June 12, 2025 • 30 mins
Heal the Hood Foundation is gearing up for their All Star Celebrity Basketball Game says Founder/Executive Director LaDell Beamon and Kevin Whitted on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ben Show, Bell tops talking and home away, help on.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
You go, you go? Son't getting ready.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
In time? Say show.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Show, let's go Bell.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Doesn't we make your.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Find him wrong? Youd listen to one to say, you
know it's time for the belts show time of the.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Mountain show Lucky, Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
We are rocking and rolling on this Thursday, June twelfth,
twenty twenty five. Enjoyed this fabulous day today.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
As I said.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Earlier, today, I'll be sharing the good news from my
my my friend.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
I love him.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
I love this young man from the Hell the Hood Foundation.
The ce OH is back in the house. Ladell Beaman,
Good afternoon, Loddell.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
How are you brother?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
I'm doing really good. Ms Bell. Always a blessing and
honor to be in your presence, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
This is always a blessing to see. I see you
doing so much good work. And it had the little
ribbon cutting and everything. How's it going over there?
Speaker 3 (01:18):
It's going really good right now where we got a
summer count where the kids are packing out the facility,
running around. They're having a good time being inspired, and
they us keep us inspiring. They keep me young too,
you know, almost definitely with those kids. So everything is
going phenomenal with the Legacy Art Summer count.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
And I had mentioned it and I made sure Ladell.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
I told our listeners, get your kids over there, see
call them in first or see if it's not too late,
so they will have something positive to do.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
And I know with you your organization is positive.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Yes, ma'am. And it takes a lot, you know, especially
when you're reaching the kids today's generation, because a lot
of them. I was just just thinking about it. I
was like, you know, it's not a lot for kids
to really be able to do, especially the older kids,
because all this left in Memphis for kids is one
incredible pizza and probably a Chuck E Cheese somewhere. But
we really, you know, have to think about you know,
(02:12):
safe places for these kids to go and and every
kid can afford to pay seventy five dollars a week,
and you know for and there's a lot of expensive
summer camps. And we have families up to ten kids
in one family. So imagine what would happen if you
if those parents had to pay seventy five dollars per
kid a week. And so that's the reason why we
do what we do. To be able to make opportunities
(02:33):
for everybody.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Right, I know, once again you have something very special
coming up. And then we have a special guest in
the house. I'm gonna let you introduce.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Him, but I know you have coming up again. The
city gonna meet the county.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
It is gonna meet the county, and it is going
to be phenomenal. With the other All Star basketball game.
You know, we've been doing these games for years, but
within the last year especially. My guest is here with
me today. His wife, missus danil Witted, you know, came
up with an idea about a year ago and she said,
what about the city and the county mayors playing ball
(03:08):
against each other? And it was all about unifying everybody
because you know, and you know, we keep it real
on your show and us, so we really didn't want
to get into the politics of it, and so it
was really about just bringing the whole city together, you know,
because our kids are always seeing division and everything is
so divisive. But what happens when you bring everybody together
for the sake of the kids. And so this is
what this is about. You know, the people showing up
(03:31):
for the kids. You know, nobody should be at home
on Saturday. Everybody should be at south Wind High School
on Saturday seeing this happen because there's a lot of celebrities.
But there's a lot of high profile people like mister
Kevin Whitt who's here with me today and he's been
a pro basketball player, I mean an amazing range and
everything that he's doing. But he coached against coach Lionel
(03:52):
Hollins last year. Yes, City, so it's about to be
some payback payback this Saurday. So it's about to happen.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Yeah, I'd say so.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
People don't know again, it is the All Star Celebrity
Basketball Game.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Yes, ma'am. All Star, All Star Celebrity Basketball Game. And
what's happening with that All Star Celebrity Basketball game. You
guys saw us in the past where we did a
lot of stuff with Master P and Percy T and
everybody back in the day, and so we work with
Tank so many different people, genuine a lot of different
stars that have done some amazing things to really be
able to participate in seeing the will being a Memphis
(04:32):
because we need to see Memphis. And you know what,
the game literally last year made CNN. It made CNN.
It may CNN in USA today because they had never
seen a situation where, first of all, two mayors were
able to play against each other and they were in
an age range where they age range where they could
still run up and down the court. But they had
(04:53):
never seen that before, and so and they saw the
vision of it in USA today and CNN picked it
up last year, and so we're looking forward to where
this goes this year. So it's going to be fantastic,
and we're so excited about the whole campaign. So, yeah,
mayor of Paul Young, you're gonna get a chance to
see him outside of just being the mayor of the city,
(05:13):
and then you get an opportunity to most definitely see
the other city and county officials coming together. And so
just in all full transparency, you know, our whole life
has been defined by a lot of what happens in Memphis,
and the nation is getting it from a negative perspective.
People keep seeing what's going on with all these different
(05:33):
things that are happening, and for a chance, we just
want to be able to get away from all the politics,
all the fussing and fighting, all the who likes who
and who doesn't like anybody, all that stuff. We just
want to get away from all of those different rumors
and narratives about what's happening in Memphis is negative and
really give Memphis something positive to come together for. And
(05:54):
so that's what it's all about. It's about everybody. So
if you're listening, we need everybody that is listening, and
tell your neighbors, tell your friends, tell your cousins, your aunties,
basketball lovers, and like I said, Coach Kevin Witted is
bringing in a very very special guest that's getting ready
to take root with us. So my partner here, Kevin Witted,
(06:14):
Kevin Witted Basketball Services, we get about to take this
scene to the next level.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Well, let me say welcome, Welcome, Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
I call him a coach, y'all don't know Coach Kevin Witted,
a former NBA player, Greater Willington Sports Hall of Famer
McDonald's all American what he's also the founder of the
Kevin Witted Basketball Services.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Welcome in to w D I A. How you doing, brother,
I'm doing great, good good.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
Thanks for having us here.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
You are so welcome. Why coach you wanted to be
involved in this?
Speaker 5 (06:49):
Well, initially, you know we talked about, you know, the
city and what was going on, and I felt like
a camp and our voices would be by to the
kids because they need to hear and see us as well.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Yeah, that's why it was so important.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
Yeah, yeah, And and and I know with all you
do and you've been doing, uh, you you also want
to aspire and inspire you know, young people like you
do Laddell all the time. And is that one of
the reasons you wanted to have him involved with.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Us When I was introduced to coach. Coaches done the
camps for two years. Okay, so he does. So there's
a there's a camp that happens on Friday. Got to
make sure that we mentioned that. And so he's done
it for two years, and uh, this is year three,
and uh he has some other guys that's coming in.
It's doing some facilitating, but coach is going to be
coming in, uh, you know, with his wisdom and just
hard I was a listener. We were talking outside and
(07:47):
just the things that he was saying and just his wisdom.
That's the reason why I'm really attracted to what who
coach with it is and just when you hear the
essence of somebody you understand that they that they get it.
