NEW ORLEANS — A local coach has a dream. And that is to make the dreams of young boys a reality.
Friday evening they were on their way to Memphis on an educational trip, after they waved good-bye to family and friends.
It's a big day for a group of boys and teens. Many will be boarding a train for the first time. Coach Derrick Henderson is the one making it happen.
“It started off with children whose fathers are incarcerated, or whose fathers are deceased, or absent, that's basically what this program is built upon,” said Coach Derrik Henderson who founded Don’t Stop Dreaming.
He says he acts like a surrogate father to them. “Yeah, I am, because I once was one of them.”
His program is called Don't Stop Dreaming.
“These kids don't dream anymore. So, we get lost in society, because we don't have dreams. So, I just want to teach them how to dream,” Henderson said.
“It's called Don't Stop Dreaming, and I haven't really been dreaming a lot. I lost hope in God and stuff, after my father passed away,” said Kayne Scott, 11, in the fifth grade.
Scott says coach is teaching them to care and love, that life is not about guns, and killing, and that you can love sports, but there are many other career choices to support a family.
“I just want to make better husbands, better leaders, better citizens, better students. That's my goal with these kids,” said Henderson.
They will spend the weekend in Memphis, as coach says, walking back into history, being grateful for those who made change happen.
“We're going to the (National) Civil Rights Museum. We're going to do an entire tour. It's 90 minutes, and I'm going to make them feel every part of it,” Henderson said.
You have to earn a slot in this group. Education and grades are first. School attendance must be near perfect and so must your character and a polished presentation of yourself.
“Because this is business trip. We're not going to Chuck E. Cheese, and the sit-ins, they wore suits. So, I'm going to show them exactly how it went. You put on the suits and we go like gentlemen,” Henderson insisted.
Coach's grandson is one of his mentees.
“It is a business trip, because you're going to learn about stuff that people took care of business on,” said Dylan Henderson, 10, a fifth grader who is his grandson.
Then the loudspeaker at the train station calls for the group to board.
“And I'm trying to teach those kids don't let the seed of hate get planted in their heads. This world is built on peer pressure. So, if I can turn the narrative, and make them more positive role models, I'm going to do my job,” said Henderson.
The group of 25 young teens and pre-teens, is supported by grants from GNO, Inc and other businesses and private citizens.
They want to double the size next year.
To donate, or learn more:
Email: derrickhendersonsr@yahoo.com
Phone: 504-666-6767
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