Post by Marks - the Earth's Sun on Sept 29, 2005 23:32:23 GMT -5
Magic Johnson And Native American Group Form Hip-Hop B-Ball League
By Tiffany Hamilton
Date: 8/13/2005 1:22 pm
The Magic Johnson Foundation and his clothing line Magic 32 have teamed up with the Native American Youth to Elder Foundation (NAYEF) and local DJ's to organize a Hip-Hop basketball league to uplift Native American communities.
The Magic32 NAYEF All-stars is a basketball league made up of mostly Native Americans that use Hip-Hop and basketball to speak out against issues plaguing their community.
"I feel that Magic32 and NAYEF share the same qualities of teaching today’s youth the importance of education, family and a healthy drug free lifestyle," Johnson told AllHipHop.com "By using basketball as the means of communication it is a great effort that I am excited to be a part of.”
The Magic 32 NAYEF All-stars are currently holding tournaments at Indian Reservations and Tribal areas across the country.
"Our mission is to simply empower the kids that are native to this country through sports, music and mentoring." said Nelson Hernandez, an NAYEF organizer. "We are trying to get kids to realize that they are not invisible and that they deserve a voice and NAYEF is that voice."
The Magic 32 NAYEF All-stars hope to not only assists in building stronger Native American communities, but all communities.
The group also hopes to establish a stronger Native American presence in Hip-Hop.
"Our players and DJ's are role models in the community and have turned their lives around," Hernandez continued. "This is what we want to show kids. Never give up regardless of where you grew up. The projects, ghetto, reservations, it's all the same. Why not do things better, why not work harder, why not make things happen?"
The Magic 32 NAYEF All-stars are in the process of starting the second leg of their national tournament with their first stop at Dry Creek Rancheria Band in Pomo, California and ending in Lawrence, Kansas.
"With these programs we hope to create a bridge between the old ways and the new ways," Johnson added. "We hope to inspire not only Native children but all ages of all races to challenge themselves and make their dreams become reality. Our basketball team and presentations are the mouthpiece and living message that kids see in person."
The Magic Johnson Foundation was created by Ervin "Magic" Johnson, former NBA Allstar and Vice President of the Los Angeles Lakers.
For more information log onto: www.magicjohnson.org.
NAYEF is a non profit organization established in Utah by CEO and President Nelson Hernandez, for any questions or info regarding tour dates, contact nayefceo@aol.com
By Tiffany Hamilton
Date: 8/13/2005 1:22 pm
The Magic Johnson Foundation and his clothing line Magic 32 have teamed up with the Native American Youth to Elder Foundation (NAYEF) and local DJ's to organize a Hip-Hop basketball league to uplift Native American communities.
The Magic32 NAYEF All-stars is a basketball league made up of mostly Native Americans that use Hip-Hop and basketball to speak out against issues plaguing their community.
"I feel that Magic32 and NAYEF share the same qualities of teaching today’s youth the importance of education, family and a healthy drug free lifestyle," Johnson told AllHipHop.com "By using basketball as the means of communication it is a great effort that I am excited to be a part of.”
The Magic 32 NAYEF All-stars are currently holding tournaments at Indian Reservations and Tribal areas across the country.
"Our mission is to simply empower the kids that are native to this country through sports, music and mentoring." said Nelson Hernandez, an NAYEF organizer. "We are trying to get kids to realize that they are not invisible and that they deserve a voice and NAYEF is that voice."
The Magic 32 NAYEF All-stars hope to not only assists in building stronger Native American communities, but all communities.
The group also hopes to establish a stronger Native American presence in Hip-Hop.
"Our players and DJ's are role models in the community and have turned their lives around," Hernandez continued. "This is what we want to show kids. Never give up regardless of where you grew up. The projects, ghetto, reservations, it's all the same. Why not do things better, why not work harder, why not make things happen?"
The Magic 32 NAYEF All-stars are in the process of starting the second leg of their national tournament with their first stop at Dry Creek Rancheria Band in Pomo, California and ending in Lawrence, Kansas.
"With these programs we hope to create a bridge between the old ways and the new ways," Johnson added. "We hope to inspire not only Native children but all ages of all races to challenge themselves and make their dreams become reality. Our basketball team and presentations are the mouthpiece and living message that kids see in person."
The Magic Johnson Foundation was created by Ervin "Magic" Johnson, former NBA Allstar and Vice President of the Los Angeles Lakers.
For more information log onto: www.magicjohnson.org.
NAYEF is a non profit organization established in Utah by CEO and President Nelson Hernandez, for any questions or info regarding tour dates, contact nayefceo@aol.com