You know, they really understand that what needs to be
done to really expand our kids' minds. And there's something
that Bishop Brandon Porter said that I always think about.
He said, once a person's mind has been expanded, it
(08:09):
can no longer be reduced to his former state. And
so that's what coach Kevin Winners is about. He's about
expanding minds. And so that's what's going to change the
city and our young people when we expand their minds.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yeah, and coach, so you've been doing this, have you
have you seen a change.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
In some of the young people that you've worked with.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean it's about information and inspiration.
So what we try to provide is the information so
they can have useful tools to use, you know, outside
of the game of basketball. So the camp is not
just predicated on teaching skill, you know, we try to
teach some life skills at the same time, how to communicate,
how to take instruction, how to accept criticism. At the
(08:50):
same time, we want to guide and give them direction
where they want to go. I think if kids get
opportunity to get that type of touching from us. It's
going to get them a better perspective of understanding that
you know, we're going to be critical, but we're going
to lead you to the right place, which is what's
our goal from the beginning. So it doesn't matter what
your skill set is, where you come from, anything.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
What matters is where you're heading.
Speaker 5 (09:13):
And what we try to do is give them direction
on where they're going so they can make the proper choices.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
And in a camp like this provides that opportunity.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
I love that and so Ladell. So the camp is
on Friday.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Yes, it's at a Kirby High School and so the
door is going to open up over there at eight
o'clock a m. And so we have a few spots
that are available, So just go ahead and grab those
few spots that can go to our website at Htchmmphis
dot org and just click, just click click on the
link Hghmphis dot org. So you'll be able to see
what's going on and you're going get a chance to
(09:46):
see Coach Kevin with it there. You know, most definitely
given his heart in story and testimonial, but he has
another guest that he's bringing with him. So coach will
I guess you bring it.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
Yeah, come on, coach, Well, I mean I'm met him
a few years ago. We worked together in New York.
Craig Hodges.
Speaker 5 (10:03):
He's a you know, former NBA champion Chicago Bulls.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Wrote a book a couple of years ago.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
You know, he's a you know, black studies major, very
very highly intellectual in terms of, uh, you know, the
issues of our community.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
He's heavily involved in that. Chicago.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
He also won three other champions with the Lakers as
well and Phil Jackson. You know, Craig's an advocate for
our community. Uh, particularly uh, you know, kids that look
like us. Uh, he's a spokesman for that. I think
he's going to be vital in terms of coming in
to give that perspective about everything off the court as
well as on the court. Obviously, you know, he had
(10:43):
his issues with the NBA in terms of, you know,
speaking out against violence in the black community.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (10:48):
He's wrote a letter to the president and obviously that
letter did not go over well initially with a lot
of people up you know, up top, which he was
forced kind of out of the NBA to certain agree.
But his message is relevant today as you see him
in my mood, I do Raoul for you and Colin Kaeperneck.
You know, the guys speaking out against you know, issues
(11:10):
that are impacting our community. And they understand the systematic
effect that has caused these issues in our community, and
they believe that we can systematically set things up, we
can make changes a little by little, and we can
just give them a little to work with. We feel
like a lot of kids can get better, and he's
an advocate of that. So having him speak to that
(11:30):
would be vital in our camp. And also, you know,
just having him in his presence at the game where
he can actually touch and you know, and talk to people,
which is you know, what he enjoys doing mostly today.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Oh, I love that. I love that.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
So the camp for kids and you say you think
it's feel but go on the website that's Friday.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Yes, ma'am, I said, Friday is a Curby High school.
And they can and you guys can call us to
everybody's at the office. You probably hear a lot of
keys yelling in the background, all right, But nine or
one five, six, six, zero seven four three. We have
some physical applications. There are a few of them. Uh,
nine on one five, six, six zero seven, four to three.
And the kids are gonna get a T shirt, they're
(12:09):
gonna get a free meal. It's gonna be sponsored by MacDonald's. Uh,
and the coaches are gonna get uh their their sponsorship
is look, uh a little boogie, but it's chick Filate.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Yeah that's a little booze.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
Yeah, but we'll have a great time. And so, uh,
the thing is most definitely being able to reward these kids,
but take them to the next level, show them what
something different looks like. And again there was a conversation
about coach we're having having outside is just you know,
sending a different image for these kids, telling them who
they really are, seeing something in them and watering it
in those kids and bringing it forth. And so that's
(12:47):
that's what we're all about, because if we don't do that, uh,
we're gonna continue to keep seeing Memphis Memphis shrizzle up.
And so this is an opportunity to reset Memphis in
a real positive way. So we're we're excited about it.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Good good.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
Now on on Saturday, that is the All Star Celebrity
Basketball Game.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Yes, ma'am, you're gonna have it at south Wind south
Wind High school, okay, and it's gonna be phenomenal. The
door is open at two o'clock PM, and uh, those
are for everybody. And so here here's a secret there.
It is a ticketed event, but you don't want to
have to pay at the door because it's a five
dollars up charge at the door. So get your tickets
now in advance, go ahead and get them now.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
How do they get their tickets now.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
At the website ht H Memphis dot org. Go to
HTCH Memphis dot org and click on the link and
get those tickets. We also have a few more VIP
seats left, but if you want to be in the
VIP thing, you want to go ahead and get those
between today and tomorrow because of it's gonna be great
catered food. You'll be hanging out with a I can't
even get in VP. I don't know what. Last year
(13:53):
they were eating up everything. Tony Allen and everybody was
just in there, just you know, so so so. Uh.
But but it was a lot of people in there there,
I mean from last year, g a hardaway. Everybody was
coming out, so you know, it's a hardaware gonna get
a plate and Joe Towns and all those guys.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
So you're so Joe, oh, my lord, Joe likes to eat.
Coach Joe likes to eat. But yeah, those brothers. So
you have all those brothers up and everybody everybody's and
it's like and that's the beauty of it all.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
You know when uh, when when these games are organized,
you have some great things you happen. You have a
Natasha clay Hill who's been putting together you know, these
teams for years and it's been highly competitive. And that's
and that's the thing that gives me. And uh because
she played in high school. She played basketball in high school. Uh,
I played basketball on the street with a milk crek.
But uh, it's so it didn't work out for me.
But uh, but uh, people that have to know how
(14:48):
to do this thing. And it's like that's that I'm
happy to be surrounded by people like that and Miss
Daniel Wide who's handling the events side of it. So
it's like a marriage of all of us coming together.
And so with coach uh being able to bring in
create collages you know, from the from the Bulls and
win of those championships, it's gonna be a highly competitive game.
We had Olympic players that played in the Olympics, that
(15:10):
is playing in the game. So it's gonna be and
we don't you know. And the one thing that I
have noticed in these games, people that come in, you
know from years past, they said, wait a minute, you
guys playing for real. We thought this was just a charity.
