Brogdon Family Foundation

Brendan Rourke

On July 21, 2020, Pacers point guard Malcolm Brogdon announced the launch of his foundation, the Brogdon Family Foundation, to put his dream into action. With his foundation's first anniversary nearing, the University of Virginia graduate traveled nearly 8,000 miles to witness his life's greatest passion in progress.

As a part of Hoops4Humanity, an initiative started by his foundation, Brogdon spent eight days in Eastern Africa to assist with and monitor the installation of clean water wells in several communities along the continent's beautiful yet oft-forgotten region. The trip took him to cities in both Kenya and Tanzania, as he witnessed the impact of his desire to improve the lives of those who struggle with finding an essential daily resource. It was a passion that emerged after taking trips to Africa while growing up.

His voyages to Africa began around the age of nine. He had the privilege of going to Ghana, a now-popular country in West Africa. However, Brogdon explained the country was not always that way.

"A lot of people talk about (Ghana) as the pride of the continent," he said. "It's the calling card, sort of, for a lot of Americans to go over and visit right away. But before their economy took off the poverty was really, really bad. People were suffering there.

"I got to see that as a kid. And I couldn't really understand it or articulate it at that point. But I knew that it had bothered me to a point to where I wanted to make a change."

His subsequent trip to Malawi at the age of 12 reinforced this belief. His bachelor's in history and master's in public policy then kicked it into overdrive. From there, Brogdon knew he would use his talents on the court to create the opportunity to change the world off of it.

"Basketball, for me right now, is the biggest tool that I can use to get (my biggest passion) done," he said. "So, to be able to go on this trip — this trip is the highlight of my summer, other than spending time with my family."

The trip's itinerary was fun but certainly not for the lazy. Brogdon politely called the voyage "fast-paced" before rattling off a list of objectives longer than a convenience store receipt. 7:00 AM breakfasts preceded bus rides that lasted up to four hours, depending on the locale and daily mission. He and a handful of others, including Memphis Grizzlies guard Tim Frazier, visited everything from city side elementary schools to small rural communities. Yet each adventure had the same goal — make sure these people have easy access to clean water.

"To be able to go over there and see what our work has provided for people, it's awesome," Brogdon said.

Brogdon elaborated, stating it was a "blessing in itself" to "meet different people that are experiencing different things every day." It made him hopeful that his actions had a lasting impact on those who may not know the beauty underneath the surface of his favorite region of the world.

After nearly a week's worth of viewing the initiative's progress — and a safari trip through the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve — Brogdon visited Tanzania's largest city, the bustling Dar es Salaam. He explained that, while big, the city "doesn't get a lot of press" compared to Cairo, Egypt, Marrakesh, Morocco, and other popular tourist cities. Nonetheless, he claims the city is "as beautiful as those."

While not alone in this initiative — the roster of stars chipping in includes 12 other NBA players and four WNBA players — Brogdon's mother, Jann Adams, helps run his foundation at the top, making his passion something that runs in the family. The five-year NBA player hopes to use his platform to inform all NBA fans on the conditions of the less fortunate living in other places on Earth.

"There are hundreds of millions of people that are living without clean water," he said. He then recalled the issues that extend beyond just drinking water. Without clean water access, communities would have to rely on unsafe water for showering and cooking. Animals could pass bacteria along if they ingested some as well. The lack of nearby clean-water access forces young girls to forgo education opportunities to help collect water.

"They have to go out and get the water, fetch the water all day, and it takes hours," he said. "They can't get an education because they're gone for school for so long. It impacts the families."

"It has just a profound, all-around effect on, I think, a whole community."

But just like his playing style, Brogdon wants to share the glory with a team. But in this case, he hopes his squad is much larger than an active NBA roster.

"If it's not my initiative, that's okay," he said. "The goal is to impact as many people as you can, and impact who you have a passion for."

The mindset Brogdon has comes from a good place. It is a place that is rooted in sincerity, generosity, and modesty. As he takes his basketball nickname, "The President" to another level of meaning, Pacers fans are more than lucky to have him represent Indianapolis.

