Oakland Raider, Nnamdi Asomugha’s, OWIN FOUNDATION sponsors college tour for Oakland youth
Under the watchful eye of Raider Cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha and Executive Director, Regina Jackson, the students took in the rich history of Boston and Rhode Island colleges. Travelling by plane from April 16-20, both high school juniors and seniors toured the campuses of Berkelee School of Music, Boston University, Harvard, MIT, and Brown University. In addition, they sampled other historically relevant landmarks such as the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Freedom Trail, and Paul Revere’s home. Moreover, the students had the opportunity to experience the Boston culture and partake of its many restaurants, museums and community treasures such as the Berkelee’s singer showcase, Boston Celtics last home game featuring Leon Powe, another EOYDC alum.
Nnamdi’s friendship with the Center began in 2005 when he was first asked to speak to a group of 100 youth during the summer cultural enrichment program. He has returned to speak each year often joined by his Raider teammates. Each player emphasized the importance of education and a hard work ethic on and off the field. They underscored the value of a positive attitude and a healthy diet full of nutritious foods.
In 2006, Nnamdi took a group of five EOYDC boys fly fishing. He shared this experience, his first fishing experience with the young men who continue to reflect on their trip with Nnamdi as the singular, most important experience of their lives. During the 2006 holidays, Nnamdi hosted 8 high school academicians (with good grades or who had recently shown tremendous improvement) at the Raider Facility with tennis shoes, running suits etc. to encourage their hard work in school. He repeated this academic celebration during the holidays in 2007.
For the first time in 2007, Nnamdi asked if he could sponsor a historically black college tour to Atlanta. Four students were selected to attend. They looked at Morehouse, Spelman, Georgia Tech, and Clark Atlanta campuses. They were accompanied on these tours by EOYDC alums either currently attending or recent graduates from these schools. In addition, they were treated to a CNN Tour, the Georgia Aquarium (largest aquarium in the world), a tour of MLK’s home and the Nonviolent Center for Social Change. They also dined in fine establishments like Gladys Knights’ Soul Food restuarant and P. Diddy’s upscale establishment named “Justines”. The young people were and exposed and inspired in ways they could not imagine. Their thank you letters to Nnamdi expressed sincere appreciation.
EOYDC is ecstatic that Nnamdi has signed on for another college tour! He has also increased the number of students who may attend from 4 to 6!
EOYDC Executive Director, Regina Jackson states, “Nnamdi Asomugha is a rare individual. He is a living legacy of what it is to be an excellent role model. Like it or not, our participants are inspired by athletes and fortunately Nnamdi is one who is serious about building his reputation with character, excellence and passion .We are lucky to have him as our friend “.