Those guys coach a jazz time little game. It's not
that these guys play.
Speaker 5 (15:30):
Yeah, I said, you know that the game last year
was it was definitely spirited.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Okay, okay, okay.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
Started off you know where you know, the first second quarter,
you know, everyone was just kind of you know, not
going through the motions, but you know, we were playing.
But that third and fourth quarter, the intensity picked up
and that was fun. I mean, we've got a chance
to see everyone compete and and I think the fans
enjoyed it as well because they saw the seriousness that
you know, that the game requires as well. And at
(15:58):
the same time, everyone still while we were there. That
was a beautiful part. At the end, everyone shook hands.
Everyone saw that we can compete, but we can also
come together. And that's what was the most important part
at the end of the game, us coming together, taking
the pictures, you know, talking about why we're doing this. Yeah,
you know, because people forget that at times and while
(16:19):
we're there, and we better keep reminding everyone.
Speaker 4 (16:21):
This is why you saw a heat of battle.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
But we stopped acknowledge each other and show okay, that's
that's not that's what it. You know, we compete, but
what are we here for? And that's what the message
was and that was great last year.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
So Sola Dell, with the money you all get for
for from the game, does it help heal the hood?
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Yes, it does. You know. The thing that's that's crazy
is that this summer, you know, we didn't get summer
fund in this year, we didn't we didn't get to
get the summer fund and we would normally get and
so it's been a lot of cuts. If you look
at everything that's happened through the administrations. Uh, they're cutting
back Boys and Girls Club, they had to close down
nine sights and so when you think about it, these
kids are just out here and so what we're doing,
(17:03):
you know, we reached about fourteen thousand kids before school
was out with our wake up tours because we're traveling
to schools with our opioid message and so we partner
with a commissioner Erica Sugarman and Charlie kaz Will and
now we have the we're partnering with the Safer Summer
Initiative and so it's ways that we're collectively coming together.
Charlie kass Will cause it a collective synergy and so
(17:25):
we're all coming together, you know, to really be able
to make sure we're strengthening the net to keep these
kids out of troubling. So we're working on two projects
the board, Doctor Comikio, Lewis, danil Witted, Jay Henderson. You
know a lot of our board members are all working
together because we're doing this the old theater in the
Winchester Court. We have target targeted that to redevelop it
(17:47):
to turn into the House of Heroes and so we
got our hero and Powerment Center land I said zero
to acres Land. We're still working on but this is
going to be an immediate spot that we can get
up in the next nine ten months if we go
ahead and raise the money to redevelop it, and we're
going to get those kids off the streets immediately because
we got to do that. We we are losing and behind.
(18:07):
But African American people in Memphis are some of the
strongest people in Memphis. Because our dollars drive the economy.
We just have to put it back into our communities.
We have to invest in people like Coach Kevin were
the people that are doing the work, you know, and
not saying that people aren't doing something, but you have
to have integrity and a business plan as far as
how you're maneuvering through your strategies. And that's what and
(18:30):
that's what we're missing, is not that people aren't doing
the work, but we still have to educate ourselves about
how do we keep our funding and with integrity because
we're tired of people in the black communities that are
taking the money and then there's no accountability and integrity.
And so that's what makes other people not want to
trust other African Americans because there's no integrity and accountability,
and so hold us accountable. You know that you're giving
(18:52):
dollars too, and so see what happens not only with
the excellence of the game, but while we're doing it.
As Coach was saying, yeah, I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
And you know what, I passed there the other day
and I was wondering, what are they gonna do with
this movie theater.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
I'm gonna make it happen.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
You're gonna make it. I know you're gonna make it happen.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
And that's fabulous because you know it's just sitting there
dormant and it could be doing doing something Coach positive
for these young people.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
And it's in the in the area where you're building
your So that's gonna be great, ma'am. And it's important
for us.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
You know when we when we bought I think Memphis
missed it when we had Robert Towns and Keenan Ivory
wings here in this Yes, when they came in, they
were like, we want to assist and make something happen.
But a lot of times when we're fixated on autograph
signs and getting a picture with somebody for social media,
like with Coach, was saying, you missed the message while
we're here, we're not here to just take a picture
(19:45):
and get an auto That's cool and that's cute, yes,
but at the end of the day, we got to
get to the heart of saving and rescuing these babies.
And you know, we hear incidents all the time with
stuff happening in Memphis, and we're tied into it, but
at the same time, we're tired of it, hearing our
kids die in these streets, and we can do something
about it.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Yeah, and and so we we want them to pack
that gym at South Wind.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
Yes, yes, yes, get your get your tickets, get tell
your people, you know, it's gonna be food there, It's
gonna be vendors. The thing we're doing is they're community
vendors that are there too. So we have vendors that
are dealing with mental health and all types of stuff
that is gonna be And we know its Father's Day weekend,
and so we got people selling selling the cologne oils
and and what a great coach.
Speaker 6 (20:29):
A coach be a beautiful Father's Day present? Bring your dad. Yeah,
my dad was here a couple of weeks ago. He's
in North Carolina. I'm not from here originally. My parents
are in North Carolina. But uh, you know my father
in law, you know they'll be here.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Oh good, this.
Speaker 1 (20:46):
Will be one when bringing you know to do something
nice for you that this will be something exciting. Absolutely, yeah,
because it's it's for a good cause. And we are
thinking about our children because they need something.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
A man and that's and that's what our fathers, you know,
are in place for it too. So happy Father's Day
weekend to every father. You know, I'm a surrogate father
because I don't have any biological kids, but you know,
every kid is my.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
Kid, brother, you like me. I don't have any cheery,
but you know I got a lot.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Of children, So we in this, you know, So for
the parents you know that are listening, you know, this
is for your kids. You know, we're we're doing this
for a reason because we're tired of seeing these kids
dying in the streets. And even in camp when our
kids run to us, we get hugs every day from
these kids and they're sitting up under us and they're
wondering what what's the next thing we're gonna do. And
(21:34):
so we have repeat kids that have been coming back
for years and years growing in the program. And so
our whole concept is the kids that go inside of
our camp daily. They're coming to the camp the coach
Witt has been doing. You know, in those pictures I've
been looking at all of our kids are in this camp.
So it's like we take we want them to experience
everything that we have. But next week, Michael John White
(21:55):
is going to be here the actions and we're dealing
with mental health with a Baptists and so him and
his wife are coming in and so we're showing them
healthy relationships. But we're gonna make sure that Michael joh
White walks into the camp and the kids. So this
happens all the time. So we have a celebrity guest,
they're coming in there because they really care about the community.
The first thing Michael John White said when I met him,
(22:16):
we were at an event and he said, look, take
me to where all the hood is. And so we
left the event, went to the Walmart and was sitting
in the parking lot just messing with people. They were like,
wait a minute, that's blood and bones, and so we
were just in the parking lot messing with people because
it was just fun to be able to do that
and give back to the community. So we've been fortunate
(22:37):
to be blessed with a lot of celebrities that really
want to do the work and not just a picture.
