January 15, 2007- Verizon Center

Following their 114-111 victory over the Utah Jazz, the Wizards’ guard DeShawn Stevenson talked to D.C. youth from Youth Entrepreneurial Services, KIAMSHA Empowerment Organization, and the Woodlawn Terrace Community during the Wizard’s launch of “Real Talk With the Wizards”. 

Real Talk With The Wizards, a series of roundtable discussions with Wizards players and staff, focuses on helping youth think beyond their circumstances to understand that opportunities for success are within their reach.

DeShawn addressed many of the issues confronting youth today from stereotypes, to peer pressure, to positive representation.

Darryl Webster, a social worker at Johnson Middle School in the District asked DeShawn to speak on the ideal that kids think they have to have the latest in fashion and the latest bling items to be respected or popular.

Mr. Webster further made the distinction between the dress of youth during the civil rights era of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - hinting the dress of that era was more dignified compared to how today’s kids dress.

DeShawn told the audience that he thinks shows like BET have a lot to do with how kids today dress.

“A lot of youth want the persona that’s shown on programs like BET”, said Stevenson.

“You don’t have to wear jewelry, or $500 jeans, or AirForce Ones or conform to images or stereotypes seen on T.V be cool." 

“Be your own person,” said Stevenson.  “People will like you for who you are regardless if you have those things, or not”, he told the mainly African American young male audience.

When one youth asked if wearing big chains has helped his image DeShawn was quick to note that his jewelry has been stolen – and its been a hazard for him to wear his necklaces. 

Darryl Webster, social worker (left) and youth attend

 'Real Talk With Wizards' session.

“People want it so you have to watch yourself 24/7”. "You have to have people around you to protect you.” 

Darryl Webster reminded the adults in the audience that our youth see NBA players as role models and as such adults, in general, should monitor their language, dress, and what they do in the community because our youth are watching.

He suggested to the young men to look for mentors and people who care about them rather than looking to the images seen on television for role models.

When speaking to the youngsters about how others perceive young people DeShawn explains that he cut his dreds, saying people respect him more and view him differently.

"I am looked upon differently in a suit and dreads than I am in a suit and clean cut", said Stevenson.

“Sometimes you have to do things that will better your life and the life of your family.”

DeShawn, drafted 23^rd by Utah in first round of the 2000 NBA draft, spoke candidly when asked to compare his life in Utah to his life in Washington, D.C.

He stated that living in Utah was a struggle, but it made him a man.  He appreciates Washington D.C. because he sees African Americans, like himself, working hard everyday and doing positive things.

DeShawn had a full scholarship to Kansas University but decided to enter the NBA draft instead.

Also in attendance was Ronald Moten (a.k.a. ‘Moe’), member of the Peaceaholics, a local community activist group dedicated to ridding violence in the community.

The roundtable discussions will continue monthly and will feature various topics headed by various Wizards players and staff.