Let me start by admitting I know extremely little about sports. However, I was compelled by the story of Vince Carter who plays his first home game tonight as a member of the Orlando Magic.
Because so many African American boys aspire to be sports stars, Carter's story is especially remarkable. It is the story of a boy who watched his hometown heroes play, dreamed of one day playing with them, pursued his dream, and is now experiencing his dream. Carter grew up right in Central Florida. He played for Mainland High School in Daytona Beach. He went to Magic games and admired players like Nick Anderson.
Now little boys will be going to watch Carter play. But they won't be just watching a great basketball player. They will be watching a genuinely good guy. Carter's character off the court is just as worthy of emulation as his skills on the court. He's a down-to-earth guy who doesn't get caught up in the glamour and glitz of stardom. He also believes in giving back. He has held camps for youth in Daytona for years. He donated $1.6 million to help build a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with his mother Michelle Carter-Scott.
Speaking of his mother, when Carter was growing up, she didn't play. She made sure he had his priorities straight. He had to attend church and keep his grades up. Then he could play sports. If his grades slipped, he didn't get to play. She also made sure he was well-rounded, not just depending on basketball. He was drum major in his high school marching band and even wrote music.
The Magic's season opener is against the Philadelphia 76ers and will be broadcast on Sun Sports at 7 p.m. So Orlando, Vince Carter has come home. He's glad about it. So are we.
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