[The Sportsman] Meet Boston Celtics Assistant Basketball Coach, and Community Change Agent, Jerome Allen

“There were 19 of us in a five-bedroom house,” says Allen. “It was hard to study and to stay focused but, by the grace of God and a praying mother and grandmother, God had a better plan for me.”

Basketball allowed Allen to travel the world, and during this time it dawned upon him that the game which afforded him so many opportunities was bigger than the sport itself.

“It really changed my perspective on what my true purpose is. Outside of my busy schedule of recruiting, coaching and teaching basketball, my impact in my community is what’s most important to me.”

During off season Jerome Allen is involved with a number of philanthropic organizations, which push his passion to reach and teach those in his community. From his involvement in a prison ministry, in Collegeville, Pa, to mentoring and coaching the Ball for Christ basketball league at Enon Church, Allen believes that you have to physically be involved.

“It is imperative for people of color to be able to identify that people like them can be successful,” Allen tells BE Modern Man. “We have to allow our people to see that there are no limits when it comes to hard work, and BE Modern man shows it by representing men like myself.”

Jerome Allen founded the organization called Brothers Embracing Brothers (BEB) to convey the message of neighborhood involvement. Over the years, BEB has worked directly with the neighborhood youth and provides a recreational outlet to them. Hood Enriched was also formed by Jerome Allen with an objective to cultivate the academic and athletic attributes of inner-city youth.

“My narrative and passion for coaching allows people to see it’s bigger than basketball. It involves being a mentor, teacher, and a listening ear so others can see the greatness within themselves and build upon that.”

Wearing multiple hats on a daily basis, Allen says “a BE Modern Man is strong-willed, hardworking and intelligent despite the many adversities in one’s path.” He is a man of passion who serves his community and puts people first by being a leader, mentor, coach of life, father, husband and God-fearing man.

The BlackEnterprise.com team congratulates Jerome Allen on his success as a NBA basketball coach, but more importantly for having an impact in his community. Allen’s classroom extends beyond the lines of the basketball court to life, and elevates everyone around him to step up their game. As he continues to build upon his coaching career, we look forward to seeing his lessons having an impact on and off the court.

It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.