Drew League: “Honoring Chris & Jonathan Baxter”

DREW LEAGUE FOUNDATION

Gestig in 2008, the Drew League Foundation is designed to help the youth of South Central Los Angeles and the surrounding areas defy the stereotypes brought forth by the communities they call home. Instead of leaving young members of society to their own devices and forcing them to face obstacles in life alone, we aim to provide encouragement and support as well as opportunities and experiences. More than a sports league, the Drew League Foundation offers our youth a safe place to grow. Our mentors work with each child to develop character while allowing young personalities to shine. With a goal of producing upstanding citizens, the relationships that are cultivated in our programs enhance the quality of life for both our kids and our mentors.

Kenneth Baxter (Drew League Alum./Organizer)

Kenneth Baxter is a native of South Central Los Angeles and has been active in servicing the community for decades. As a Drew League Alum (entering the league as a player in 1976), Mnr. Baxter has maintained a relationship with the league as a youth advocate and father of the league. By occupation, Mnr. Baxter serves as an officer in LAPD force for the past 31 jaar. Mnr. Baxter is the father of the late Christopher and Jonathan Baxter, two outstanding that young men that have passed on this past Nov. 2017. Christopher was a 9 year veteran of the Drew League and Jonathan was a 7-year vet. This year the Drew League is honoring the memory of the two young men in naming the division of the League after the deceased players. Following their passing, Mnr. Baxter has been an influential presence in the league as in previous years that have commemorated the memory of his two sons.

Dino Smiley (Drew League, Stigter)

Having grown up in South Central Los Angeles, Dino Smiley recognizes the need for young people in the community to be provided with opportunities that are otherwise not afforded to them. He began his involvement with the Drew League in 1978 and took over as director and commissioner in 1985, before establishing the Drew League Foundation in 2009. As a leader in the community, he invests his time and effort in more than just basketball: Dino has made it his mission to help the local youth population get the life experiences and chances they deserve, despite being raised in a despairing environment filled with violence, gang life, and drugs. As a veteran of the community for over 50 jaar, he has watched kids grow up in the league and go on to achieve worldwide fame as professional athletes. Leading kids to create their own paths to success in life and ultimately become well-rounded members of society is what keeps him motivated.

Chaniel Smiley (Drew League, Commissioner)

Chaniel Smiley is the current commission of the Drew league. Me. Smiley has taken the reigns of the Drew League in 2016 from her father Dino Smiley and has continued the great community outreach of the league. Me. Smiley oversees 20 pro and amateur teams, all Drew league Staff and spearheads all of the overseas partnership with the league. Me. Smiley community work is prominent as her work as a mental health agent and a youth mentor at Washington Park in Los Angeles. Me. Smiley is the proud mother of a 5 yr. ou, King/Drew Medical H.S. and Southern University alumnae.

Webwerf: Drew League

Event:
“Honoring Chris & JB” hosted by The Drew League
Verbum Dei H.S. 11100 S. Central Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059 (12:30 PM – 4:30 PM)