Same thing with Terrence Howard, we were at waffle House,
had three forty five in the am on a Wednesday,
and it was a school day and it was school
kids out at three forty five in the morning. Wow,
And these were the kids that were doing a lot
of the smashing graps. And so here I am with
Terrence Howard wilf House at three forty five in the am,
(23:02):
and these kids calling their parents on FaceTime talking about
look this the guy from from up from the TV
show and then and there and they got they're showing
him and and the parents they could have been like, well,
hey from Hustling Flow, They're like, well, wait a minute,
why you know. The parents then asks why are you
out at three forty five in the morning. They just
want to know, Hey, let me see them.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
Yeah, wow wow, yeah, oh wow, yeah, I hear you
so again, Odell. People want the information about the camp
and the basketball best to go.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
To your website htmmphis dot org or just call us directly.
I'm in the next thirty minutes. I may pick up
the phone nine five six six zero seven four to three.
I answer the phones. Yes, nine O what five six
six zero seven four three?
Speaker 1 (23:48):
And you all coming like, and we know some people
coach on aren't computer savvage, but you're singler that they'll
be able to pay at the door. Yes, ma'am, but
it'll be a little higher price, yes, ma'am, for the
for the game. Yes, And so we're just encouraging people.
Speaker 3 (24:02):
You know, in South Wain High School, the doors open
at two o'clock PM on Saturday. On Saturday, and so
just make sure that you that so that so the
camp is at Friday at Curby High School and that's
eight eight o'clock a m. And it goes from nine
nine a m. To two pm. But the door is
open there at eight o'clock AM. So you can get
your kid in and signed up and all this stuff
(24:23):
and get them dressed out and then if that ends
at two o'clock that Friday and then uh Saturday, the
real big thing to do is to have your kids,
have your family, have everybody there. It's a family event.
And please don't come with any drama, y'all. Don't you know,
lead We don't lead a funny cigarettes at the house,
you know, don't lead them alone, lead us this stuff.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
This this in the gunment that's you're not supposed to have.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
Yeah, leave all this stuff along, you know. Don't don't
bring any any firearms because Mos fifty five will be
there at the Nation of Islam. They're gonna be there,
So don't do it because because they turned people around,
that have.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Is gonna be because you, because you and the sheriff,
because you got the county and the city mayor there.
Speaker 3 (25:03):
Oh yeah, it's gonna be heavily in force. So no
no drama, y'all. It's all peace, love, uh and uh
you know, and love on these love on these mayors.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
The thing.
Speaker 3 (25:12):
The thing with me is we do have mayors who
do have elected officials that are coming out, but they're
coming out as human beings, not elected officials that are
pushing any political agenda. Everybody's coming out as a father
of somebody, you know. Everybody's coming out as a brother
of somebody, a husband or somebody. And that's what we're
there for. No uh, no bashing anybody, just all loving
(25:32):
each other, y'all. And then after that and maybe, you know,
if we love on each other, you know, maybe we
can listen to each other without the fuss and even
the school boards. Oh big surprise, okay, surprise, I forgot
about this. You're playing he's playing on the county team,
but Superintendent Rod Richmond is playing on the county team. Yes,
(25:53):
Rob Richmond it's gonna be playing we have. It's crazy
because we have all these pro players. But inside of it,
you know, you do have some some elected officials that
are playing Kia Shine, drama Boy, some other celebrity figures
that are playing in there. But but drama Boy, he's
playing in there. He can actually play ball. That's the crazy.
He can really really play ball.
Speaker 5 (26:15):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
And so a lot of people are taking out their
personal time to come in because we realize that the
cause is greater than us, you know. So that's where
we are right right.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
And let me turn to Coach with the last words.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Coach, you'd like to say to our listeners today about
about this event?
Speaker 5 (26:31):
You know, just come out and support it. It's it's
very important to our community. We're trying to make systematical change.
The only way we can do that we have to
invest and reinvest. I think that's the I think those
are two words that we don't hear enough in our community.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
We we invest, but we don't reinvest.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
So when we when we when we receive something, let's
let's let's make let's spread it back out within the
areas that need it the most. If we do that,
I think I think this will be perpetual. That means
just going to continue. We don't want to have just
a one time event. Particularly our community, we see a
lot of events, but we don't see anything that's perpetual.
(27:13):
And what we want to do is make perpetual change,
which now it affects so many areas that.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
It just rolls over in multiple areas.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
I think if we concentrate on that, particularly with the game,
and as we go with further endeavors that we're involved
with this, we will continue to you know, to expand
it and make it even better and better where we
can do and make it grow each year. So now
we can also we can almost take it to another
city as well. You know, let's attack Memphis first and
then let's go let's go to the other areas and
(27:42):
let's get this moving in the other areas of the
state of Tennessee. So it'll spread like wildfire. So that's
what it's about. But education is the key. If the
more we educate, the more we can inspire.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
I love it, And last words, Lddell, you like to
tell our audience I love this guy. This e O,
the founded executive rector here the Hood Foundation.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Thank you man, I'm just echoing coach, you know, making
making that investment. You know, so there is perpetual like
Coach was saying, UH that A that is contagious. You know,
positivity needs to be contagious, just like negativity is. Positivity
needs to be contagious. And so most definitely shout out
to our sponsors, the UH, the City of Memphis, UH,
the Shelby Shelby County government. I heart you, guys have
(28:26):
been amazing to us throughout the years of iHeart Radio,
Dream Team Reality Memphis Allies. We're joined with them and
mister Norman red Wings. It's Norman red Wings is A
is a sponsor, and so we're very excited about everybody.
But listen, it's it's time out, you know for our
i P. It's time for us to live in peace
(28:46):
instead of resting in pieces. Time for us to l
I P. And so that's what we want to do
for the rest of the summer.
Speaker 4 (28:51):
Y'all.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
Put the guns down, put the funny cigarettes down. You
know what I'm talking about, you know, leave all that alone,
guys and UH and and live in peace. Y'all living peace.
I love it. I love it.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
Thank you all for being here and spreading. I like
to say the good news Coach Kevin Witted and Adale
be thank you. I know Saturday and Friday is going
to be a huge success. Yes, and hey, I love
what you do because it's all about the children. Thank you,
Thank you so very much for being here.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
I want to thank you callers.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
I want to thank you listeners for joining us this
day on The BEB Johnson Show.
