2023

2022

Dedication. Persistence. Consistency. Sports Leadership Academy.

The Sports Leadership Academy (SLA) is a program coordinated by New Salem’s Community of Caring Development Foundation. It places a strong emphasis on the business aspects of the sports industry. In a community where most black and brown children are primarily exposed to the athlete and team aspects of the sports industry, the SLA seeks to provide a fresh perspective by introducing them to the business side of this dynamic world.

The program is dedicated to educating the youth of Columbus Linden Community in a variety of sports and activities, including chess, basketball, pickleball, karate, boxing, and much more. Operating during the summer months from June to September, the SLA is a unique opportunity for local youth to gain valuable insights into the business side of sports.

My Thoughts and Experiences

Working with SLA from the jump was something that I enjoyed immensely, if you knew me before I picked up the lens then you knew I was all about basketball.

So when given the opportunity, to document this program I was all for it. I mean think about it, capturing video and photo of people playing the game I love, what was not to enjoy? However, shortly after our first session, I realized how important and impactful the messaging that the SLA team was portraying to its youth was. And I seen the extreme importance of what they were doing and I knew it was my job to document this story in the best way I possibly could. .

SLA is for the kids. Giving them the real tools to succeed in life, yes, working out your body is important but the necessity for that same effort to be put into the minds of the youth is just as important.

Maroon Arts Group – Art-N-Field Day 2023

Donte Woods-Spike Author Series with CML