“I can say that the Boys & Girls Club served as a positive inspiration to direct my career and me as an individual,” said Usher, who also recently unveiled his BE ICONIC billboard in support of the organization. “I was actually motivated and coached to be great and go out there and pursue whatever I wanted.”
Singer-actress Ashanti, who says that she got her start at the Boys & Girls Club, echoed Usher’s sentiments about the organization.
“Just being recognized by such an amazing organization is an honor for me,” she said. “Whenever [I] have an opportunity to give back to a place like the Boys & Girls Club, I jump at it.”
Actor Courtney B. Vance, a Boys & Girls Club alumnus, hosted the evening gala. He said that whenever the organization needs him, he answers the call.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the Boys & Girls Club,” he stressed. “All of the theater and film opportunities I’ve had happened because of them, so I’m indebted to them.”
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Radio One founder Cathy Hughes were also among the alumni honored by the Club. Past honoree, boxer Evander Holyfield, who was introduced to the sport at the Boys & Girls Club, showed up to lend his support.
“My coach told me if you don’t quit, you’ll always reach your destination,” he recalled.
Usher agreed wholeheartedly.
“You give kids the proper tools to succeed in life, and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. –jh