Speaker 2 (29:32):
We do, we really do appreciate you.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
So until tomorrow, please be safe, keep a cool head, y'all,
don't let anyone steal your joy. Until tomorrow, I'm Beb Johnson,
and y'all keep the faith.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
The juice and opinions discussed on The Beth Johnson Show
are that of the hosts and callers and not those
of the state f and sponsors up w D I
a
Ben Show, Bell tops talking and home away, help on.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
You go, you go? Son't getting ready.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
In time? Say show.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Show, let's go Bell.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Doesn't we make your.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Find him wrong? Youd listen to one to say, you
know it's time for the belts show time of the.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Mountain show Lucky, Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
We are rocking and rolling on this Thursday, June twelfth,
twenty twenty five. Enjoyed this fabulous day today.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
As I said.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Earlier, today, I'll be sharing the good news from my
my my friend.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
I love him.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
I love this young man from the Hell the Hood Foundation.
The ce OH is back in the house. Ladell Beaman,
Good afternoon, Loddell.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
How are you brother?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
I'm doing really good. Ms Bell. Always a blessing and
honor to be in your presence, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
This is always a blessing to see. I see you
doing so much good work. And it had the little
ribbon cutting and everything. How's it going over there?
Speaker 3 (01:18):
It's going really good right now where we got a
summer count where the kids are packing out the facility,
running around. They're having a good time being inspired, and
they us keep us inspiring. They keep me young too,
you know, almost definitely with those kids. So everything is
going phenomenal with the Legacy Art Summer count.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
And I had mentioned it and I made sure Ladell.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
I told our listeners, get your kids over there, see
call them in first or see if it's not too late,
so they will have something positive to do.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
And I know with you your organization is positive.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Yes, ma'am. And it takes a lot, you know, especially
when you're reaching the kids today's generation, because a lot
of them. I was just just thinking about it. I
was like, you know, it's not a lot for kids
to really be able to do, especially the older kids,
because all this left in Memphis for kids is one
incredible pizza and probably a Chuck E Cheese somewhere. But
we really, you know, have to think about you know,
(02:12):
safe places for these kids to go and and every
kid can afford to pay seventy five dollars a week,
and you know for and there's a lot of expensive
summer camps. And we have families up to ten kids
in one family. So imagine what would happen if you
if those parents had to pay seventy five dollars per
kid a week. And so that's the reason why we
do what we do. To be able to make opportunities
(02:33):
for everybody.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Right, I know, once again you have something very special
coming up. And then we have a special guest in
the house. I'm gonna let you introduce.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Him, but I know you have coming up again. The
city gonna meet the county.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
It is gonna meet the county, and it is going
to be phenomenal. With the other All Star basketball game.
You know, we've been doing these games for years, but
within the last year especially. My guest is here with
me today. His wife, missus danil Witted, you know, came
up with an idea about a year ago and she said,
what about the city and the county mayors playing ball
(03:08):
against each other? And it was all about unifying everybody
because you know, and you know, we keep it real
on your show and us, so we really didn't want
to get into the politics of it, and so it
was really about just bringing the whole city together, you know,
because our kids are always seeing division and everything is
so divisive. But what happens when you bring everybody together
for the sake of the kids. And so this is
what this is about. You know, the people showing up
(03:31):
for the kids. You know, nobody should be at home
on Saturday. Everybody should be at south Wind High School
on Saturday seeing this happen because there's a lot of celebrities.
But there's a lot of high profile people like mister
Kevin Whitt who's here with me today and he's been
a pro basketball player, I mean an amazing range and
everything that he's doing. But he coached against coach Lionel
(03:52):
Hollins last year. Yes, City, so it's about to be
some payback payback this Saurday. So it's about to happen.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Yeah, I'd say so.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
People don't know again, it is the All Star Celebrity
Basketball Game.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Yes, ma'am. All Star, All Star Celebrity Basketball Game. And
what's happening with that All Star Celebrity Basketball game. You
guys saw us in the past where we did a
lot of stuff with Master P and Percy T and
everybody back in the day, and so we work with
Tank so many different people, genuine a lot of different
stars that have done some amazing things to really be
able to participate in seeing the will being a Memphis
(04:32):
because we need to see Memphis. And you know what,
the game literally last year made CNN. It made CNN.
It may CNN in USA today because they had never
seen a situation where, first of all, two mayors were
able to play against each other and they were in
an age range where they age range where they could
still run up and down the court. But they had
(04:53):
never seen that before, and so and they saw the
vision of it in USA today and CNN picked it
up last year, and so we're looking forward to where
this goes this year. So it's going to be fantastic,
and we're so excited about the whole campaign. So, yeah,
mayor of Paul Young, you're gonna get a chance to
see him outside of just being the mayor of the city,
(05:13):
and then you get an opportunity to most definitely see
the other city and county officials coming together. And so
just in all full transparency, you know, our whole life
has been defined by a lot of what happens in Memphis,
and the nation is getting it from a negative perspective.
People keep seeing what's going on with all these different
(05:33):
things that are happening, and for a chance, we just
want to be able to get away from all the politics,
all the fussing and fighting, all the who likes who
and who doesn't like anybody, all that stuff. We just
want to get away from all of those different rumors
and narratives about what's happening in Memphis is negative and
really give Memphis something positive to come together for. And
(05:54):
so that's what it's all about. It's about everybody. So
if you're listening, we need everybody that is listening, and
tell your neighbors, tell your friends, tell your cousins, your aunties,
basketball lovers, and like I said, Coach Kevin Witted is
bringing in a very very special guest that's getting ready
to take root with us. So my partner here, Kevin Witted,
(06:14):
Kevin Witted Basketball Services, we get about to take this
scene to the next level.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Well, let me say welcome, Welcome, Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
I call him a coach, y'all don't know Coach Kevin Witted,
a former NBA player, Greater Willington Sports Hall of Famer
McDonald's all American what he's also the founder of the
Kevin Witted Basketball Services.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Welcome in to w D I A. How you doing, brother,
I'm doing great, good good.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
Thanks for having us here.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
You are so welcome. Why coach you wanted to be
involved in this?
Speaker 5 (06:49):
Well, initially, you know we talked about, you know, the
city and what was going on, and I felt like
a camp and our voices would be by to the
kids because they need to hear and see us as well.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Yeah, that's why it was so important.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
Yeah, yeah, And and and I know with all you
do and you've been doing, uh, you you also want
to aspire and inspire you know, young people like you
do Laddell all the time. And is that one of
the reasons you wanted to have him involved with.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Us When I was introduced to coach. Coaches done the
camps for two years. Okay, so he does. So there's
a there's a camp that happens on Friday. Got to
make sure that we mentioned that. And so he's done
it for two years, and uh, this is year three,
and uh he has some other guys that's coming in.
It's doing some facilitating, but coach is going to be
coming in, uh, you know, with his wisdom and just
hard I was a listener. We were talking outside and
(07:47):
just the things that he was saying and just his wisdom.
That's the reason why I'm really attracted to what who
coach with it is and just when you hear the
essence of somebody you understand that they that they get it.
You know, they really understand that what needs to be
done to really expand our kids' minds. And there's something
that Bishop Brandon Porter said that I always think about.
