"More than just Athletes"
"NBA For Humanity" website and television program was established to highlight the many contributions The National Basketball Association makes in American communities and abroad. We will also be featuring off court player personal projects and retired players philanthropy.
James "Money" Monroe, Producer / Host
Washington D.C. Basketball Legend
2 time All Metropolitan along with NBA great Adrian Dantley, All Inter High, All American, Dave Bing "H Club" All Star, Elgin Baylor Roving Leader All Star, United States Youth Games All Star representing Washington D.C., Quoted in
The Washington Post as being a "Marvelously gifted player"
Some of the best players in the world didn't play ball in college or professionally!" I was one of them, but I'm excited to have the opportunity to tell these great stories of Professional Basketball Players, League, and respective organizations giving back to the community.
NBA Cares is the league’s global social responsibility program that builds on the NBA’s mission of addressing important social issues in the U.S. and around the world.
NBA Cares programs and participants have provided more than 5.8 million hours of hands-on service, created more than 1,650 places where kids and families can live, learn or play and engaged more than 60 million youth in basketball programs in communities around the world. Internationally, NBA Cares has created more than 332 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play in 40 countries.
NBA Cares is built on a foundation of strong partnerships with internationally-recognized community organizations, which continue to positively impact lives around the world. Business partners have joined NBA Cares in a joint effort to support projects and activities that enhance the world we live in. These strategically aligned partnerships provide the NBA and its teams and players with ample opportunity to address a variety of social issues. Learn more about our community partners and how you can get involved with their efforts today!
NBPA. "United for Good" and working together as one team! Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court. Also collective dealing with social issues.
As the Executive Director of the NBPA since 2014, Michele Roberts ardently works on behalf of NBA players to ensure their rights are protected and that they are fairly compensated for the great value they bring to the court and as ambassadors of the game. Roberts has also been at the forefront of helping players recognize the power of their voice in pursuit of social consciousness as it relates to mental health, political activism, racial injustice and more.
The President is Chris Paul, Andre Iguadala Vice President, and Harrison Barnes Secretary-Treasurer.
Charles Barkley Foundation. Its mission is to create next-generation professionals and leaders, to develop new knowledge and disseminate science-based solutions to our clientele to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of citizens in Alabama and beyond. “I truly believe that building bridges, not building walls and not giving in to fear, will make our communities better.”
LeBron James Family Foundation: Focusing on Education The Foundations missions is to positively affect lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational activities. Programs include; Wheels for Education, LAB, Boys and Girls Clubs, St Vincent - St Mary's High School. "Just as I work to improve my game, I also work to improve my Foundation and its events, year after year", says LeBron.
The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation's mission is to create pathways for underserved youth by providing resources and opportunities for children in need. ... The board members who have joined the Foundation share a common goal to make a difference in the lives of underserved children."
"I've been impressed by the league's commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many African players who want to give back to their own countries and communities". "That's why I'm so proud to join the team at NBA Africa and look forward to a partnership that benefits the youth and people of so many countries", says Obama.
NBA Africa is a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation. League play began in May. It was delayed a year due to Covid-19 pandemic although the NBA has had a presence for several years with a headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa since 2010. The Basketball Africa League of 12 teams is a part of the deal.
" I love this! I didn't know the players and NBA organization were so active in the community", says Joe Taylor from Atlanta.
"Great Idea, interesting, and so needed!",
says, Ann Jones from Washington, D. C.
NBA Cares works with nationally and internationally recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes, including: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Vera Institute of Justice, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, UNICEF, Special Olympics, The Jed Foundation, Share ...
Free shoes for the homeless, men, women, and children. Every month a different organization or player make somebody's feet happy.
NBA gives $3 million to HBCU's ( Historically Black Colleges and University's. Also grants to community organizations. See NBA Foundation
Build Brides Through Basketball and Atlanta Hawks Foundation
Jordan gives $10 million to Novan Health to build 2 additional Family Medical Clinics in Wilmington, NC. His hometown.
