Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, whose tragic death eight months later shook NBA circles, made one of his final public appearances for the team at an elementary school north of downtown. The day before his 29th birthday, Clarke spoke on behalf of ARISE2Read, a Memphis-area non-profit committed to enhancing second-grade literacy through children’s books and one-on-one volunteer tutoring.
On September 18, a few dozen second graders at KIPP Collegiate Elementary School listened intently as Clarke presented a $1,500 check and underscored the value of reading and educational persistence. Afterward, the children enthusiastically sang “Happy Birthday” to Clarke, posed for photos, exchanged high-fives, and enjoyed cupcakes he had brought.
“What stood out was how naturally and genuinely he interacted with the children,” La Tonya Mouzon, ARISE2Read’s executive director, told Yahoo Sports. “You can tell when someone is scripted versus when they truly mean what they’re saying. He looked the children in their eyes and told them this was something very important, something they should value.”
Clarke, 29, was found dead Monday at a Los Angeles-area home. While the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined a cause, NBC4 Los Angeles reported Tuesday that drug paraphernalia was discovered at the scene, leading police to investigate the incident as a possible overdose.
Following the news of Clarke’s death on Tuesday, basketball fans in Memphis and nationwide began honoring his memory by donating to his supported charities. This effort gained significant traction when former All-Star guard Ja Morant retweeted a call for Grizzlies fans to support ARISE2Read, linking directly to the non-profit. By early Wednesday afternoon, ARISE2Read had received over 100 donations since Clarke’s passing. Although the organization did not disclose the total monetary value, Mouzon noted that they typically accumulate such an amount over five weeks, not 24 hours.
“Beyond the funds, we’ve been able to gain national recognition, which is even more valuable,” Mouzon stated, adding that donations have come in from various states across the country.
Connecting with children in the Memphis area was a clear passion for Clarke, a 2019 Grizzlies first-round pick who played his entire NBA career with the team. In December, he also hosted a holiday celebration at the Buckman Boys & Girls Club, where he served food, distributed presents, and signed autographs.
ARISE2Read supplies nearly 4,000 Memphis-area second graders with a book each in November, December, and February, along with a bag of books and activities in May to maintain their skills during the summer. Mouzon confirmed that funds donated to ARISE2Read in Clarke’s honor will be used to purchase these books for the children.
“We are truly grateful to have known Brandon, to have met him, and to have interacted with him in our shared mission to improve literacy in Memphis,” Mouzon concluded.
Source link
