Coach Wendell Smith made the TJ community proud by receiving the MBK25 Honoree.
Wendell Smith, one of TJ’s football coaches, scored his own achievement off the football field by being honored by Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the City and County of Denver as a My Brother’s Keeper Honoree.
Smith was born and raised in Denver and has been a community leader for many years. He has over 17 years of coaching experience with many youth sport groups and teams, including Thomas Jefferson High School, the Blackhawks Youth Organization, Street Kidz, and many more. He is known throughout the community as “coach” to hundreds of kids and parents, whom he has taken under his wing and provided guidance and instruction to both on and off the field.
My Brother’s Keeper Honorees (MBK), is an organization developed by President Barack Obama, who has challenged cities, communities, businesses, other organizations, educational institutions, and individuals to step up and identify the issues that prohibit most young boys and young adult children of color from achieving success. This national initiative focuses on creating opportunities to change their paths so that they can reach their full potential in achieving their own personal American Dream. “MBK Alliance will be that force by uniting leaders across philanthropic, nonprofit, and private sectors to improve life outcomes of boys and men of color; by mobilizing resources and generating commitment from private sector partners; and by providing an infrastructure to support a national movement,” stated the organization’s leader.
On Sunday, May 1st, there was a citywide nomination process that was open to the public to nominate any organization and/or individual who they felt like were doing important work in Denver by working and helping boys and young men of color to change their paths. Only 25 organizations and individuals were selected and honored, which included Smith. “It was a surprise to me, but I appreciate the award and look forward to working more and more with the youth and all of the communities that I’m involved with,” commented Smith.
Smith has no plan to stop coaching and helping kids in his life. He has changed many lives in Denver and will only continue to shape them in so many ways. He is inspiring to kids and is a prime example in helping them reach their potential. Smith thanks to all of the kids and families that he had the chance to meet and help. “The award is definitely for them and for the two most important people in my life, my son Jared, and my daughter Bryanna, and of course my family.”