KEVIN DURANT "BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL" will propel the mission of the KDCF to enrich the lives of youth from low-income backgrounds through various educational and athletic programs. Trips abroad to Asia and Europe have also inspired Durant to connect internationally with the next generation leading the game.
“When I was young, playing basketball was one of the things that kept me out of trouble and kept me focused on my growth and maturity in to the man I would eventually become,” Durant said. “
Nothing But Nets is a United Nations Campaign to end malaria. "This is a cause that I have been seriously involved in since college. I hope not only to provide much needed bed nets, but to also raise awareness about ending malaria." said Curry. These nets really save lives. Steph distributed bed nets in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp. Nyarugusu is operated by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) where malaria is one of the leading causes of illness and death.
Luka Doncic , All-Star for the Dallas Mavericks, has been named one of the 2024 NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award recipients. The NBA names a winner each month. Recognized for his efforts in providing memorable experiences for youth and uplifting communities.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, no doubt one of the greatest professional basketball players to ever play the game! In his 20 NBA seasons: 19-time NBA All- Star, 15-time All-NBA, 11-time All-Defense, 6-time MVP, and a member of 6 NBA championships. What a lot of people don't know is his activism and concern for making this country and world a better place. Not just your "Sky Hook" Kareem, but the sky is the limit for you period! Thank you for all that you do for our children, society, and the joy you brought us with your game. That said, I feel your greatest accomplishments are off court. Blessings My Brother, Money
Congratulations to Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union who had their first child together just before the pandemic "Kaavia Wade" (via surrogate) after several miscarriages. As Wade says in his book, 'A Father
First' , "Fatherhood is more important than basketball".
"The Black Mamba" recorded a 16 track album titled "Visions". Kobe had some heavy hitters featured too like Nas, 50 Cent, and Destiny's Child. His single debuted in 2000.
The NBA Coaches Association (NBCA) is the association that represents basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association. Founded in 1976, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession. For more info on current activities visit their official website.
President
Vice President
New Orleans Pelicans Head Coach Stan Van Gundy’s time spent teaching a Sports in Society class at Tomoka Correctional Institution in Miami Dade County, Florida. Throughout his time teaching in this prison, Coach Van Gundy became fully engaged with many inmates and their stories.
NBCA President & Dallas Mavericks Head Coach, Rick Carlisle in using his platform to spread awareness about Black History Month. Before taking questions during his pregame news conference,, Carlisle started every news conference in February with a Black History Month reading;
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich’s COVID-19 vaccination process. Coach Popovich speaks to the importance of keeping yourself and others around you safe by continuing to wear masks as well as getting the COVID-19 vaccine upon its available. Particularly in Black and high risk communities.
NBCA Vice President and Miami Heat Head Coach Eric Spoelstra supports The Miami HEAT Charitable Fund. The Fund provides educational scholarships for high school seniors and partners with inner-city elementary schools to fund the HEAT Academy, which provides after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. Through these initiatives, the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund continues to inspire the youth of South Florida to envision their dreams and achieve their goals.
Memphis Grizzlies’ Head Coach Taylor Jenkins’ continuation of his ‘Coach Jenkins Assists for Education Program’ for the 2020-2021 season. With hopes to provide everyday necessities to students in the greater Memphis area.
The league previously announced $2 million in grants last December as part of a $300 million commitment made for empowerment within the Black community. This is a long "We are dedicated to using the collective resources of the 30 teams, the players and the league to drive meaningful economic opportunities for Black Americans," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement last August. "We believe that through focused programs in our team markets and nationally, together with clear and specific performance measures, we can advance our shared goals of creating substantial economic mobility within the Black community." The organization recently gave another $3 million in a second round of grants.
