Up Close with Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life President CC Minton

6TH ANNUAL #BLACKLIVESMATTER – NEWARK PANEL DISCUSSION ON SPORTS & ACTIVISM

Thursday, February 13, 2020 The Newark Public Library, James Brown African American Room | 5 Washington. St, ..

Featuring local Coaches and Community Activists Shawn McCray and Vanessa Watson; Douglas Freeman, Founder, Weequahic Park Sports Authority; Tommy Garrett, Tennis Instructor; CC Minton, President, Board at Stevenson & Moses Boxing for Life Foundation (Moderator).

We caught up with CC Minton after she successful moderating a a panel on Sports and Activism in the community and asked her few questions about her experience.

1. I understand the Panel on Sports and Activism was big success all around. Was this your first time hosting a panel of this magnitude and importance to the community?

The feedback we received from the audience was heartwarming. The stories from the the panelist were inspirational and informational too. To answer your question, yes this was my first time hosting a panel at the Newark Public Library. However, I have experience interviewing a number of notables and high profile celebrities which include Judge Greg Mathis, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Fashion Icon Stephen Burrows, Olympian Kristin Castlin, and Opera Singer Marsha Thompson aka Divaria just to name a few. I also had the opportunity to interview Shark Tank and Lemonade Entreprenuer, Mikaila Ulmer, at former First Lady Michelle Obama's White House Kids' State Dinner. A couple of years ago, at the South Mountain International Blues Festival, I interviewed Broadway's Ty Stephens, Blues Dean Shot, Mike Griot, and approximately 20 other artist on the same day. Needles to say, that was a long day.

2. Since these were high profile Coaches and Community Activists, were you anxious or nervous with so many powerful folks and definitely so much sports testosterone in the room?

Excited about moderating the event - YES!!! Anxious about moderating the event - No. Too much testosterone in the room? Absolutely Not! Now that I have the experience and a few years of having conversations with interesting people that just happen to be powerful, I was relaxed and looked forward to connecting with the panelists and having fun. Also, I am the President of the Board of Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life. Our board is dominated by men and I feel comfortable in my role as President.

3. With your busy lifestyle how were you approached and how did you prepare to ensure the success of this event?

I was approached to moderate the Sports and Activism panel after hosting Ringside for a Cause. I got a call, from Celeste Bateman, in between my morning run and closing on an out-of-state real estate deal. Given my background, experience, and interest in sports and fitness, I thought it would be a great fit and accepted the job on the spot. Celeste, the program producer for the Sports and Activism event, is such a pleasure to work with. We received positive feedback from those in attendance. Celeste is an incredible talent in her own right. It's quite obvious due to the success of the event.

4. As we all know preparation allows you to handle the unknown, so any surprises or notable moments during the discussion that you had to handle?

It's funny you ask that question. The panelist were so passionate about their personal experiences and working with the community, they sometimes wanted to tell their stories all in one breath. Given it was my role to moderate and guide the conversation, I had to put the breaks on how much was shared at any one time throughout the evening. Because Coach Shawn McCray and Tommy Garrett felt so connected with the audience, I panicked and decided to put on the breaks so I started cutting them off in a joking way because they started to answer all of my questions before I could even ask them. Everyone in the room just laughed. I had to do the same thing, from time to time, with Coach Vanessa Watson and Douglas Freeman too. It was all in fun and a related way to make everyone in the room feel comfortable and at ease.

5. What was your favorite notable moments that stood out or touched you?

The audience was phenomenal. One of the most emotionally touching moments was when the audience shared their own personal stories of activism and how it made them feel. In particular, the suggestion to get together with your neighbors to care for the community was one touching moment. Another notable moment was made by an attendee about the positive response from City Hall in regards to the litter problem. A suggestion was made to uplift those who actually do the clean up work by showing your appreciation. Writing an email to management about the good work that was done was another idea for community activism and working together. I believe, activism at such a basic level, is something everyone can relate to - even the powerful panelist in the room.

6. How was the audience interaction?

The audience was definitely engaged. Before and after the event they chatted with the panelist and other attendees as well. During the Q & A, they had questions and expressed sincere and thoughtful comments about the evening, the community and their thoughts on how they could use the information from the panelist to nurture activism within the community.
One attendee expressed her appreciation for the libraries commitment to community events. "There are so many free programs that the library offers, we should be thankful for the opportunities", she said.

Another attendee expressed her appreciation of Weequahic Park Sports Authority and all the great work that they do in bringing the community together. She also said that supporting each other will help us grow faster as a community.

7. Will you be participating in any other events during Black History Month?

Yes! I am the President of Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life. The founders of our organization are Olympian and Pro Boxer Shakur Stevenson who is our Honorary Founder as well as Founder/CEO Robyn Moses and Founder/Hall of Fame and Olympic Boxing Coach Wali Moses.
On Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2 pm, I will moderate a panel with CEO Robyn Moses, Coach Dirt, Boxer Carina Casqueira, and Shakur Stevenson (via Skype), from training camp. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 2:00-4:30 PMA Conversation about Sports and Community Activism - James Brown African American Room – 2nd floor

Aside from our boxing program, we offer community outreach within New Jersey. May 2019, the board, Coach Wali, along with Vikas Krishan known as the Indian Tank, toured the area during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. We visited Westside High School, The Edison YMCA, and Bethany Center for Champions in West Orange, NJ. It is just one of the ways we give back.

8. What's Next with CC Minton?

Whew.... where do I begin. Given my lifestyle brand is focused around getting, helping and strategically coaching people to the next step in their lives, I will be focused doing more of that on more of a full time basis. With my lifestyle, full time is more so on a part time basis so that I can explore and do things that I love to do. I am committed to and excited about helping others strategically transform their lives personally and professionally. I look forward to helping others design a financially stable future through real estate!

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis he promotes art, music, business, government and local community events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photo journalism. Gregory writes about local business and community activities. Having fun living life while helping others.