He said, once a person's mind has been expanded, it
(08:09):
can no longer be reduced to his former state. And
so that's what coach Kevin Winners is about. He's about
expanding minds. And so that's what's going to change the
city and our young people when we expand their minds.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yeah, and coach, so you've been doing this, have you
have you seen a change.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
In some of the young people that you've worked with.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean it's about information and inspiration.
So what we try to provide is the information so
they can have useful tools to use, you know, outside
of the game of basketball. So the camp is not
just predicated on teaching skill, you know, we try to
teach some life skills at the same time, how to communicate,
how to take instruction, how to accept criticism. At the
(08:50):
same time, we want to guide and give them direction
where they want to go. I think if kids get
opportunity to get that type of touching from us. It's
going to get them a better perspective of understanding that
you know, we're going to be critical, but we're going
to lead you to the right place, which is what's
our goal from the beginning. So it doesn't matter what
your skill set is, where you come from, anything.
Speaker 4 (09:12):
What matters is where you're heading.
Speaker 5 (09:13):
And what we try to do is give them direction
on where they're going so they can make the proper choices.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
And in a camp like this provides that opportunity.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
I love that and so Ladell. So the camp is
on Friday.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Yes, it's at a Kirby High School and so the
door is going to open up over there at eight
o'clock a m. And so we have a few spots
that are available, So just go ahead and grab those
few spots that can go to our website at Htchmmphis
dot org and just click, just click click on the
link Hghmphis dot org. So you'll be able to see
what's going on and you're going get a chance to
(09:46):
see Coach Kevin with it there. You know, most definitely
given his heart in story and testimonial, but he has
another guest that he's bringing with him. So coach will
I guess you bring it.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
Yeah, come on, coach, Well, I mean I'm met him
a few years ago. We worked together in New York.
Craig Hodges.
Speaker 5 (10:03):
He's a you know, former NBA champion Chicago Bulls.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Wrote a book a couple of years ago.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
You know, he's a you know, black studies major, very
very highly intellectual in terms of, uh, you know, the
issues of our community.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
He's heavily involved in that. Chicago.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
He also won three other champions with the Lakers as
well and Phil Jackson. You know, Craig's an advocate for
our community. Uh, particularly uh, you know, kids that look
like us. Uh, he's a spokesman for that. I think
he's going to be vital in terms of coming in
to give that perspective about everything off the court as
well as on the court. Obviously, you know, he had
(10:43):
his issues with the NBA in terms of, you know,
speaking out against violence in the black community.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (10:48):
He's wrote a letter to the president and obviously that
letter did not go over well initially with a lot
of people up you know, up top, which he was
forced kind of out of the NBA to certain agree.
But his message is relevant today as you see him
in my mood, I do Raoul for you and Colin Kaeperneck.
You know, the guys speaking out against you know, issues
(11:10):
that are impacting our community. And they understand the systematic
effect that has caused these issues in our community, and
they believe that we can systematically set things up, we
can make changes a little by little, and we can
just give them a little to work with. We feel
like a lot of kids can get better, and he's
an advocate of that. So having him speak to that
(11:30):
would be vital in our camp. And also, you know,
just having him in his presence at the game where
he can actually touch and you know, and talk to people,
which is you know, what he enjoys doing mostly today.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Oh, I love that. I love that.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
So the camp for kids and you say you think
it's feel but go on the website that's Friday.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Yes, ma'am, I said, Friday is a Curby High school.
And they can and you guys can call us to
everybody's at the office. You probably hear a lot of
keys yelling in the background, all right, But nine or
one five, six, six, zero seven four three. We have
some physical applications. There are a few of them. Uh,
nine on one five, six, six zero seven, four to three.
And the kids are gonna get a T shirt, they're
(12:09):
gonna get a free meal. It's gonna be sponsored by MacDonald's. Uh,
and the coaches are gonna get uh their their sponsorship
is look, uh a little boogie, but it's chick Filate.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Yeah that's a little booze.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
Yeah, but we'll have a great time. And so, uh,
the thing is most definitely being able to reward these kids,
but take them to the next level, show them what
something different looks like. And again there was a conversation
about coach we're having having outside is just you know,
sending a different image for these kids, telling them who
they really are, seeing something in them and watering it
in those kids and bringing it forth. And so that's
(12:47):
that's what we're all about, because if we don't do that, uh,
we're gonna continue to keep seeing Memphis Memphis shrizzle up.
And so this is an opportunity to reset Memphis in
a real positive way. So we're we're excited about it.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Good good.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
Now on on Saturday, that is the All Star Celebrity
Basketball Game.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Yes, ma'am, you're gonna have it at south Wind south
Wind High school, okay, and it's gonna be phenomenal. The
door is open at two o'clock PM, and uh, those
are for everybody. And so here here's a secret there.
It is a ticketed event, but you don't want to
have to pay at the door because it's a five
dollars up charge at the door. So get your tickets
now in advance, go ahead and get them now.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
How do they get their tickets now.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
At the website ht H Memphis dot org. Go to
HTCH Memphis dot org and click on the link and
get those tickets. We also have a few more VIP
seats left, but if you want to be in the
VIP thing, you want to go ahead and get those
between today and tomorrow because of it's gonna be great
catered food. You'll be hanging out with a I can't
even get in VP. I don't know what. Last year
(13:53):
they were eating up everything. Tony Allen and everybody was
just in there, just you know, so so so. Uh.
But but it was a lot of people in there there,
I mean from last year, g a hardaway. Everybody was
coming out, so you know, it's a hardaware gonna get
a plate and Joe Towns and all those guys.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
So you're so Joe, oh, my lord, Joe likes to eat.
Coach Joe likes to eat. But yeah, those brothers. So
you have all those brothers up and everybody everybody's and
it's like and that's the beauty of it all.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
You know when uh, when when these games are organized,
you have some great things you happen. You have a
Natasha clay Hill who's been putting together you know, these
teams for years and it's been highly competitive. And that's
and that's the thing that gives me. And uh because
she played in high school. She played basketball in high school. Uh,
I played basketball on the street with a milk crek.
But uh, it's so it didn't work out for me.
But uh, but uh, people that have to know how
(14:48):
to do this thing. And it's like that's that I'm
happy to be surrounded by people like that and Miss
Daniel Wide who's handling the events side of it. So
it's like a marriage of all of us coming together.
And so with coach uh being able to bring in
create collages you know, from the from the Bulls and
win of those championships, it's gonna be a highly competitive game.
We had Olympic players that played in the Olympics, that
(15:10):
is playing in the game. So it's gonna be and
we don't you know. And the one thing that I
have noticed in these games, people that come in, you
know from years past, they said, wait a minute, you
guys playing for real. We thought this was just a charity.
Those guys coach a jazz time little game. It's not
that these guys play.
