NBA legends Alonzo Mourning and Udonis Haslem are unwavering in their commitment to uplifting African American communities in Miami, showcasing their devotion through their charitable outlets: Mourning’s Overtown Youth Center (OYC Miami) and The Udonis Haslem Foundation.
The OYC Miami, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding youth and families in urban communities across South Florida and located in the city’s historic African American district, is dedicated to servicing its community. “It’s a beacon of hope in the Overtown community, and it has grown significantly over the past 20 years,” Mourning tells EBONY. “It’s grown because of the relationship that we’ve developed throughout, the transparency of the work that we do and the education opportunity for children and families, free of charge.” This year marks the organization’s 20th anniversary.
Launched in 2005, the mission of the Udonis Haslem Foundation is to give hope to children and families in underserved communities through access and opportunity. “It’s something we started years ago, basically focused on the community and the kids,” he shares with EBONY. “As we continued to grow, we stretched our pillars into mental health, affordable housing and minority businesses.”
The two trailblazing philanthropists held same-day events in Miami to support their missions and celebrate their success. Haslem partnered with Anatomy Fitness Miami Beach and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida to host another #HourPushUpChallenge, challenging participants to complete as many push-ups as they physically can in a one-hour timeframe. The sweaty good time raised $150,000 for Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.
That evening, Mourning, alongside his wife and Tracy Wilson Mourning, hosted the “It’s All Overtown” 20th Year Celebration Platinum Affair presented by AshBritt. Notable attendees included Dwyane Wade, Haslem, John Utendhal, Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley, who, along with other guests, enjoyed a special performance by Ne-Yo and live beats from Miami’s DJ Irie.
