool play games through July 19th. Check out our game schedule and come support us: [LEAD Events](https://leadcenterforyouth.org/events/).
Revitalizing Baseball: A Mission of Major League Proportions
Our mission is clear: to develop Black boys into Major League Players and Major League Citizens. The decline of Black Americans in baseball at both the collegiate and Major League levels is a significant social justice issue. This decline reflects broader societal challenges and inequities that LEAD aims to address. LEAD is committed to reversing this trend. We know how to give CPR to bring Black boys back to life, nurturing them into Black men who will reinvigorate America’s favorite pastime—baseball—just as the Negro Leagues once did.
Join us in our mission to provide CPR to Black youth, overcoming the challenges of crime, poverty, and racism through the power of sports and community. Together, we can build a brighter future for our youth and for baseball.
