The U.S. Open seems to have everybody in the mood for tennis. First, Lil Wayne is writing letters from jail to express his interest in the sport, and now, Usher has joined forces with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to help black youth.
Usher, through his New Look Foundation, has partnered with the USTA to mentor youth to become global and community leaders by cultivating their athletic and creative abilities. The focus will be on creating opportunities to expand tennis and service to youth across the country.
“I’m very excited about this new partnership,” said Deborah Slaner Larkin, the executive director of USTA Services. “Working with the New Look Foundation provides USTA [Services] the opportunity to reach even more youth and continue using tennis and education to help build leaders in communities across the country.”
“We are excited to continue our work with the USTA and look forward to a long-term partnership,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president of the New Look Foundation. “We have a common mission to enrich young people, and together both organizations can make this goal a reality.”
The New Look Foundation will develop a pilot service-learning curriculum for a select group of National Junior Tennis and Learning chapters geared towards expanding young people’s leadership in communities off the tennis court while building their commitment and dedication to improving their skills as tennis players.
In a recent article, I expressed concern for their not being more blacks at the top levels of the sport, and Usher’s new endeavor seems to both address that deficit as well as tackle the issue of young blacks being preoccupied with hopelessness. This is a very good look for Usher and New Look.
More information on how to get involved to follow.
