Rolando Blackman had a flashback Wednesday as he watched children at St. Anthony Academy near Fair Park work on computer screens donated by the Dallas Mavericks.
“When I was in school, the most important thing to have was a No. 2 pencil,” Blackman said. “Not a No. 3. It had to be a #2.
“But it’s different now. Children must have technology if they seek to succeed in this world. It’s not a luxury. It is an essential product for children.
That’s why the Mavericks installed 50 new monitors at St. Anthony, a school that serves about 330 children in grades K-12.th grade, the vast majority from the South Dallas area. At the unveiling Wednesday, Blackman, members of the Mavericks entertainment group and school dignitaries, teachers and parents all celebrated the gift.
“It means so much,” said Dr. Onjaleke Brown, St. Anthony Charter District superintendent. “Our kids work really hard and to have a group like the Mavericks show them appreciation for their hard work means everything.”
“You can see it in the light on the children’s faces. The Mavs are their idol and having them in the building just encourages them to keep working hard. Technology is evolving very quickly. Having this provided by Mavericks allows us to keep pace with existing industries and academics.
And as the mascots dove, the dancers danced and the students cheered, Brown said, “We’re Mavs fans and you can feel the love today.” And it means so much that someone takes the time to care for these children.
It comes naturally to someone like Blackman, who grew up in Panama City, Panama, and had to master English to make his way to America and, ultimately, Kansas State University and a brilliant career in the NBA, mainly with the Mavericks.
He would switch between English and Spanish while speaking to all the Eagles in the school gymnasium.
“Teachers are there to infuse your brain with a lot of knowledge and a lot of thinking,” Blackman told the children. “They are the ones who will follow you into the future.
“But it’s up to you to make the most of it.” Ask questions when you don’t understand and get together with others who are doing the same things – fighting for the future. There’s no time for nonsense. You must be able to be the best you can be. And do your best.
Performers included local defender and hip-hop artist The DOC, as well as the Mavericks IT department, who brought their expertise to the kids. The donation included upgraded networking hardware for high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as monitors.
St. Anthony’s mission is to develop curious, competent and caring young people who make better decisions for themselves and the world through cross-cultural understanding and respect. The school focuses on curriculum, innovative teaching and parent and community involvement.
St. Anthony devoted more resources to its technology department (and other important programs) under Brown’s leadership.
This is something students notice.
“It’s good that we have more resources at school,” said Jace White, who is about to turn 13. “We can now learn more on the computer.
“I love how the Mavericks have helped St. Anthony and made it a better place.”
White, a cornerback on the football team, has attended St. Anthony since kindergarten, although he lives about 20 minutes from the school.
Like the other students, he was full of energy during the program.
“It was a fun experience,” he said.
For decades, the Mavericks have dedicated computer labs, renovated basketball courts and provided basic needs to dozens of schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
On Tuesday, they will break ground on a new basketball court at Mission Arlington.
This is part of the Mavericks’ ongoing efforts to make a difference in the community.
“It’s so much fun,” Blackman said. “Being here and seeing so many kids excited about going to school and learning what they want to do in life, that’s what it’s all about.”
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