Detroit, MI
Leonora King doing the work to close the gap between sport of tennis and kids in Detroit
As a result of finances points, tennis has been eliminated as a sport in many colleges in Detroit. There is just one single indoor tennis facility in your entire metropolis. The disconnect between the game and Detroit’s youngsters is simply rising and turning into extra outstanding. However that’s the place Leonora King is available in.
“I performed at Palmer Park all my life,” King recalled.
Eleven years in the past at Palmer Park, it began as an effort to avoid wasting parks throughout town of Detroit. Nevertheless it changed into one thing a lot greater than King ever may have anticipated.
In 2010, Detroit was threatening to close down 77 parks throughout town. That included Palmer Park and entry to its tennis courts.
Born and raised in Detroit, King was a scholar athlete at Mumford Excessive Faculty, a college that not affords tennis.
“It might’ve made a distinction in my life,” stated King. “I had by no means actually seen younger black folks play tennis on the degree that these youngsters have been taking part in. I’ve seen Arthur Ashe and folks like that on TV,” stated King.
From Mumford, she went on to play NCAA Division-I tennis at Western Michigan College as the primary class of scholarship feminine athletes beneath Title IX in 1976..
“I used to be the primary black tennis participant there, man or lady, interval,” stated King.
King says there’s an incredible quantity of pleasure in that – but additionally some ache. She stated as a scholar athlete, she was known as a racial slur for the primary time in her life within the small city of Marshall, MI because the Broncos ladies’s tennis group made their means again to Kalamazoo.
“Somebody driving down Foremost Road noticed me popping out and simply yelled it out,” stated King. “I used to be stunned.”
Her expertise as a minority within the sport she loves drives her to carry tennis to youngsters in Detroit.
“It’s all the time good to be impressed by individuals who appear to be you,” stated King.
After over a decade because the begin… the Individuals for Palmer Park Tennis Academy brings in over 200 youngsters each summer season. Whether or not it’s simply one thing to do or a path to school or skilled tennis, the academy fights towards the game’s greatest street blocks for inner-city youngsters: Exclusivity, value, and accessibility.
King’s ardour for the game and for town reveals within the youngsters that reap the advantages of her academy.
“I really feel like I wouldn’t be the athlete I’m at this time with out her teachings,” stated Jacquelyn McClanahan, senior at Cass Tech Excessive Faculty. McClanahan is the captain of the college’s tennis group and has earned an instructional scholarship to the College of Michigan.
David Jones, thirteen-year-old participant at Individuals for Palmer Park Tennis Academy says “she’s actually inspiring, she cares quite a bit about us, she’s very nice, and he or she’s a extremely good coach.”
As for the longer term youngsters of Detroit, King hopes that tennis turns into extra accessible, that the academy grows, and that extra tennis amenities open inside Detroit’s metropolis limits.
“Some folks have completely different challenges,” King defined. “Ours could be race, some folks could be bodily challenges , however you simply acquired to place your self on the market and do the work and you may’t let these obstacles that individuals have falsely created cease you.”
Leonora King has no youngsters of her personal, however she says she loves and is a mom to lots of of youngsters by her tennis academy. Progress has been made at Palmer Park during the last 11 years and Leonora King is optimistic about what the following 11 have in retailer. For data of take part within the academy or assist, go to the Individuals for Palmer Park’s web site.
In the course of the pandemic, the Individuals for Palmer Park Tennis Academy, towards all odds, stayed operating. In 2020, the academy received the Finest Group Tennis Affiliation within the nation. It was an award Leonora King obtained from her idol and tennis legend Billie Jean King. From one King to a different, Leonora admitted that second actually put all her arduous work into perspective.
Detroit, MI
Why Ben Johnson Coaching Chicago Bears Could Be Disaster
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s name is being floated around as a top candidate for a head coaching vacancy within the NFC North.
