GREENSBORO, N.C. — In 2024, WFMY News 2 turns 75! It's our diamond anniversary! As we celebrate our diamond year, we want to take time to highlight diamonds in our community. We know there are people all over the Triad who make their communities shine! WFMY News 2 asked members of the public to nominate their diamonds and we received several worthy entries. But this month, one stood out: Clement Mallory, founder of Kids Poetry Basketball.
THE NOMINATION
Clement works tirelessly to provide a space for kids to build self-esteem and self-awareness through literacy and athletics. It’s a wonderful asset to the community! -Phoenix Doukas
ABOUT CLEMENT MALLORY
Clement Mallory says he's a poet. Its a unique description, considering he didn't learn to read until he was 17 or 18 years old. But because of his reading challenges, he understands the importance of literacy and the power of words. So 14 years ago, while watching an NBA All-Star game, he came up with the idea for Kids Poetry Basketball (KPB). Kids Poetry Basketball is a literacy program for kids 4-13. They teach them how to read, spell, and identify poetry words while playing basketball. Their mission is to develop and creative and critical thinking skills through poetry and athletics. In the years since he created the program, it's grown to meeting with groups of children weekly in multiple locations. Mallory said its important that our children know they can, and should, express themselves, since they will be the ones running the country in a few years.
Anu Jones currently works as a Kids Poetry Basketball coach. But she started out as a Kids Poetry Basketball student when she was 5 years old! She describes Mallory as a leader and entrepreneur who loves his community.
If you're interested in working with or donating to Kids Poetry Basketball, click here.
If you want to see Mallory and some of his students in action, Kids Poetry Basketball is hosting an event this weekend! The financial literacy event is Saturday, May 4th from 2pm- 5pm at Greensboro's Windsor Recreation Center. The address is 1601 East Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC. The event is free and features Big 3 basketball star Ryan 'Hezi God' Carter, music, books, food, and more!
For winning the April Community Diamond, Mallory received:
-$100 gift certificate from Windsor Jewelers
-$75 Visa gift card
-Community Diamond recognition certificate
Other diamond goodies!
NOMINATE A DIAMOND
You can nominate people in your community as a Community Diamond! Fill out the nomination form below and tell us about people who are making a difference in your community! WFMY News 2 will choose one winner a month to spotlight in an on air story. The monthly winner will also receive a gift certificate to Windsor Jewelers and a Visa Gift Card so they can reward themselves or continue doing good in their community.
At the end of the year, each of the monthly winners will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a larger item from Windsor Jewelers.