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SPORTS – Dominic A. Durant
During 2016, Reed Community Foundation provided after school care for approximately 30 children a day who needed a safe and fun place to go until a parent or caregiver could take them home. They got a healthy snack to tide them over, and plenty of exercise. In fact, one mother called Coach Reed and asked, “What are you doing with those kids? My son is so tired when he gets home he just wants to eat and go straight to bed. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it!”
(Cheyenne McKinney, Left. Mike “Iron Mike” Tyson, Right. Cheyenne actually attended Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa, OK. with me and spoke very highly of her experience at the Reed Community Foundation. I noticed a great change in focus in Cheyenne. A phenomenal young woman, she is.)
Coach Reed responded to requests from the police, DHS or school principals to assist them in straightening out behavioral issues with 12 at-risk children and youths average per month. Of particular interest, the police and judges frequently give appropriate young people a last chance to redeem themselves by successfully working with Coach versus entering directly into the juvenile justice system. Parents and other family members also bring children to Coach for his discipline and structure they are unable to provide.
Coach Reed trains about 21 youths interested in boxing. Some just enjoy the workouts, and several have entered tournaments, often winning their weight class. Further, Coach trained a young man who recently won the professional Oklahoma Heavyweight Championship.
In March 2017, Coach Reed organized a very successful community event that attracted almost 1000 people for barbeque and general togetherness. He had contacted the leaders of the two main North Tulsa gangs and asked that they let their members know they were welcome to come but to eliminate any violence. When two rivals got into an argument, Coach suggested they get in the ring and settle it. They worked each other over until both were exhausted, and they ended up shaking hands and he heard them say, “You all right? I’m okay. Let’s squash it.” Coach is making a big impact on the community.
Coach Reed recently received two awards for community service. One was from a black fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, with chapters in southwest region colleges and universities and a very active alumni program. The second was from 100 Black Men, a North Tulsa group formed to improve all aspects of the community. Both awards were made at gala banquets, with Coach’s award the featured event. He was recently notified that an award from another North Tulsa organization is in progress and will be announced in the near future.
The Foundation has developed an after-school and summer mentoring program with an emphasis on reading skills. It is staffed by two teachers who volunteer their help in return for having their children in the Foundation’s program. As teachers, they’re unable to pay the monthly fee but are providing this much-needed
service in a win-win exchange.
This jewel can be found in North Tulsa, located at 1731 N. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74110 (Across the street from the Springdale Shopping Center, on Lewis, east side of the street). Contact The Reed Community Foundation at 918-951-9441 for more information.
If you’d like to donate, contact the Reed Foundation, and help to keep the dream alive. Every donation counts.
I’d like to extend a personal “Thank You” to The Reed Community Foundation and it’s directors and staff, especially the volunteers and coaches, there. Coach Reed, Keep the faith and keep changing lives and saving lives. Much Respect, Coach! Much Love!