Activism

Michael Jordan’s Big Give ‘The First Dance’

Published

4 years ago

June 26, 2020

Updated July 2, 2020

The rebranding of Michael Jordan’s Legacy was launched recently on ESPN as a 10 part mini-series, entitled The Last Dance. The highly anticipated docuseries premiered to high ratings. The series focuses on Jordan’s heroic performances on the court and in the locker room, as a Chicago Bull.

However, little has been spoken about Jordan’s “giving.” Often criticized during his playing days, for not advocating publicly for causes and concerns affecting the African American community. One person locally has a different perspective. Emmy Award-winning television producer/social impact adviser, Gary Reeves. Reeves’ credits Jordan’s quiet philanthropy for his philanthropic drive today. Gary Reeves, the creator NBC’s hit show GIVE, hosted by Jenna Bush and Blair Underwood. Reeves, who served as the Golden State Warriors Spiritual advisor for twelve years starting in the ’80s, approached Jordan to get his blessing to tell the story of Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team. Reeves felt the story was socially relevant for kids of color. Jordan graciously approved the request. Reeves went on to approach NBA Entertainment to finance the production “Michael Jordan’s Playground.” It was the first request of its kind at the time.

This launched Reeves’ social impact content production company. Reeves has produced for the likes of Jammie Foxx, TD Jakes, Blair Underwood, Shaquille O’Neal, Jenna Bush and currently in talks to secure a first of its kind content distribution deal with 2 celebrity icons.

Reeves, to this day, deeply respects Jordan’s empathy for people often overlooked, and how his under-celebrated giving has impacted underserved communities. I’m a result of his “butterfly effect,” which provided me the confidence and empathy to tackle what seemed impossible. We have a Blair Underwood Medical Center in D.C. and a tech lab in Oakland, Ca, Magic Johnson HIV/AIDS Medical Centers in San Francisco and Out of Closet retail stores, grants for students and nonprofits, on the back of his belief in one person. Truly making the “impossible” possible.

Jordan’s drive and spirit show people what is possible. “In my own fight against all odds, Michael’s belief and trust in me, has impacted my confidence in tackling hurdles that I’ve been able to overcome. Most importantly my personal health and children’s health. In addition, believing “giving” provides emotional strength to sustain one’s healthy being.”

Jordan’s giving attitude has contributed millions of dollars to charities, but his spirit has transformed hope in many communities. Reeves thanks Jordan for confirming, “Anything is possible.”

Tanya Dennis

Posts by Tanya Dennis | Website

Activism

Oakland’s ‘Green the Church,’ Others, Host a Climate Revival

On April 20, Oakland’s Green The Church California (GTC) and the Center For Food, Faith and Justice will celebrate Earth Day and present a Climate Revival event titled “Growing Healthy Communities From Soil To The Soul” at McGee Avenue Baptist Church at 1640 Stuart St, Berkeley, CA. The day will include inspiring talks, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and a special panel on Food Sovereignty and Global Food Resilience.

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

The revival will take place at McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley on April 20. Courtesy image.

Growing Healthy Communities from Soil to the Soul in Berkeley

By Y’Anad Burrell

The day will include inspiring talks, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and a special panel on Food Sovereignty and Global Food Resilience.

The keynote speaker is Rev. Danté R. Quick, PhD, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, N.J. Quick is well known in the Bay Area, having served for more than 10 years as pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, CA.

Green The Church, founded in 2010 by Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll, Sr., and headquartered in Oakland, helps galvanize Black churches and their local communities and leaders to address issues critical to populations historically disengaged from conversations around pollution and health, climate change, and sustainability and energy efficiency.

The organization collaborates with major environmental, sustainability, food security, faith, and community-based non-profit organizations, and is committed to “creation justice”—care and justice for God’s people and the planet—and building the Beloved Community.

Environmental justice has long been a pressing concern for communities of color who bear the brunt of pollution and ecological degradation. Climate change exacerbates these issues, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities. Recognizing this urgency, Black churches across the country are taking action.

With deep roots in the African American community and its commitment to social justice, the Black Church has become an essential advocate for sustainable practices and policies.

Over the past 14 years, in a powerful collaboration with significant environmental, sustainability, food security, faith, and community-based non-profit organizations, GTC has created a cadre of Black churches engaging in the environmental justice, climate, and sustainability movement.

GTC presently works with more than 1,000 pastors and congregations across the U.S., and groups in the Bahamas, Ghana, Nigeria, and the UK, showing that we can make a difference together.

The partnership between environmental justice advocates and the Black Church extends beyond individual congregations. Green The Church provides resources and support for faith communities seeking to address climate change and promote environmental justice.

Through collaboration, initiatives such as energy efficiency programs, solar installations, and environmental education have been implemented in Black churches nationwide. These efforts reduce the carbon footprint and save money on energy bills, benefiting the congregations and their communities.

The involvement of the Black Church in the fight against climate change is not just a participation, it’s a powerful message that galvanizes action across communities.

By integrating environmental justice into their ministry, Black churches are demonstrating that addressing climate change is not only a matter of science but also of social and moral responsibility, inspiring change at a grassroots level.

For more information, go to: www.greenthechurch.org.