Krave Magazine – The Jalen Rose Foundation
November 16, 2009
November 2009 — You don’t have to be a basketball fan to know who Jalen Rose is. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, this first round draft pick is more than just your average athlete. Having been mentioned in Black Enterprise magazine besides Oprah and Bob Johnson for his philanthropic efforts, Rose has established himself as a man who sees the necessity in giving back.
The Jalen Rose foundation was founded by Rose to give back to the youth within his hometown of Detroit. So far his foundation has assisted 37 youth within the Detroit community as well as money to fund the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital in The Republic of the Congo. Rose’s alma mater, The University of Michigan, has even established a full scholarship that is awarded to one student annually for the Jalen Rose foundation.
“Michigan has one of the lowest graduation rates in the nation. Our youth today need more guidance and we stress and influence education heavily,” Rose explains. It’s very rare that you see an athlete as humble and motivated to give
back to the youth. Rose was reluctant to speak out about his foundation to ensure that his fame didn’t overshadow the real issues within the community.
“Philanthropy came from the heart. I didn’t speak about it at first, but if me talking about my foundation can help fund a mentor and educate our youth then I am more than willing to help,” Rose says.
Rose has also used his foundation to mentor youth and give young ballers an opportunity to take it to the next level. Team Michigan is a 19 and under league designed to give youth the opportunity for higher level competition.
“Leadership does not come with fortune and fame. Leaderships can come out through anyone. I hope that anyone in my shoes would do it if they had the opportunity.”
Rose has played for six different NBA teams, forging a solid pro career after skipping his senior season at Michigan. A left-handed player, Rose was known to have a smooth and versatile offensive game. Jalen was particularly gifted as a scorer from the perimeter or the post, capable of putting up 20 points most any night.
Photo by: Kate sZatmari | Story: Dorian Willis
Page 34 KRAVE Sportz
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