For those that wish to read more information on Brogdon's foundation, they can visit BrogdonFamilyFoundation.org. There, fans also can donate to any member of Hoops4Humanity's NBA or WNBA roster to help them with their initiative.

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Brogdon Helps Bring Clean Water, Joy to East African Communities

admin

NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2020 – Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon has won the 2019-20 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, as administered and selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA).  Named after the NBA's second commissioner, the honor is presented annually by the PBWA to a player, coach or athletic trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Brogdon was one of five finalists for the 2019-20 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, along with Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (who played for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019-20), Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie and Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce.

The finalists were chosen by a committee of PBWA members from nominees submitted by NBA teams. The winner was determined by a vote of the entire PBWA, which is composed of more than 200 writers and editors who cover the NBA regularly for newspapers, magazines and online news outlets.

"The depth and breadth of Malcolm Brogdon's commitment to making a positive difference is inspiring," said PBWA President Josh Robbins of The Athletic. "Members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association salute him and commend his fellow finalists and nominees for their exemplary work."

A four-year NBA veteran, Brogdon is being honored for his commitment to education, gender and health equality as well as his support for criminal justice and voting reform. In July, he launched the Brogdon Family Foundation with a focus on two major initiatives, Hoops4Humanity and the JHA Education Project.

Hoops4Humanity, led by Brogdon and several other NBA and WNBA players, seeks to create access to clean water and education for children and families in Africa. It builds on the efforts of Hoops2O, a program founded by Brogdon in 2018 that raised nearly $700,000 in 18 months to build water wells in Tanzania.

The JHA Education Project, which celebrates the legacy of Brogdon's maternal grandfather, former civil rights leader and Paul Quinn College President John Hurst Adams, focuses on literacy, mentoring and infrastructure programs for students in underserved communities. Under Brogdon's leadership, the JHA Education Project has partnered with Indianapolis Public Schools to provide students with high-impact educational experiences. Brogdon's emphasis on education also includes his "Tuesday Talks" series, where he leads discussions with at-risk Black youths about overcoming challenges and reaching goals.

The Brogdon Family Foundation launched soon after Brogdon participated in a peaceful protest in his native Atlanta in May in the wake of George Floyd's death. In a USA Today op-ed, Brogdon described his experience at the protest and proposed solutions to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.

Brogdon, 27, averaged career highs of 16.5 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 54 games last season, his first with the Pacers after being acquired in a trade with the Bucks in July 2019. The 6-5 guard spent his first three NBA seasons with Milwaukee, which selected him with the 36th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Brogdon was named the 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year, the only player not drafted in the first round to win the award in the common draft era (since 1966). In 2018-19, Brogdon became the eighth qualified player in NBA history to shoot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the free throw line in a season.

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Malcolm Brogdon Wins 2019-20 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

Students from four IPS schools had the chance to meet a Pacer (virtually) on Tuesday night. Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon spoke to the students on a Zoom call that tipped off the "One Book, Four Schools" collaborative reading program organized via a partnership between the Brogdon Family Foundation and IPS.

Over the coming weeks, all students from Global Prep Academy at Riverside 44, Floro Torrence School 83, James Whitcomb Riley School 43, and Eleanor Skillen School 34 will be reading "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome and then discuss the book in virtual book club meetings. The first book was chosen by the principals at the four schools.

Tuesday's tipoff event was led by James Whitcomb Riley School Principal Lauren Johnson and featured a visit from Brogdon, who shared his excitement for the virtual book club.

"I've always wanted to help the younger generations because you guys are the next leaders," Brogdon said. "So it's important for me to guide you in the right direction. I hope this reading program guides you in that direction and you guys understand the importance of reading, being literate, and understanding how to communicate and be an effective leader."

The One Book, Four Schools program is the first major initiative as part of the Brogdon Family Foundation's JHA Education Project, which focuses on literacy, mentoring, and providing high impact educational experiences at those schools. The Brogdon Family Foundation Radiothon, which was held on 107.5 Fan on Sept. 17, helped raised funds to benefit these schools.

