Coach Ebonee
Ebonee is a 2nd year Coach Across America coach leading a Hip Hop team in Los Angeles. She has found a way for her students to recognize their self worth and not accept the status quo for what is expected of students of their race, age, gender or economic status. Students on Ebonee’s squad are exposed to physical activity opportunities and nutrition experiences that otherwise would not exist for them. She puts the ‘human’ element into what it takes to overcome the barriers to health in an underserved community.
An example of Ebonee’s influence is found in Adrian, a seventh grader, who also struggled with his weight and with being bullied. He was looking back at the photos of himself on the hip hop team the previous year, and he commented on how much weight he lost. He also told his coach that ever since joining the hip hop team, he has not once been bullied. On several occasions she has witnessed students come of age in her hip hop class and use that as the gateway activity to getting involved in other active pursuits as well.
“It is through building skills, knowledge and modeling that Ebonee has changed their lives for the long run,” says Ian, Health Outreach Director at A World Fit for Kids. “With her unique and individualized approach she has helped her girls develop a new awareness, perspectives and ultimately a lifestyle.”
Thank you for supporting someone like Ebonee through Coach Across America!