Indicated by the blue jersey she wears, professional basketball player La’Keisha Sutton represents the Harlem Globetrotters on the court. Being a native Trentonian, however, she embodies true Trenton pride in every step she takes both in life and during the games. “I am a proud product of Trenton,” said Sutton. “Since I left for college, I take pride in telling people I am from Trenton. Trenton Makes the World takes is our motto. I am proof of what happens when someone uses their gift, education and has a solid support system.”
The first female in New Jersey to be signed to The Harlem Globetrotters, Sutton, while pursing her career, still remains closely connected to her community. Having lived in each ward of the city (North, South, East, and West Trenton), Sutton says, ” I hope we can come together as one community, one big Trenton family despite which ward we live in. I would love to see us all come together and support one another without hesitation and fear.” It is Sutton’s vision for a more supportive Trenton that she is taking the initiative to give back to her community the same way in which she was once impacted.
As a child, Sutton began playing basketball at the West Ward Recreation Center. On August 3, 2019, she will return to that same recreation center, the origin of her career, to donate 50 basketballs.
“I was excited and emotional when I heard the news of Baden Sports and The Harlem Globetrotters choosing the West Ward Rec Center to donate balls to,” Sutton noted. “A basketball changed my life. I am hoping these basketballs and resources/activities in our community center can change someone else’s life. I am thankful to be a part of the ‘It All Starts With A Ball’ campaign.”
The event on August 3rd, 2019, will take place at the West Ward Recreation Center from 11:00 a.m. to noon, where Sutton will be signing basketballs and giving them to those in the community who attend. Following the basketball giveaway, Sutton’s Women’s Summer League team will play a two hour game of basketball, concluding at 2:00 p.m. This event is just a small, yet impactful step in refining the community, beginning with the younger ambitious Trentonians like La’Keisha Sutton.
Sutton’s advice for Trenton’s youth is, “No Distractions. Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams. Get involved with positive activities. Get a mentor and adopt the Fan Favorite mentality.”
For Sutton, this is not a first-time experience in giving back to the community. She has also started her own company, Fan Favorite University, which extends its services by providing an internship program for local youth and college students.
“We give them an opportunity to engage and get real hands on experience in various departments in my company,” Sutton added. “We have entrepreneurship, marketing, a production company for aspiring actors and filmmakers, an athletic department, a record label, and a merchandising department for young creatives and designers.”
Sutton has also recently released her first book in September of 2018 and plans to conduct a book tour and start a Fan Favorite Book Club which will help improve youth literacy.
For more information regarding the Basketball Giveaway or news regarding La’Keisha Sutton, visit http://www.thefanfavorite.net/.