Speaker 5 (15:30):
Yeah, I said, you know that the game last year
was it was definitely spirited.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Okay, okay, okay.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
Started off you know where you know, the first second quarter,
you know, everyone was just kind of you know, not
going through the motions, but you know, we were playing.
But that third and fourth quarter, the intensity picked up
and that was fun. I mean, we've got a chance
to see everyone compete and and I think the fans
enjoyed it as well because they saw the seriousness that
you know, that the game requires as well. And at
(15:58):
the same time, everyone still while we were there. That
was a beautiful part. At the end, everyone shook hands.
Everyone saw that we can compete, but we can also
come together. And that's what was the most important part
at the end of the game, us coming together, taking
the pictures, you know, talking about why we're doing this. Yeah,
you know, because people forget that at times and while
(16:19):
we're there, and we better keep reminding everyone.
Speaker 4 (16:21):
This is why you saw a heat of battle.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
But we stopped acknowledge each other and show okay, that's
that's not that's what it. You know, we compete, but
what are we here for? And that's what the message
was and that was great last year.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
So Sola Dell, with the money you all get for
for from the game, does it help heal the hood?
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Yes, it does. You know. The thing that's that's crazy
is that this summer, you know, we didn't get summer
fund in this year, we didn't we didn't get to
get the summer fund and we would normally get and
so it's been a lot of cuts. If you look
at everything that's happened through the administrations. Uh, they're cutting
back Boys and Girls Club, they had to close down
nine sights and so when you think about it, these
kids are just out here and so what we're doing,
(17:03):
you know, we reached about fourteen thousand kids before school
was out with our wake up tours because we're traveling
to schools with our opioid message and so we partner
with a commissioner Erica Sugarman and Charlie kaz Will and
now we have the we're partnering with the Safer Summer
Initiative and so it's ways that we're collectively coming together.
Charlie kass Will cause it a collective synergy and so
(17:25):
we're all coming together, you know, to really be able
to make sure we're strengthening the net to keep these
kids out of troubling. So we're working on two projects
the board, Doctor Comikio, Lewis, danil Witted, Jay Henderson. You
know a lot of our board members are all working
together because we're doing this the old theater in the
Winchester Court. We have target targeted that to redevelop it
(17:47):
to turn into the House of Heroes and so we
got our hero and Powerment Center land I said zero
to acres Land. We're still working on but this is
going to be an immediate spot that we can get
up in the next nine ten months if we go
ahead and raise the money to redevelop it, and we're
going to get those kids off the streets immediately because
we got to do that. We we are losing and behind.
(18:07):
But African American people in Memphis are some of the
strongest people in Memphis. Because our dollars drive the economy.
We just have to put it back into our communities.
We have to invest in people like Coach Kevin were
the people that are doing the work, you know, and
not saying that people aren't doing something, but you have
to have integrity and a business plan as far as
how you're maneuvering through your strategies. And that's what and
(18:30):
that's what we're missing, is not that people aren't doing
the work, but we still have to educate ourselves about
how do we keep our funding and with integrity because
we're tired of people in the black communities that are
taking the money and then there's no accountability and integrity.
And so that's what makes other people not want to
trust other African Americans because there's no integrity and accountability,
and so hold us accountable. You know that you're giving
(18:52):
dollars too, and so see what happens not only with
the excellence of the game, but while we're doing it.
As Coach was saying, yeah, I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
And you know what, I passed there the other day
and I was wondering, what are they gonna do with
this movie theater.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
I'm gonna make it happen.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
You're gonna make it. I know you're gonna make it happen.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
And that's fabulous because you know it's just sitting there
dormant and it could be doing doing something Coach positive
for these young people.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
And it's in the in the area where you're building
your So that's gonna be great, ma'am. And it's important
for us.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
You know when we when we bought I think Memphis
missed it when we had Robert Towns and Keenan Ivory
wings here in this Yes, when they came in, they
were like, we want to assist and make something happen.
But a lot of times when we're fixated on autograph
signs and getting a picture with somebody for social media,
like with Coach, was saying, you missed the message while
we're here, we're not here to just take a picture
(19:45):
and get an auto That's cool and that's cute, yes,
but at the end of the day, we got to
get to the heart of saving and rescuing these babies.
And you know, we hear incidents all the time with
stuff happening in Memphis, and we're tied into it, but
at the same time, we're tired of it, hearing our
kids die in these streets, and we can do something
about it.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Yeah, and and so we we want them to pack
that gym at South Wind.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
Yes, yes, yes, get your get your tickets, get tell
your people, you know, it's gonna be food there, It's
gonna be vendors. The thing we're doing is they're community
vendors that are there too. So we have vendors that
are dealing with mental health and all types of stuff
that is gonna be And we know its Father's Day weekend,
and so we got people selling selling the cologne oils
and and what a great coach.
Speaker 6 (20:29):
A coach be a beautiful Father's Day present? Bring your dad. Yeah,
my dad was here a couple of weeks ago. He's
in North Carolina. I'm not from here originally. My parents
are in North Carolina. But uh, you know my father
in law, you know they'll be here.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Oh good, this.
Speaker 1 (20:46):
Will be one when bringing you know to do something
nice for you that this will be something exciting. Absolutely, yeah,
because it's it's for a good cause. And we are
thinking about our children because they need something.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
A man and that's and that's what our fathers, you know,
are in place for it too. So happy Father's Day
weekend to every father. You know, I'm a surrogate father
because I don't have any biological kids, but you know,
every kid is my.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
Kid, brother, you like me. I don't have any cheery,
but you know I got a lot.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Of children, So we in this, you know, So for
the parents you know that are listening, you know, this
is for your kids. You know, we're we're doing this
for a reason because we're tired of seeing these kids
dying in the streets. And even in camp when our
kids run to us, we get hugs every day from
these kids and they're sitting up under us and they're
wondering what what's the next thing we're gonna do. And
(21:34):
so we have repeat kids that have been coming back
for years and years growing in the program. And so
our whole concept is the kids that go inside of
our camp daily. They're coming to the camp the coach
Witt has been doing. You know, in those pictures I've
been looking at all of our kids are in this camp.
So it's like we take we want them to experience
everything that we have. But next week, Michael John White
(21:55):
is going to be here the actions and we're dealing
with mental health with a Baptists and so him and
his wife are coming in and so we're showing them
healthy relationships. But we're gonna make sure that Michael joh
White walks into the camp and the kids. So this
happens all the time. So we have a celebrity guest,
they're coming in there because they really care about the community.
The first thing Michael John White said when I met him,
(22:16):
we were at an event and he said, look, take
me to where all the hood is. And so we
left the event, went to the Walmart and was sitting
in the parking lot just messing with people. They were like,
wait a minute, that's blood and bones, and so we
were just in the parking lot messing with people because
it was just fun to be able to do that
and give back to the community. So we've been fortunate
(22:37):
to be blessed with a lot of celebrities that really
want to do the work and not just a picture.
