On an off day earlier this week, the Oklahoma City Thunder went to the White House for a tour and likewise to debate social justice points the staff is making an attempt to deal with by its Thunder Fellows program.
For the staff, the expertise was utterly faraway from their regular mid-season routine, and one the gamers say they’re going to always remember.
“So many things that I had no clue about,” stated Thunder level guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in an interview afterward.
For Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates, the tour and insights into federal politics had been eye-opening.
“Kind of a different side of the world that, obviously, as basketball players, we don’t get to see,” he stated. “But I personally learned so much, I am grateful for the opportunity.”
In return, the Thunder shared its distinctive perception on social justice with the White House, screening a portion of its Seeds of Greenwood movie. The documentary follows the inaugural class of Thunder Fellows, a program created “to address the prevalent opportunity and racial wealth gaps” within the Tulsa neighborhood. Developed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and Creative Arts Agency, it “aims to unlock new opportunities in sports, entertainment, and technology for Black high school and college students in the Tulsa area.”
“It was really just an amazing experience,” stated Reece Robinson, one of many members of the Thunder Fellows inaugural class.
Robinson and classmate Nzinga Collins had been each invited to the White House screening.
“Definitely astonishing,” stated Collins in an interview. “I would never have thought that I would be right here in the White House looking at a trailer of a movie that I’m in.”
“Coming here today and being called out by name by all these individuals that work so high up,” stated Robinsons, “it was really…really motivational. Maybe I could see myself here one day.”
“We are incredibly proud of the program and especially proud of the kids that represent it,” stated Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault, “and for them to be on-site with us today was awesome.”
The go to match completely with the Thunder philosophy of creating the ‘complete’ participant, or complete particular person — an opportunity for gamers to speak federal coverage with the administration whereas showcasing the staff’s personal efforts at residence.
“We always talk about growth as basketball players,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander, “but the best growth in life is as human beings, and seeing those kids almost transform themselves in such a short amount of time is special. They have bright futures and I’m glad just to be a small part of that program to help them in their lives.”
All in all, this was a very good journey to the nation’s capital for the Thunder: a productive day on the White House Tuesday after which an thrilling win over the Wizards Wednesday, because of a last-second three-pointer from Gilgeous-Alexander.
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