High-Level Summary
In this episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with former Chicago Cubs outfielder and community visionary CJ Stewart to discuss the transformative impact of LEAD Center for Youth. Stewart details how sports-based youth development, trauma-informed coaching, and intentional social capital empower Black youth to overcome systemic curveballs. The conversation highlights the power of authentic cultural representation, sustainable community infrastructure, and building Major League citizens.
Key Takeaways
Culture Precedes Coaching: Sustainable youth development requires an unwavering cultural foundation where vision guides daily execution.
Sponsorship Beyond Mentorship: Black youth are often over-mentored but under-sponsored, making active advocacy and real opportunity essential.
Social-Emotional Learning: Structured sports provide the foundation to build self-efficacy, self-management, and positive identity.
Authentic Representation: True equity fosters environments where Black youth can thrive authentically without being pressured to assimilate.
Civic and Economic Impact: Developing Major League citizens means preparing young people to be gainfully employed and civically engaged leaders.
Detailed Outline & Topic Breakdown
Leadership, Vision, and Organizational Culture
Host Taryell Simmons welcomes CJ Stewart, who explains his role as Chief Visionary Officer alongside his wife Kelly, the Executive Director of LEAD Center for Youth. Stewart discusses how establishing a healthy organizational culture is far more vital than tactical coaching alone.
The Mission of LEAD and Overcoming Adversity
Stewart reflects on growing up in Atlanta's Bankhead neighborhood as a Grady baby, utilizing baseball as a buffer against trauma and poverty. He explains LEAD's mission of using baseball and tennis to help Black youth overcome crime, poverty, and racism.
Baseball Journey and the Power of Mentorship
Stewart recounts his athletic journey from childhood games to being drafted twice by the Chicago Cubs, detailing how faith and guidance from mentors like Emmett Johnson, TJ Wilson, and NBA referee Derek Stafford shaped his life.
Sports-Based Youth Development vs. Travel Ball
Contrasting pay-to-play travel ball with sports-based youth development, Stewart explains how LEAD uses trauma-informed methodologies to achieve a 100% high school graduation rate and a 91% college enrollment rate.
Excellence and Building Social Capital
Stewart highlights the importance of equipping Black youth with social capital, trust, and respect. By bringing diverse peers into training environments, LEAD prepares young athletes to compete and lead with excellence.
Global Coach Certification and Infrastructure Vision
Stewart details LEAD's upcoming coach certification program designed to train coaches globally, alongside plans for a public-private partnership with the City of Atlanta to build a premier sports stadium complex in Bankhead.
Negro Leagues Innovation and Lasting Legacy
Reflecting on Kadir Nelson's book We Are the Ship and All Else Is the Sea, Stewart explores how the Negro Leagues pioneered innovations like night games and catcher's gear, emphasizing the necessity of investing in Black youth initiatives.
Memorable Quotes
CJ Stewart: "Culture is more important than coaching. The mission is the right now and the vision is in the future."
CJ Stewart: "Playing Major League Baseball is a great, great thing, but to be a Major League citizen is to be gainfully employed and civically engaged."
CJ Stewart: "I really believe that youth in Atlanta are over-mentored and under-sponsored."
Resources, Tools, & Recommendations Mentioned
Books: We Are the Ship: All Else Is the Sea by Kadir Nelson
Organizations: LEAD Center for Youth, Atlanta Public Schools, Chicago Cubs, Major League Baseball, Negro Leagues
Corporate Brands: Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, Kroger, Nike
Websites: https://LEADCenter4Youth.org and https://iamcjstewart.com
People Mentioned: Deion Sanders, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Emmett Johnson, TJ Wilson, Derek Stafford, Stan Conway, Davis Conway, T.I., Killer Mike, Jamal Lewis
