Foundation Initiated in Wake of Tragedy
Ron Bailey, Publisher
John Crowder's death, though senseless, will not be in vain.
July 26, 2010 - Sometimes life can be cruel; case in
point the recent shooting death of John Crowder, a high school junior
killed July 4th. His murder, though more high profile than most given
Crowder's status as an elite basketball player, is sadly emblematic of
the fact young people are snuffing each other's lives out at an epidemic
rate.
Brodie Crowder, John's uncle and periodic guardian, is not going to let
his nephew's passing be just another statistic.
"I don't want John's death to go in vain, so I'm using my pain as inspiration to help other kids" said Brodie via text message. "Baltimore is a place full of dysfunction and negative influence, so we want to bring positive influence into these kid's lives".
This collage was supplied by Brodie Crowder, and captures John's essence well.
His vehicle to impact young Baltimorean’s lives? The newly established John Crowder Foundation.
Crowder indicated the organization's focus will be "Tutoring, mentoring,
scholarships and athletics". Its website states "The John Crowder
Foundation aims to provide Baltimore City youth with the skills needed
to achieve academic, athletic, and professional success".
All pertinent information is available at johncrowderfoundation.org.
Brodie and those concerned are committed to using the tragic death of John, just 18 years old, for the betterment of their community. They are taking the worst of situations - a young person and his/her family suffering the ultimate loss - and using it as an impetus for change.
A PowerPoint presentation depicting John Crowder
John Crowder Foundation via Facebook