Johnson is reportedly intrigued by the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job, which opened after the Bears fired Matt Eberflus on the day after Thanksgiving. Some analysts viewed the Lions’ 34-17 win over the Bears on Sunday, which featured one of the most unique trick plays of the season, as an audition from Johnson for the vacancy.
It’s worth noting that Johnson turned down interest from teams across the league to remain with the Lions after last season, and could be in position to do so again depending on how the team’s season finishes.
The Bears job is one of several expected to be open, but it’s the one that Johnson has been associated closest to at this point. With the success that Johnson’s offenses have had over his three years as coordinator, and the proximity that the Bears have to Detroit as members of the NFC North, it is a natural pairing.
However, there’s more elements to a potential pairing that could be cause for concern. For starters, the Bears have struggled mightily as of late. They haven’t finished with a winning record since their 12-4 season in 2018, and have made just one other playoff appearance (2020) in that time span.
There has been disfunction throughout the organization this season, as they’ve lost nine games in a row dating back to a Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8.
Additionally, there’s concern about the longevity of general manager Ryan Poles, and the team’s ownership, the McCaskey family, has drawn criticism from the fan base for its decision-making.
Because the Bears have struggled, and looked hapless at points, Johnson likely wouldn’t be easily enticed to inherit this situation.
MORE: Ben Johnson Expected to Interview With Bears, ‘Intrigued’ by Job
However, the Bears also do have some elements working for them. Most notably, Johnson would get the opportunity to work with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. The USC product has shown some promise throughout a rookie season that has lacked significant wins, but one filled with promise.
Johnson had high praise for Williams when asked about him by Lions OnSI leading up to the Week 16 game. He has thrown for 3,271 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions over the course of his first NFL campaign.
It’s easy to see why the Bears would be interested in Johnson. He’s the creative architect of one of the league’s best offenses and has played a vital role in Jared Goff’s career revival over the last several seasons.
What the 38-year-old coach has done with Goff has been well-documented. If he were to strike up a relationship of this nature with Williams, he could make the young passer into one of the league’s best talents at the position.
Williams has good weapons around him that could allow him to succeed in the right scheme. Chicago could also have another high draft pick depending on where they finish, which will allow whomever takes over as coach to add another highly touted piece to the roster.
Additionally, it’s expected that the Bears will break ground on a new stadium next year with hopes of finishing construction in 2028.
Ultimately, it’s been reported that Johnson won’t interview for jobs simply to say he did it. Rather, he is expected to be selective and interview for positions that he would want to take. If he does take a meeting with Chicago, which he is reportedly expected to do, it would be a sign that he would want the job.
Johnson’s focus in the current future remains on bringing a Super Bowl to Detroit this season. If he were to do that, it would make the potential pill of him taking over in Chicago much easier to swallow. However, the Bears’ interest will make the offseason very intriguing as Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both navigate their futures.
Detroit, MI
Metro Detroit weather forecast Dec. 24, 2024 — 11 p.m. Update
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Detroit, MI
Auto shop hosting free oil change giveaway in Detroit on Christmas for those in need
DETROIT (WXYZ) — FastLane Oil Change in Detroit is giving back this holiday.
The shop on W. 8 Mile Road near the Soutfield Freeway is gifting 25 free oil changes and wiper blades for people in need Wednesday on Christmas Day.
And it doesn’t end there. Customers in line behind the first 15 cars will get half off a regularly priced oil change.
To add to the holiday giving, the business is helping a mother of nine get her car back on the road with new brakes, rotors, pads and filters for free. It’s something that she says significantly help her this holiday.
“A stress that was lifted off of my shoulders because this was something that was gonna need to be done sooner than later, but I was putting it off because it wasn’t in the budget, especially right now,” Rashanda Martin said.
In addition, the Blazin’ Grill right next door to the car shop is giving away 100 free meals on Wednesday. The free and half-off promotions will run from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The offers are good for Christmas Day only for families and individuals in need.
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