Got Questions..?

On the morning of February 16th, more than 90 middle school boys from across

Houston got an opportunity to ask some interesting questions to twelve

Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players.

 

 

The day marked the 2nd annual "Just Ask Dads" male forum, the first program offered under by the FAM. The event was hosted at Houston Community College and students were selected by Communities In Schools of Houston.

 

 

Upon arriving, all the boys had to check in and they each received a FAM Forum Workbook designed by Rod Ivey. The workbooks were created to help the boys focus upon the main points within the DADs messsage and also to walk away with a keepsake.

 

 

The program began with introductions of the FAM members in attendance, along with a motivational pep talk from retired NBA player Jerome "JYD" Williams who spoke about

Determination, Dedication & Discipline.

 

 

A powerful video was shown that featured New York Knicks Assistant GM, Allan Houston, who reviewed the answers to workbook questions with boys before they were split into groups.

 

 



 The program moved along smoothly as the boys were directed to 6 different lecture halls where (2) DADs were waiting to engage them in meaningful discussions about manhood and life.

 The FAM covered 3 points that got the conversations flowing...

 

 

 

HOUSTON - We've Got A Solution!

 

The challenges confronting many households across America aren't just related to the economy; but, the fact that so many households are led and sustained by mothers. Where Are the Fathers?

The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation in partnership with Pastor Joel Olsteen and Lakewood Church hosted a Fatherhood and Family event to to answer this big question. There was lights, cameras and most importantly - hundreds of people in attendance to hear from a powerful group of panelists.

 

 

The current and retired NBA players that spoke on the panel made the DADs very proud. Especially Dwyane Wade Sr., who watched his son and grandsons speak to those in attendance. Johnnie Williams Jr. was quoted as saying, "To sit in one of the most popular churches in the country - with America's Pastor, Joel Olsteen taking questions from CNN's Soledad O'Brien, was amazing".   

 

 

Conversations around this topic of fatherhood and family will hopefully lead us to the solutions      for fixing what is breaking up so many homes.

 

 

The FAM would like to thank Allan Houston for the invitation to such a powerful event and commend him and his team for a job well done.

 

Walking w/LEGENDS...

As the Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players activated their busy All Star Weekend schedule, the NBRPA LEGENDS Reception was one of the first stops.

 

 Members of the FAM spent their time networking and mingling with retired NBA players that help to build the league into what we see and enjoy today.

 The food was great, the music created an ideal atmosphere and a room filled with great people made for memorable conversation. The National Basketball Retired Players Association acknowledged members of the FAM that were in attendance.

The reception turned out to be a great way to activate All Star Weekend, and the FAM would like to thank Harvey Catchings for extending an invitation to attend.

 

Going To The Bank...

On Friday, February 15th, nine of the Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players (FAM) went to deposit some time and effort at the Houston Food Bank.

 Led by organization president, Carlton Jack, the DADs rolled up their sleeves and began to assemble meals for children and families in need.

 This opportunity to give back was provided by NBA Cares, and it offered the FAM an awesome opportunity to serve the Houston community alongside some of the BIG name players (sons) in town for All Star Weekend 2013.

 The NBA Day of Service was a huge success and involved so many wonderful people. The FAM would like to thank Leah Wilcox for registering the DADs.

Upon departure, the FAM had helped to package, box and move more than 500+ meals.

DAD's Heading to All Star Weekend...

The Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players (F.A.M.) will host their annual “Just Ask Dads” Male Forum during the 2013 NBA All Star Weekend at Houston Community College.

 The members of the F.A.M. are the fathers and step fathers of some of the biggest named players in the NBA. Each of them understands the critical role that a male figure plays in raising young boys. The organization received its 501 c3 (tax exempt) status in August of 2012 and is ready to assist some of the fatherhood initiatives across the country.

The crisis of fatherlessness plaguing our country is just one issue that inspired the creation of The Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players.  The first goal has been to find an impactful role that the dads can play in helping to “raise fathers” that will honor family.

The Just Ask Dads Male Forum is one of the signature programs offered to middle school boys. Research indicates that at this age, fatherless young men begin to fall prey to many negative influences. Many of them struggle with the transition to high school, where the academic expectations begin to intensify along with increased independence.

America is over flowing with children who do not have a male figure to assist them in finding the necessary balance between academics and athletics. Our kids are struggling to make the right choices and are quickly playing themselves out of position to achieve their own dreams. For so many boys, their dreams have been inspired by the sons that the F.A.M. have raised. So why not allow young people from around the country to borrow these successful fathers and ask them questions. The types of questions that will help thousands of them find their success path in life.

The participants will receive special invitations to attend this private event with the FAM. On their invitation, they will be assigned to a team that they will sit with and rotate through the program with.  After checking in on the event date, all participants will be inspired by a motivational message reminding them “success is only steps away”.  The dads will then be introduced and each will offer brief comments of who they are and what NBA son they have raised.