Changing the Script

Project Good Podcast

Being a kid is hard in any decade navigating how to find out who you are, what role you play in your family, developing friendships, dating, school, peer pressure, rules, your hormones, and preparing for adulthood.

Having guidance and a guide in this life is crucial for young people to succeed and many children in today's world may not be able to count on their parents to show them the way due to the growing complexities of our fast-paced technology-driven, and culturally shifting society.

A youth crisis has emerged from a combination of socioeconomic, mental health, educational, and systemic challenges that significantly impact the well-being and future prospects of young people.

During this month of Black Philanthropy, we are looking at Youth in Atlanta, Georgia, A city rich in culture and opportunity, but also marked by challenges that vary across communities. Programs and initiatives continue to emerge to support the well-being, education, and future success of Atlanta’s younger generation. One of those outstanding organizations making a difference is L.E.A.D Center for Youth.

L.E.A.D Center for Youth is a nonprofit organization operating in Atlanta, Georgia whose mission is to empower an at-risk generation to lead and transform the city of Atlanta by using the sports of baseball and tennis to teach Black youth how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty, and racism.

Find out more: https://leadcenterforyouth.org/

Topics discussed in this episode:

- The Importance of Words and Mentors [6:09]

- Raising Your Value [13:06]

- Giving Back Full Circle [17:05]

- Empowerment [20:17]

- So Much More [24:13]

- The Invention of Baseball in America [19:20]

- Self Reflection [29:00]

- Black Excellence [32:00]

- Appreciation of Self [36:00]

- True Black History [38:20]

Guest Bio:

C.J. Stewart is an Atlanta native, a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, and an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author (Living To L.E.A.D.: A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Grit). Recognized as one of the top baseball player development professionals in the country, he founded and leads Diamond Directors, a firm renowned for its success in developing elite baseball talent. With over 25 years of experience, Stewart has worked with an impressive roster of clients, including Jason Heyward (Los Angeles Dodgers), Dexter Fowler (Chicago Cubs, World Series Champion), Andruw Jones (former Atlanta Brave), Peter Alonso (NY Mets), Kyle Lewis (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates).

Growing up in Hollywood Brooks, one of Atlanta’s most dangerous apartment complexes, Stewart’s journey embodies the adage: ‘Where you start doesn’t determine where you finish’. Despite daunting odds, he used baseball to rise above adversity, nurtured by the support of his community. His passion for the game led him from John A. White Park to being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in both 1994 and 1996.

Together with his wife, Kelli, Stewart extends his impact through their non-profit, L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct), which empowers at-risk youth in Atlanta to transform their communities and lead globally. The program boasts impressive outcomes: 100% high school graduation rate, 93% college enrollment, 90% receiving college scholarships, and 14% entering the military or workforce. Stewart’s commitment to giving back is his way of thanking those who guided him and creating similar opportunities for today’s Atlanta youth.

Connect with us:

- Subscribe to the Project Good Work Blog to read the article version of the interview.

- If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem or want to change minds contact Project Good Work at www.ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today.