Same thing with Terrence Howard, we were at waffle House,
had three forty five in the am on a Wednesday,
and it was a school day and it was school
kids out at three forty five in the morning. Wow,
And these were the kids that were doing a lot
of the smashing graps. And so here I am with
Terrence Howard wilf House at three forty five in the am,
(23:02):
and these kids calling their parents on FaceTime talking about
look this the guy from from up from the TV
show and then and there and they got they're showing
him and and the parents they could have been like, well,
hey from Hustling Flow, They're like, well, wait a minute,
why you know. The parents then asks why are you
out at three forty five in the morning. They just
want to know, Hey, let me see them.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
Yeah, wow wow, yeah, oh wow, yeah, I hear you
so again, Odell. People want the information about the camp
and the basketball best to go.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
To your website htmmphis dot org or just call us directly.
I'm in the next thirty minutes. I may pick up
the phone nine five six six zero seven four to three.
I answer the phones. Yes, nine O what five six
six zero seven four three?
Speaker 1 (23:48):
And you all coming like, and we know some people
coach on aren't computer savvage, but you're singler that they'll
be able to pay at the door. Yes, ma'am, but
it'll be a little higher price, yes, ma'am, for the
for the game. Yes, And so we're just encouraging people.
Speaker 3 (24:02):
You know, in South Wain High School, the doors open
at two o'clock PM on Saturday. On Saturday, and so
just make sure that you that so that so the
camp is at Friday at Curby High School and that's
eight eight o'clock a m. And it goes from nine
nine a m. To two pm. But the door is
open there at eight o'clock AM. So you can get
your kid in and signed up and all this stuff
(24:23):
and get them dressed out and then if that ends
at two o'clock that Friday and then uh Saturday, the
real big thing to do is to have your kids,
have your family, have everybody there. It's a family event.
And please don't come with any drama, y'all. Don't you know,
lead We don't lead a funny cigarettes at the house,
you know, don't lead them alone, lead us this stuff.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
This this in the gunment that's you're not supposed to have.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
Yeah, leave all this stuff along, you know. Don't don't
bring any any firearms because Mos fifty five will be
there at the Nation of Islam. They're gonna be there,
So don't do it because because they turned people around,
that have.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Is gonna be because you, because you and the sheriff,
because you got the county and the city mayor there.
Speaker 3 (25:03):
Oh yeah, it's gonna be heavily in force. So no
no drama, y'all. It's all peace, love, uh and uh
you know, and love on these love on these mayors.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
The thing.
Speaker 3 (25:12):
The thing with me is we do have mayors who
do have elected officials that are coming out, but they're
coming out as human beings, not elected officials that are
pushing any political agenda. Everybody's coming out as a father
of somebody, you know. Everybody's coming out as a brother
of somebody, a husband or somebody. And that's what we're
there for. No uh, no bashing anybody, just all loving
(25:32):
each other, y'all. And then after that and maybe, you know,
if we love on each other, you know, maybe we
can listen to each other without the fuss and even
the school boards. Oh big surprise, okay, surprise, I forgot
about this. You're playing he's playing on the county team,
but Superintendent Rod Richmond is playing on the county team. Yes,
(25:53):
Rob Richmond it's gonna be playing we have. It's crazy
because we have all these pro players. But inside of it,
you know, you do have some some elected officials that
are playing Kia Shine, drama Boy, some other celebrity figures
that are playing in there. But but drama Boy, he's
playing in there. He can actually play ball. That's the crazy.
He can really really play ball.
Speaker 5 (26:15):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
And so a lot of people are taking out their
personal time to come in because we realize that the
cause is greater than us, you know. So that's where
we are right right.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
And let me turn to Coach with the last words.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Coach, you'd like to say to our listeners today about
about this event?
Speaker 5 (26:31):
You know, just come out and support it. It's it's
very important to our community. We're trying to make systematical change.
The only way we can do that we have to
invest and reinvest. I think that's the I think those
are two words that we don't hear enough in our community.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
We we invest, but we don't reinvest.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
So when we when we when we receive something, let's
let's let's make let's spread it back out within the
areas that need it the most. If we do that,
I think I think this will be perpetual. That means
just going to continue. We don't want to have just
a one time event. Particularly our community, we see a
lot of events, but we don't see anything that's perpetual.
(27:13):
And what we want to do is make perpetual change,
which now it affects so many areas that.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
It just rolls over in multiple areas.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
I think if we concentrate on that, particularly with the game,
and as we go with further endeavors that we're involved
with this, we will continue to you know, to expand
it and make it even better and better where we
can do and make it grow each year. So now
we can also we can almost take it to another
city as well. You know, let's attack Memphis first and
then let's go let's go to the other areas and
(27:42):
let's get this moving in the other areas of the
state of Tennessee. So it'll spread like wildfire. So that's
what it's about. But education is the key. If the
more we educate, the more we can inspire.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
I love it, And last words, Lddell, you like to
tell our audience I love this guy. This e O,
the founded executive rector here the Hood Foundation.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Thank you man, I'm just echoing coach, you know, making
making that investment. You know, so there is perpetual like
Coach was saying, UH that A that is contagious. You know,
positivity needs to be contagious, just like negativity is. Positivity
needs to be contagious. And so most definitely shout out
to our sponsors, the UH, the City of Memphis, UH,
the Shelby Shelby County government. I heart you, guys have
(28:26):
been amazing to us throughout the years of iHeart Radio,
Dream Team Reality Memphis Allies. We're joined with them and
mister Norman red Wings. It's Norman red Wings is A
is a sponsor, and so we're very excited about everybody.
But listen, it's it's time out, you know for our
i P. It's time for us to live in peace
(28:46):
instead of resting in pieces. Time for us to l
I P. And so that's what we want to do
for the rest of the summer.
Speaker 4 (28:51):
Y'all.
Speaker 3 (28:51):
Put the guns down, put the funny cigarettes down. You
know what I'm talking about, you know, leave all that alone,
guys and UH and and live in peace. Y'all living peace.
I love it. I love it.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
Thank you all for being here and spreading. I like
to say the good news Coach Kevin Witted and Adale
be thank you. I know Saturday and Friday is going
to be a huge success. Yes, and hey, I love
what you do because it's all about the children. Thank you,
Thank you so very much for being here.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
I want to thank you callers.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
I want to thank you listeners for joining us this
day on The BEB Johnson Show.
Speaker 2 (29:32):
We do, we really do appreciate you.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
So until tomorrow, please be safe, keep a cool head, y'all,
don't let anyone steal your joy. Until tomorrow, I'm Beb Johnson,
and y'all keep the faith.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
The juice and opinions discussed on The Beth Johnson Show
are that of the hosts and callers and not those
of the state f and sponsors up w D I
a
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