It was a great night in
#brooklyn watching my hometown
@brooklynnets take on the
@chicagobulls —made even more special sitting courtside with
@nba legend Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J.
Beyond winning four MVP awards and being widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Mr. Irving is also a prominent philanthropist. For decades, he has dedicated himself to supporting youth, education, and health initiatives through the Erving Foundation and various partnerships.
We spent time discussing dyslexia awareness and its profound impact on young people. Julius has spoken openly in the past about his son Cory, who tragically passed away at just 19 years old. He has shared that Cory began using drugs at the age of 14, following years of deep frustration and embarrassment caused by dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder. Struggling academically ultimately prevented Cory from playing sports, which only compounded those challenges.
This is why the work being done at the
@promiseproject is so important. Early intervention for children with dyslexia can be life-changing. Without proper support, learning differences can lead to isolation, bullying, substance abuse, or even involvement with the criminal justice system. Studies have shown that a disproportionately high percentage of incarcerated individuals struggle with dyslexia—highlighting how the inability to read or constant ridicule can alter the course of a life.
Thank you, Dr. J, for your honesty, your advocacy, and your decades of contributions to your charity work and happy to be a teammate with you on this journey.