Harlem Ambassadors use hoops to send positive message to kids
When "Lade Majic" Prophete was a girl in New Jersey, she spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals for her asthma. During the times she did manage to be at home, a chaotic life had her searching for an outlet.
Enter basketball.
"I did have a few issues," she said. "But it was a positive way to alleviate tension and let out frustrations. It was just a vehicle I used to help me cope with situations growing up."
After graduating from the University of Missouri, where she played ball and earned a master's degree in counseling rehabilitation, she helped establish the Harlem Ambassadors, a performance basketball team that focuses on spreading a positive message to children.
Tonight, the Ambassadors will bring that message of avoiding drugs, staying in school and making the right choices to Glenbard West High School, where they will take on a team of local officials put together by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce. The games begin at 7 p.m. at the school, 670 Crescent Blvd. Tickets are available in advance and are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $12 at the door. Children 4 and younger get in free.
The Ambassadors travel the country to show off their high-flying moves while entertaining with dance moves and crowd-participation activities.
"We can showcase our talents in positive ways," Prophete said. "We poke fun at the local celebrities but it's all in fun. The kids can see that whether it's competitive or not, you can still have fun and enjoy yourself and not have any of it lead to violence."
That theme is what drew the chamber to the group. The Chamber Challengers will include members of the police and fire departments, school teachers and parks Executive Director Cory Atwell, among others.
Chamber co-director Georgia Koch said the Ambassadors give the community a chance to get out for a family night.
"They have a pretty good message and it's an evening of fun for everybody," Koch said. "Their idea is to bring a positive message to the kids."
The event will raise funds for the local Supplies 4 Success program, which gives supplies and school materials to children and families in need.
Although all members of the Ambassadors have played college basketball, the appeal has more to do with what they try to communicate to the children, Prophete said.
"Basketball is the easy part," she said. "But being able to go into the community and talk to young people and tell them to do those things that will help you be more successful in life, just instilling that in them, that keeps me going."
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Charity basketball game to raise money for Supplies 4 Success</p>
<p class="News"><b>Who:</b> Harlem Ambassadors vs. Chamber Challengers</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. today</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost: </b>$10 in advance for adults, $8 in advance for students; $12 at the door</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.glenellynchamber.com" target="new">www.glenellynchamber.com</a></p>