Rolando Blackman had a flashback Wednesday as he watched kids at St. Anthony Academy near Fair Park working on computer monitors donated by the Dallas Mavericks.
“When I was in school, the most important thing to have was a No. 2 pencil,” Blackman said. “Not a No. 3. It had to be a No. 2.
“But it’s different now. Kids have to have technology if they seek to achieve in this world. It’s not a luxury. It’s an essential commodity for kids.”
For that reason, the Mavericks installed 50 new monitors at St. Anthony, a school of about 330 kids from kindergarten to 12th grade, the vast majority from the South Dallas area. At Wednesday’s unveiling, Blackman, members of the Mavericks’ entertainment group and dignitaries, teachers and parents from the school all celebrated the gift.
“It means so much,” said Dr. Onjaleke Brown, superintendent of St. Anthony Charter District. “Our kids are working very hard and to have a group like the Mavericks show them appreciation for how hard they’re working, it means everything.
“You can see it by the light on the kids’ faces. The Mavs are their idol and to have them in the building just encourages them to keep working hard. Technology is moving very swiftly. To have this provided by the Mavericks allows us to keep pace with the industries and the academics that are out there.”
And as mascots were dunking, dancers were dancing and students cheered it all on, Brown said: “We’re Mavs’ fans and you can feel the love today. And it means so much that somebody takes the time to care about these kids.”
It comes naturally to someone like Blackman, who grew up in Panama City, Panama, and had to master English to make his way to America and, eventually, Kansas State University and a stellar NBA career, mostly with the Mavericks.
He bounced back and forth from English to Spanish while addressing all of the Eagles in the school’s gymnasium.
‘The teachers are here to infuse your brain with a lot of knowledge and a lot of thought,” Blackman told the kids. “They are the ones who are going to track you to the future.
“But it’s up to you to make the most of this. Ask questions when you don’t understand and get together with other people who are doing the same things – striving for the future. There’s no time for foolishness. You got to be able to be the best you can be. And do the best you can.”
Among the entertainers was local advocate and hip-hop artist The D.O.C., along with the Mavericks’ IT department, who provided their expertise to the kids. The donation included upgraded network hardware for high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as the monitors.
St. Anthony’s mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who make better decisions for themselves and the world through intercultural understanding and respect. The school focuses on curriculum, innovative instruction, and parent and community involvement.
St. Anthony has devoted more resources to its technology department (and other important programs) under Brown’s guidance.
It’s something that the students notice.
“It’s good that we have more resources at school,” said Jace White, who is on the doorstep of turning 13. “We can do more learning on the computer now.
“I like how the Mavericks have helped St. Anthony and make it a better place.”
White, a cornerback on the football team, has gone to St. Anthony since kindergarten, although he lives about 20 minutes from the school.
Like the other students he was full of energy during the program.
“It was a fun experience,” he said.
For decades, the Mavericks have been dedicating computer labs, refurbishing basketball courts and helping with basic needs at dozens of schools around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
On Tuesday, they will dedicate a new basketball court at Mission Arlington.
It’s part of the ongoing efforts for the Mavericks to make a difference in the community.
“This is so much fun,” Blackman said. “To be here and see so many kids who are excited about the opportunity to go to school and learn about what they want to do in life is what it’s all about.”
X: @ESefko
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