Globetrotters provide free Bully Prevention programs

Globetrotters aren't just about smiles and games. They make a difference.

The Harlem Globetrotters do much more than spinning basketballs and shooting 4-point shots. They have been making a difference since 1926 on and off the court. The Globetrotters introduced Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton as the first African American basketball player to sign a contract with the NBA in 1950. Lynette Woodard was the Globetrotter's first female player in 1985 who won a gold medal in the Olympics and joined the new Cleveland Rockers in 1997 with the WNBA.

As part of giving back to the community on their tours, the Harlem Globetrotters regularly visit schools to promote their "ABC's of Bullying Prevention." In collaboration with the National Campaign to Stop Violence, the Globetrotters teach Action, Bravery and Compassion in their school programs. You can find the schedule for the Harlem Globetrotters (they have 3 different teams on tour) to request a program for your school in advance. Email: info@HarlemGlobetrotters.com

For more information about the program, visit their website.

 Julian "Zeus" McClurkin recently performed at Greene Elementary School in Greensboro, NC and I was able to interview the NC A & T graduate about his rookie year with the Globetrotters. He shared about his passion for helping children dealing with bullying. He laughed when he shared that kids can't believe that anyone would bully him--since he's 6'8" and 220 pounds. But he shared how bullies can attack any size, shape, or color. His emphasis of coming from a space of compassion is the true solution to bully prevention. It's no surprise that even though he has his MBA, his true passion is his ministry. 

Here's a short video of the performance closing where he involves students and teachers into some fun passing the basketball with the classic "Sweet Georgia Brown" music:

When I showed Zeus a Kindergarten chair with a Bouncy Band, he promptly tried it out and commented, "I wish I had Bouncy Bands when I was in school. Even now, I like to bounce my feet when I sit. I can see a lot of kids who would love these!"