Over 1,800 copies of the book will be distributed between the four schools and virtual book club sessions will be held throughout the fall. The virtual meetings will include prizes and special guests, including the author of "Finding Langston," Lesa Cline-Ransome.

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Brogdon Tips Off Book Club with IPS Schools

Wheat Hotchkiss

As a new school year starts in the midst of a global pandemic, Malcolm Brogdon is doing his part to help students in underserved communities in Indianapolis.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, the Pacers point guard will be on local airwaves for the Brogdon Family Foundation Radiothon, which will air on 107.5 The Fan from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The radiothon is the first major fundraiser of the JHA Education Project, one of the main initiatives of the Brogdon Family Foundation, which launched in July.

Education was always something emphasized in Brogdon's family. His grandfather and the namesake of the JHA Education Project, John H. Adams, became the nation's youngest college president at the age of 29 in 1956. His mother Jann Adams, the Executive Director of the Brogdon Family Foundation, is an Associate Vice President at Morehouse College. And Brogdon himself earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees while starring on the basketball court at the University of Virginia.

So in starting his foundation, Brogdon wanted one pillar to be working with students in underserved communities.

"I grew up with a lot of the necessities," Brogdon said. "I grew up with plenty. I think there are a lot of inner-city schools with children that don't have enough. For me, I think that's a gap that I and the foundation, with my mom and this team, can help fill."

Brogdon and his family formed a relationship with Indianapolis Public Schools last fall and IPS helped identify four schools in different parts of the city that the Brogdon Family Foundation plans to work with over the coming school year. They hope to expand their work to more schools and other communities, but it was important for Brogdon that their education initiatives started in Indianapolis.

"I've identified strongly with this city," he said. "I think they've really gotten behind me, the fans, the Pacers organization. The people of this city have really embraced me and I want to give back.

"This is the community that I live in, these are the people that I see every single day, and these are the kids and the schools that I can have the biggest immediate impact on right now."

Next week's radiothon will feature interviews with Brogdon as well as other athletes and celebrities. An online auction launched Thursday at BFF2020.givesmart.com and will run through the conclusion of the radiothon. Fans can bid on autographed items, memorabilia, in-studio experiences for each of The Fan's three weekday radio shows, and the signature prize — three hours with Brogdon at Topgolf for the winner and nine friends. Fans interested in the auction can text BFF2020 to 76278 to donate and bid on items.

"One of the beauties of the radiothon is that I think it will be a way for people to understand what the foundation is about, to learn about the foundation, to learn about the education initiative, to learn about the partnership with the Pacers and their commitment to education, and then even to learn about the specific schools we're supporting," Adams said.

"I think people will be drawn to it because there will be celebrities and athletes that are coming on, but I really hope that it will be a way for people to get invested in those schools and to say 'Oh, here's a way I can help with these schools.' To hear these principals talk, they're so amazing and so committed and doing such great work."

The four schools the foundation is currently working with are Global Prep Academy at Riverside 44, Floro Torrence School 83, James Whitcomb Riley School 43, and Eleanor Skillen School 34. The JHA Eduction Project will focus on literacy, mentoring, and providing high impact educational experiences at those schools.

The first initiative at these schools is called the Collaborative Family Book Club, which is open to all students and parents at the four schools. The principals at the four schools handpicked the first book, "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and every child at the schools will either read or have the book read to them and then can discuss it in virtual book club meetings this fall with Brogdon and others.

In the spring, the foundation will have different activations at each school depending on the school's mission and needs. Those activations include providing books and supplies for experiments at school focused on STEAM, doing mentoring programs at a bilingual school focused on social justice, amplifying another school's focus on acts of kindness, and creating a virtual college tour for eighth-graders at a school focused on college readiness.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the education system, Adams marveled at the work these schools have done to keep their students engaged.

"The principals are just extraordinary," she said. "They are assuring that every child has what they need in order to learn, the WiFi, the equipment they need, they deliver books, the school system is providing meals…the level of commitment among the leadership of Indianapolis Public Schools has just really been extraordinary. Seeing that is inspiring because you know that there are so many challenges that they're facing."

