Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
San Diego, CA (May 2, 2012) – The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) has been responsible for molding some of the greatest minds in America into the leaders of today. “Great Futures Start Here” is the nonprofit organization’s motto, as they continue to reach out for the best interests of American youth across the country.
On May 2, NIGA’s Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. will be inducted into the BGCA Alumni Hall of Fame during the organization’s national convention in San Diego. The hall of fame features pro athletes, accomplished business leaders, Olympians and even award-winning actors.
Full list of Inductees:
Cuba Gooding Jr., Academy Award-winning actor
Ne-Yo, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter
CC Sabathia, New York Yankees star pitcher, 5 time MLB All-Star, 2007 Cy Young
David Lindsay-Abaire, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (“Rabbit Hole”)
Powers Boothe, Emmy-winning actor (Fox series “24″)
Misty Copeland, soloist, American Ballet Company
Anthony Lee Ervin, winner of seven NCAA swimming titles and a 2012 Olympic contender
Ernest Stevens Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, leader/advocate
Major General Darren W. McDew, Commander at Andrews Air Force Base
The diverse selection of actors, musicians, military veterans and leaders illustrate the tremendous job BGCA has done serving over 4.1 million youth over the past century.
Today, there are over 4,000 clubs across the country, providing youth with opportunities in education, fitness, social recreation, teen issues, and bullying prevention. These youth development programs have given teens and youth supervision for activities afterschool and on weekends.
The Oneida Boys Club taught Ernest Stevens Jr. how to be a kid and got him back into school. His much-needed male role models gave him the chance to compete in sports and helped him develop self-discipline. Today, Chairman Stevens is highly regarded for his strong stance on sovereignty and Indian self-determination.
Since partnering with American Indian tribes, the BGCA have provided outreach to over 90,000 American Indian youths. They now have 196 clubs in Indian country and 9 more on the way.
For more information on the BGCA in Indian country, please visit, http://www.naclubs.org
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