Through the Lens of Life

The Timberwolves continued their True Blue Blitz on Tuesday afternoon by dedicating a reading and learning center at the St. Paul YWCA. Kevin Garnett, Rashad McCants, and Wolves president Chris Wright were on hand for the ceremony, which stands as the biggest single project the organization has taken on.

"It thrilled me to see over 90 of our staff members work on something that is also a passion for our players," said Wright of the $25,000 undertaking. "When our players and staff put something together that can impact so many young people's lives, it's truly thrilling for us to be involved."

Also addressing the assembled crowd of students, staff and community members was Billy Collins, the executive director of the YWCA St. Paul.

"This is significant not only for the YWCA of St. Paul, but also for the community as a whole," he said. "The young people are extremely excited about this space, and believe me, it will be more than used, and used very well."

The dedication was hosted by the Wolves' radio voice, Brian Sieman, who took the time to speak with McCants about the importance of education, and also about the guard's love of poetry. A poem written by McCants called "Can't Hold Me Down" was hung up on the wall adjacent to a magnificent mural of Garnett and McCants.

"The learning center is going to have a tremendous effect on people, and that mural just captures you right away," said 17-year old Michael Martin, of St. Paul. "I'm loving it."

A very talented poet and songwriter himself, Martin addressed the crowd with a message that inspired both Garnett and McCants.

"I'm extremely impressed with Michael, and think he gave a very powerful message," said McCants. "It's great to see a young man with that kind of talent getting it down on paper."

McCants was even more impressed when the two young poets shared a moment after the presentation. Martin read Rashad a poem of his own entitled "Through the lens of life."

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My Style My Way
My Write Publications

Through the lens of life
By: Michael Martin Jr.

I focus through the lens of life,
Taking snapshots of the tides of life,
Envisioning unity by expressing what is peace,
Which is, the absence of war and other hostilities.

I focus through the lens of life,
Turning negatives into positive pictures in life,
Enabling a sight for everyone to see,
Going above and beyond the imaginary world of TV.

I focus through the lens of life;
Becoming fully developed self images in life;
Leading never following an effigy of a
Righteous way of life,
But scripting a motion picture changing the ways of life.

I focus through the lens of life;
As the Robin touches our souls soaring as
we rise,
I tell my vision to inspire and give an
insight,
Not just because I have something to say but
to save lives

I focus through the lens of life;
Changing war into peace through the power
of God as he guides,
Impacting empowering minds staying
Focused as we soar in triumph,
Becoming one divine being singing our song
in unison.

We focus through the lens of life.

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The True Blue Blitz continues tomorrow as the FastBreak Foundation announces its October $10,000 grant recipient during Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Bulls.