Both Brogdon and Adams said they view it as especially important to empower education at these schools during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Their hope is to help bridge the "achievement gap" that exists between students from underserved communities and students with better means, but the pandemic has made bridging that gap even more challenging.

"The need for us to be as active and engaged and supportive of what the schools are already doing, I think it's really, really important," Adams said.

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Brogdon Organizes Radiothon to Benefit Indianapolis Public Schools

The Pacers' season may have just come to an end, but Pacers point guard Malcolm Brogdon is still hard at work.

Brogdon launched the Brogdon Family Foundation in July and is now unveiling the first fundraisers for the foundation's two major initiatives, Hoops4Humanity and the JHA Education Project.

Hoops4Humanity focuses on the clean water crisis in East Africa, a cause Brogdon has supported for a number of years. The vision of Hoops4Humanity is to build wells to deliver clean water to underserved communities in East Africa and then make further investments in education and infrastructure in those communities once clean water is in place.

To raise funds for Hoops4Humanity, Brogdon created the Water Bowl Fantasy Football League and hosted a live draft on Zoom on Tuesday night. Brogdon was joined by seven other NBA players (Brooklyn's Justin Anderson and Joe Harris, Milwaukee's Donte DiVincenzo and George Hill, Atlanta's Kevin Huerter, Phoenix's Ty Jerome, and Memphis' Anthony Tolliver), who each serve as commissioners of their respective conferences.

Fans who were interested in playing fantasy football against NBA stars could join the league by paying a fee that goes directly to Hoops4Humanity. Sponsors also signed on from Indianapolis and across the country. The league sold out in time for Tuesday's draft, where all participants joined a Zoom call before breaking into smaller rooms for their conferences, where 12 participants took part in a live draft with one of the NBA players.

"We were trying to think of something we could do that would be fun, that could be done remotely, and that would give fans a chance to meet with players and just have a good time together and raise money for a good cause," said Jann Adams, Brogdon's mother and the Executive Director of the Brogdon Family Foundation. "So the idea was to pick another sport that's big and beloved and that everybody enjoys."

The goal for the Water Bowl Fantasy Football League is to raise at least $45,000, which is the amount needed to build one solar-powered well in East Africa.

The league will compete throughout the upcoming NFL season for a number of prizes, including the grand prize of a trip to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

"We're excited to connect with fans using some different skills," Brogdon said. "Fans might not be able to take us on the court, but we know they’ll be giving us their best shot in the Water Bowl. Clean water is needed now more than ever. That makes it a win all around."

Hoops4Humanity currently features a total of 16 NBA and WNBA players, including the Indiana Fever's Victoria Vivians and Pacers center Myles Turner, who Brogdon recently recruited to join the cause while in the NBA bubble in Orlando.

The other signature initiative of the Brogdon Family Foundation is the JHA Education Project, which supports educational achievement by focusing on literacy, mentoring and providing high impact educational experiences to schools in Indiana.

The first major fundraiser for the JHA Education Project will be the Brogdon Family Foundation Radiothon on 107.5 The Fan in Central Indiana, which is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17 from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The event will include interviews with Brogdon and other athletes and celebrities, as well as an online silent auction set to launch on Sept. 10. All proceeds will go to select Indianapolis Public Schools that Brogdon is working with.

Brogdon's work in the community comes as no surprise to those who know him well, especially his mother.

"I'm proud of him, but I also think it is his obligation," Adams said. "He has been incredibly blessed, had so many opportunities, had so many people look out for him and do good for him and see value in him. So in turn, he obviously should be doing what he can for others."

To learn more about the Brogdon Family Foundation and its initiatives, please visit the foundation's website.

Brogdon Family Foundation

Brogdon Helps Bring Clean Water, Joy to East African Communities

Malcolm Brogdon Wins 2019-20 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

Brogdon Tips Off Book Club with IPS Schools

Brogdon Organizes Radiothon to Benefit Indianapolis Public Schools

Brogdon Hard at Work in Indianapolis and Global Communities