The convergence of education and athletics…at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what else you do, if you “can’t read”. Powerful…Def Jam Poet, Lamont Carey.

So, someone asks me the other day, “Why are you doing what you’re doing? You have a life and a career that many people would kill for…why do you even care about those kids, because many of them won’t make it anyway”. Well, the truth of the matter is, I care for these kids because when I look at them, I see myself. I see myself as a youth, hearing many adults say that I wouldn’t make it, and that I was a lost cause. All it took was one person, who came to speak to us one day in middle school, to say the words “Yes, you can” (to paraphrase President Obama). Words can change the trajectory of a young child’s life, and it bears mentioning that children’s psyches are so vulnerable and moldable at such a young age. All it may take is for someone to step in during these critical forming years, and speak words of encouragement that will resonate with them years down the road, when they reach the crossroads of dropping out or pressing forward despite the obstacles.

I care for these kids, because someone cared for me. I can no more give up on these kids than I can give up on myself. There is a fulfillment that comes from realizing you have broken through to a child, and this feeling is priceless. Priceless in the abstract meaning of the word, and also in the concrete, because no amount of money can equal the satisfaction that comes from knowing that this is one less person who will likely become a “statistic”. That’s why I do what I do…

-Frank

We’re about 3 weeks out from our first event. After much consideration, we decided to hold it at Camp Curtain School in Harrisburg PA. Some of the guests for the day include Hank Poteat of the NY Jets, Leonce Crump of the New Orleans Saints, Mayor Stephen Reed, and Harrisburg’s Drumline marching band. More importantly, WE HAVE OVER 1,036 KIDS WHO ARE SIGNED UP TO ATTEND!!

Things are progressing at a feverish pitch, and sometimes it feels as if there isn’t enough time left in the day, but thankfully I have a great team with me, and they help keep things moving along smoothly. I am excited, because I believe that we will truly inspire and change lives on April 17th…stay tuned.

-Frank

Hi everyone, and welcome to City ACES Blog! This project has been a long time in the making, and as we travel across the country, we want to continuously know how you feel about the movement we are creating. With that said, please feel free to contact me personally at: frankigwe@cityaces.org, and let us know what is on your mind, whether its words of encouragement, a letter to your favorite athlete, request us to come to your city or school, feedback from a show, poetry, advice, etc.

City ACES is growing at a rapid pace, and our first event is set for April 17th in Harrisburg, PA. We have received offers from several locally raised Harrisburg athletes who want to be a part of the show, and become beacons of goodwill for children in the area. It should be a great program! We’re also receiving emails everyday from schools who want to bring their students to hear the athletes talk. In addition to that, we have started our fundraising, leading up to the April 17th kick-off date, so tell everyone you know to logon, and help out in any way they can!

We’re just getting started, so get ready for BIG THINGS!

-Frank