Lawrence Younger

Born in Flint, Michigan - the youngest of eight children, I was raised by a single mother who taught us that we had to work hard for everything we get in life. Because of this journey, I understand the challenges of youth today. During my childhood I taught myself how to play baseball, football, and basketball along with my two brothers. After learning those sports I began coaching kids that where only 3 years younger than myself, with a team of so called misfits we finished second in the city baseball league with children that were from the projects. My two assistant coaches and myself walked to all of our games with our team while other team’s parents drove them to the games. Playing football in high school was the time I was taught how teach others the fundamentals of the game. With the desire to be something other than a coach I thought I could become a psychologist and help children who were disadvantaged. Because of the “system”, I felt if I were able to make money I could help more people and do it faster. While in college I majored in business with a minor in psychology. In 1984 I moved to Atlanta and started working for Ford Motor Co. During my tenure at Ford I was involved in the implementation of several youth programs. As Vice-President, I began work to launch a fun run for Sickle Cell. In that same time period I worked closely with the JDRF becoming co-chair for the Atlanta Asembly Plant. This gave me insight on fundraising for the area. Reflecting back on my love love for kids and their development, I coached youth basketball in the upward program for three years as well as coached football for a year. I have always and will always work with youth beit disadvantaged, or not just be a light to those in darkness. A phrase that has always fit me and my vision in the area of youth would be from Robert Kennedy, “Some people see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say why not”.