Washington D.C. Public High School Champions, Knights of Columbus Regional Champions, Undefeated in League play, only team to beat Mt. Vernon of New York '#1 team in the country at that time' (4 of their starters played in the NBA including Gus Williams); I had 28 points and 18 rebounds in that game, and we also beat John Thompson, Sr.'s St. Anthony team before he went to Georgetown. I was team MVP and recruited by all major Universities and College's ; including by coaches Dean Smith (who I attended his camp along with Adrian Dantley), Adolph Rupp, Bobby Knight (went to his camp as well), Lefty Driesell, John Wooden, Dick Vitale, Hugh Durham, Florida State, and John Guthrie (UGA) (just thought I'd mention him since I live in Atlanta, GA now), just to name a few, but my Mother wanted me to attend Howard University. I didn't think she knew what was happening at the time, but in hind sight Howard would have been good for me on so many levels even though it wasn't a Division 1 basketball school. In those days a top recruit didn't even consider a non D1 school. I have so much respect for 5 star Makur Maker for making the decision to attend Howard. Maryland University would have been good too as I enjoyed playing with John Lucas (NBA Player and Coach) in summer league after our senior year in high school. He had already signed with Maryland. Anyway, at the last minute I was talked into attending the University of Detroit, mainly because Motown and Dave Bing (Pistons and my homie) were there; the city also reminded me of DC, so I was comfortable about the choice. My plan was to intern at Motown on the weekends and off season and understudy Berry Gordy and I knew Dave Bing would look out for me in terms of basketball and take me under his wing as I was an All-Star on his sponsored programs at home, so he knew about me and my accomplishments. That same year Motown moved to Los Angeles and I didn't know they were doing that until I got to campus and had someone drive me over there. I was so sad as that spoiled my plans and I felt I made the wrong decision, but that's another story. I was there briefly, they fired coach Jim Harding, and hired Dick "Dickie V" Vitale who wanted me to come back to school, but by then I was pursing other business opportunities, "BABY", as he would say, and needed to make money! As you know college athletes are BROKE while coaches and everyone else gets paid, hell the NCAA wouldn't even allow us to have a job, but I would have loved to had played for Coach Vitale. "Some of the best players in the world didn't play college or professional ball." I was one of them. I went on to establish Monroe Broadcasting Company (MBC), and published The TeleCom Report which was distributed by FW Faxon Co. at the time. My role models were Berry Gordy (Motown) and Bob Johnson (BET). I always had an interest in media and business. I wanted to be the next Media Mogul, but loved to play basketball. My favorite player was New York Knicks Walt "Clyde" Frazier. I liked his swag on and off court, but my all time favorite is Earvin "Magic" Johnson. I loved "Magic's" unselfishness and hoop IQ.
I still hold the all-time rebounding record in Washington D.C, Maryland, and Virginia at 28 in one game! Teammates, used to call me "Chairman of the Boards" and even made up a jingle for me! That's one reason I had so much respect for Dennis Rodman, but that's another story. I was considered as an all around player, averaged double double's, occasionally had a triple double, and on defense I usually defended the other team's best player. I just loved all aspects of the game. Famed High School Basketball Coach Morgan Wooten of DeMatha once said, "I had the potential to become the next Oscar Robertson". I'm also featured in a book with Moses Malone, Adrian Dantley, and Bernard King. "In spite of all my athletic accomplishments I always wanted to be known for being more than just an athlete"!
My Basketball References also include: James "JB" Brown- CBS Sports, Leonard Shapiro- Sports Editor for The Washington Post, Harold Bell (Historian) - Inside Sports, and Robert "Glenn" Harris-legendary DC Sports Talk Host. Feel free to ask them about me! Former NBA Player and Coach Eddie Jordan say's, "yeah 'Money' could ball!"
A good friend said, " I should talk more about myself and even add a picture", so I added this "Flashback" section. Well I hope it was the right advice as I really felt weird being so transparent, but I guess people would like to know more about who I am and why I chose this endeavor. Blessings & Best Regards to All,
James "Money" Monroe
Copyright © 2024 NBAforHumanity.com - All Rights Reserved. a James Monroe Show, LLC Production
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.