by “ Choices.” Said Nazihar Bohannon. A theme that echoed amongst shared stories throughout the night.
“I want you to pay attention to what it is that you do, and don’t do.”
-Bohannon.
On June 25th in collaboration with Elyria Youth Sports club. Naz served as both guest speaker and mentor. Shortly after arriving at 338 Broad Street, Elyria, Ohio. I was met by a group of young men of the ages thirteen to fourteen. Alongside were mothers, grandmothers and community members. All gathered together in one room. Gleaning wisdom learned by Bohannon on his journey.
Naz Bohannon born (Nazihar), is an American Professional basketball player last played for Science City Jena in Germany. Before he would go on to play professional basketball. Bohannon garnered attention for his skill long before the fame. After being awarded titles during his senior year at Lorain high school. He would go on to be named Lorain County’s Mr. Basketball along with other honors like. The Morning Journal’s Player of the year, Lorain County Player of the year as well as NE Lakes District Player of the year in 2017. Bohannon’s school record for assists in a game was 11 in 2016 where the Lorain High titans played against Amherst. Naz averaged (863) rebounds and 1,345 points for his high school career.
“Building Strong Children so we Don’t have to Repair Broken Men.”
In the session Naz expounded on important life lessons that were instilled in him through his own experiences with Manhood, discipline, identity, and the power of a choice. Certain lessons he attributes to his late Grandfather Maurice Little. “Aside from anything on the court, this goes hand and hand with it.” Said Bohannon As he makes reference to mentoring young men.“I can work on the athlete, but now that your attention is grabbed, here’s how I can help you in real life.” Information student Eddie Jones, who attends early college.
Said after hearing Naz’s story of preservation amidst adversity. “ It made me realize, I need to be more like him and be self leading and not wait upon others for my own gain.” Said Jones. Naz’s story broke barriers and forged a village between black males and their community, stating. “ This world needs us to be great men, you have a duty to be great men for everyone around you.” Said Bohannon. Using basketball as the catalyst to get him there.
What I assumed would be a night filled with highlights from Bohannon’s success. Later transcended my expectations. As the weight shifted from Naz. The American Professional basketball player. To Naz “A mischievous adolescent”. – Bohannon.
A Tale of Two Cities
To be or not to be –Shakespeare
To endure life’s hardships and embrace its struggles or perish by way of influence?
Bohannon reflects on his time as a youth and opens up about the decision he had. Between falling victim to a cycle of “chasing what was quick, fast and easy” Said Bohannon. doing something honorable, I had to believe I was limitless and be better than those before me.” Naz shares testimony of how he hasn’t always had the best role models.
But despite his parents’ mistakes mother Shadika Coleman pushed education as a priority. Naz shared with young listeners how although he was a scholar and star athlete. Being the first of many wasn’t always an easy decision for him. Bohannon talked about his struggle in accepting the weight of becoming more. After endless attempts at getting kicked out of Lorain County Community College’s early college program. Naz shared heartfelt words from his principle that would change the trajectory of his path from then on. “ I know what you’re doing, and there’s no way I’m going to let you ruin your life.”- Ms. Quinn
Naz’s story is important to the community of sports and to children that come from where he does. Founder and CEO of Elyria Youth Sports Club Aric Bowens shares his belief “ It’s always bigger than sports.” Said Bowens. Making sure youth from all walks of life multicultural can be serviced with youth sports, which serves as a feeder program for any high school, servicing youth in Lorain County. With Bowens’ Motto excellence recycling excellence. He ties in mentoring to the program with both Bohannons’ mission of pouring into the youth. Being able to empower the youth “It’s just a part of who I am.” Said Bownes.
