George Hill is known by most as a dual-threat point guard, capable of creating offense on one end and stopping it on the other. But on Thursday afternoon at a packed luncheon, Hill was being honored for something besides his skills on the court: his actions off it.
Many know Hill as the Hometown Hero because of his roots at Broad Ripple High School and IUPUI, but what some don't realize are the lengths Hill has gone to improve the lives of others growing up in his area.
The Indiana Black Expo (IBE), a non-profit corporation dedicated to the social and economic advancement of African-American youth, took notice of Hill's charitable actions and gave him the Major Taylor Award, bestowed upon athletes or coaches for making significant contributions to youth and by modeling excellence. The presenter of the award, Greg Wilson, the board chair of the IBE, spoke glowingly of Hill's charitable organization, George Hill Rising Stars.
"George Hill Rising Stars is dedicated to producing strong, caring, educated and uplifting citizens," Wilson explained. "And (Hill) has taken the lead in showing the commitment and tenacity needed for changing the lives of the young and the old in our community."
Past recipients of the Major Taylor award—named for Marshall W. "Major" Taylor, an African-American cyclist who competed in the late 1800's—include Tamika Catchings, Tony Dungy, Jerry Rice, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Ray Crowe.
As Hill approached the podium and accepted the award, he explained that he was unable to write a speech, because he thought it would be more meaningful if it were off the top of his head.
"As a kid growing up on 34th street, I didn't have anybody to give back to me," Hill explained. "My thing was, just trying to make the right decision; let the street life take me up or try to make a positive impact on other people's lives."
With the Major Taylor award at his side, it was clear Hill had made the right choice.