University of Georgia football has been played since 1892.  Today was my first first experience watching the DAWGS play live at Sanford Stadium.  My wife and I celebrated our 15 year anniversary in the cold with over 90,000 fans.

His name is C.J. Stewart, and he is appreciative of so many things during this time of thanksgiving. For one, he ranks among the primary individuals who helped “L.E.A.D.” Atlanta Braves Gold Glove outfielder Jason Heyward to the Major Leagues.

What a perfect day. My daughters woke me up with laughter and my wife is still her beautiful self. The first thing on my mind as I realize that I’m alive to see another day is thank you Lord. God granted me life today to serve others.

I’ve been passionate about serving others since I can remember. I enjoyed opening the doors for people as a kid and got great pleasure out of hearing people tell me thank you.

My purpose on earth is to serve others. I’m passionate about it. It’s what keeps me going when I’m reaching physical and mental fatigue. People counting on me feels way better than hitting home runs in my Chicago Cubs uniform.

Do you remember what happened on this day November 20th last year? L.E.A.D. officially announced our 18 Ambassadors to the City of Atlanta. This young men are students within the Atlanta Public School System and confessed change agents. Like me, they aren’t perfect but they ain’t afraid of excellence.

They face an uphill battle everyday in their communities due to high crime rates and low graduation rates among African-American males. But on November 20th 2012, Councilman Julian Bond declared November 20th through perpetuity as CJ Stewart and L.E.A.D. Day on behalf of the citizens of Atlanta. C’mon man! We have our own day recognizing our commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, service and exposure. Impact is so important to L.E.A.D. that we measure it.

L.E.A.D. provides the City of Atlanta with over 2,500 hours of service annually and we would like for you to join us. Click here to join our Tailgate Club.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Words can’t express how proud I am to carry the Stewart last name.  Stewart means “household guardian”.  As far as I know, my Stewart family name goes back to my great grandmother Annie Mae Stewart who made Jackson, GA (Butts County) her home.  I remember all of the family reunions as a kid going to the “country”.  I was one of “city boy” Stewart’s.

My grandmother Elizabeth Dunn moved to Atlanta and raised the family with my grandfather Horace Dunn in the Pittsburgh Community of Atlanta near Turner Field.  My dad, uncles and aunts attended Atlanta Public Schools K-12.  They attended Gideons Elementary School, W.L. Parks Middle School and my dad graduated from Price High School.  My aunts and uncles graduated from J.E. Brown High School when the family moved to Beecher Street. Go Jaguars!

I was raised at Grove Park Elementary School (Atlanta Public Schools) grades 1-5 and was some of the best years of my life.  This was the school that my mother attended along with her brothers and sisters.  My success as a student was because of the constant involvement of my parents.  Grove Park always knew that they could count on my parents.  That legacy continues at Grove Park under the leadership of it’s current principal Caitlin Sims.

As an adult and a proud Grove Park Elementary School alum, I now serve as the founder and CEO of L.E.A.D., Inc.  Our mission is to provide at-risk inner city Atlanta youth males with access to higher education and civic engagement through baseball.  We currently serve over 250 youth in the Atlanta Public School System with year round baseball and youth development.  Click here to check out our IMPACT STATS!

On Friday, November 16th, my family was honored with dedication of the Stewart Family Center at Grove Park Elementary School.  This center is going to empower parents in the community.  With more parent involvement, students will continue to thrive.

I am so glad that my grandmother Elizabeth Dunn was able to see the dedication as she is beginning to have difficulties with her site.

My daughter Mackenna joined us with my niece Kortni who will be a third generation Stewart to attend Grove Park next year as a third grader.

Mackenna and Kortni Stewart with Grandma Dunn at Grove Park

Legacy is very important to me as well as having a good name.  A good name can bring about major change in communities.  Atlanta is my home and I am a guardian of this city!

Left to right: Mr. Dehussia-assistant principal; Marquez Jackson-cousin;  Nicole Stewart-sister; Kortni Stewart-niece; Mackenna Stewart-daughter; Kelli Stewart-wife; CJ Stewart; Caitlin Sims-Principal; Gail Stewart-mother; Willie Stewart-father; Elizabeth Dunn-grandmother (seated)

The 2013 class of L.E.A.D. Ambassadors were selected last week and this Saturday, they were all orientated by Ty Yokum who serves as the Training Manager for Chick-fil-A.  He is dynamic.  Our executive director Kelli Stewart completed the orientation and had everyone’s attention.

Excellence is one of L.E.A.D.’s core values so it only makes sense that we get the support of Ty Yokum to prepare our Ambassadors for another year of service to the City of Atlanta.  He started the orientation by giving the Ambassadors an opportunity to share their stories with each other.  Successful teams are built based on trust.  There is no way that I can trust you unless I know you.

Ty Yokum orientating the 2013 class of L.E.A.D. Ambassadors

Our L.E.A.D. Ambassadors precept is “I am proud to be a creation of God and I thankful for this opportunity to be a L.E.A.D. Ambassador.  I am my brothers keeper and together we will achieve greatness.”

There are only 25 L.E.A.D. Ambassadors but they are empowered to serve hundreds within their schools and that was the point of the orientation.  As we build our Ambassadors, they will build others and inner city Atlanta will change.

Coach Kelli shared an awesome illustration showing our Ambassadors how they are are a plant.  Unfortunately, their culture can influence them and cause them to wither.  L.E.A.D. is fortunate to partner with our families to replant our Ambassadors so that they can receive more sunlight and water so that they can grow.  L.E.A.D. is a culture of excellence, humility, teamwork, stewardship, loyalty, and integrity.  We are fortunate have amazing families on our side.  It truly takes a village to raise a child.

Coach Kelli orientating the 2013 class of L.E.A.D. Ambassadors

Make no mistake about it, you are a part of their growth as well.  You are the sunlight and the water that we need to feed the dreams of our Ambassadors.  Click here to join us for L.E.A.D. Weekend at Turner Field and be a part of helping our Ambassadors grow.