Larry's Blog: Black History Month Honoree Nesta Felix
By 1010 WINS' Larry Mullins
While walking into the Doles Community Center in Mt. Vernon, at first glance, you'd almost think you were inside one of those newfangled study pits that you find at a community college. There's lounge furniture, there are computer tables and laptops and there's an adolescent vibe flowing; kids who look like they're studying for tomorrow's midterms.
But then you realize some of these kids are 8 to 15 years old (on this day). Welcome to NewFlex Hoops! College basketball star and coach Nesta Felix came up with this study hall program several years ago, to provide neighborhood kids a positive place to better their study habits, learn how to network with others, get mentoring and, oh yes, get in a little basketball prowess, and from a woman who knows it well.
More: Black History Month Photo Gallery | One-On-One With Nesta Felix
Felix invited 1010 WINS to visit her safe haven for kids -- originally set up to help empower young girls -- suffering from low self-esteem and not sure where to turn for school help or anyone to help develop their ambitions. Today, the study hall boasts dozens of kids (boys and girls) who are now leaders (and not followers) and proactive little pioneers in their communities.
Felix got the idea to start the study hall from a college thesis. Her own group decided one day that it would be a good idea to not only share her basketball prowess with the kids, but since sports is a natural lure for kids, why not add some loving, caring mentoring professionals to the mix, and presto!!
Web Extra: NewFlex Hoops
The study hall has made some friends in the community, who have donated a brand new basketball court, study all furniture, computers, and even a brand new Ford vehicle to get the kids around into various field trips that they're invited to. I got to meet kids who say they are thrilled to have a place that lets children dream, explore and talk about their futures with like-minded kids, who don't bully them and make them feel odd because they want to be president, etc.
And Felix is like that Energizer Bunny; she never ever stops. She told me the kids keep her young, and she still plays basketball which helps to keep her to keep up with the kids' level of energy.
She says the key is showing kids that you love them, (like a true coach), and it generates a positive vibe and a haven that they don't want to leave! There were mothers during our visit, and who also didn't want to leave; excited about their children's new enthusiasm to learn and to shoot for greatness….and feel confident that greatness really IS within reach.
Felix is on to something here…and says she gets validation every day that the doors open and dozens of kids are standing there…just waiting to get at it. Makes me want to be a kid again.