MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
After hitting it big in the NBA, a Memphis man is giving back to the community.
Los Angeles Lakers player and former U of M Tiger Tarik Black announced Tuesday his new foundation committed to helping his city and inner city youth. First up: a new summer basketball camp for teens.
“God has put me in the position to give back, and I feel like it’s my obligation,” he said. “Crime has been an issue in Memphis, and it helps when you have programs and things going on they can get involved in.”
Black said he will teach more than basketball; he will also teach life skills just like he learned from those who steered his steps.
Black’s ball camp will host 50 kids at Ridgeway High, where he went to school.
“I’d love to participate and learn from him,” said Bellevue Middle student Jonathan Lawson. “Learn his moves and how he do things off and on the court.”
It’s a huge hit among the teens we talked to for different reasons.
“I think this can inspire a lot of kids to come back and do stuff for their community,” said Terrence Jacobs.
Black hopes to help break that cycle of crime and poverty and show kids you can succeed in this city. A place he believes in.
“That’s why it was so important for me to implement this because it means so much for me, and it’s home for me,” he said.
Hours before he announced his new foundation, Black got married to Kennedy Raye in Memphis Tuesday at city hall. Mayor Jim Strickland officiated.