FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nefertiti Austin (323) 846-1649 X 1674

Los Angeles Lakers’ Chris Mihm Met with Students at Horace Mann Middle School in Support of the Brotherhood Crusade/AAUC LA Bridges & No Child Left Behind Programs

(Los Angeles) - On Monday, March 19, Los Angeles Lakers’ Center Chris Mihm spent 45 minutes speaking to at-risk youth from the African American Unity City/Los Angeles Bridges and the No Child Left Behind Program (“NCLB”) programs. Approximately 60 excited middle-schoolers sat in rapt attention, while Mihm described his life as a college and professional athlete.

The warm and personable seven-footer spoke passionately about the importance of completing one’s education and that as much as he enjoyed basketball, school always came first. “Even when Chris was talking about learning, the kids lit up,” said LA Bridges Program Director, Will Harris. “The staff truly appreciated his visit and the kids had fun, too.”

During the question and answer period, some of the kids asked #31 whether or not he got nervous playing in front of thousands of people and how did it feel to play against Miami Heat Center Shaquille O’Neal.

An all-around athlete and genuine proponent of the importance of staying in school, Mihm autographed Laker profiles and posed for photographs with the youth and school personnel. Later, he turned the tables and awarded signed basketballs to five students who correctly answered questions he asked.

Mihm is a devoted volunteer of the Boys and Girls Club of Texas. He is committed to the betterment of community through the development of youth. Well aware of potential funding cuts for youth intervention programs, Mihm uses his celebrity to highlight the irony of cutting effective gang and crime prevention programs.

The African American Unity Center is funded by the Brotherhood Crusade and offers fee-free academic assistance through its two signature after-school programs: LA Bridges and No Child Left Behind.

The Brotherhood Crusade is a 501©(3) nonprofit institution founded in 1968 to provide necessary resources, program services and a voice of advocacy to traditionally underserved communities. Our mission is to remove and/or help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life, by promoting health and wellness, enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions.

If you would like to volunteer or make a contribution to the Brotherhood Crusade, please send your tax-deductible gift to:

Brotherhood Crusade
200 E. Slauson Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca 90011
Tax Id#:95-2543819
www.brotherhoodcrusade.org