PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Former Eagles safety and Super Bowl champion Rodney McLeod is still making plays in Philadelphia — only now, it’s with his personal teammate: his wife, Erika.
Their nonprofit, called Change Our Future, was born in the summer of 2020, during the racial reckoning that followed the George Floyd protests.
“As time has developed, we really honed in on creating Change Our Future programs as a youth development organization, where we’re focusing really on removing those barriers and labels that are placed on underserved communities,” Erika said.
“Through advocacy and awareness, we really wanted to touch on youth development, education, community enrichment, health and wellness, and to just create these opportunities for students and experiences for them — for students that look just like us.”
Programs like Next Man Up are designed to uplift young boys and men of color, with an emphasis on mentorship, education and advocacy.
“As well as a great support system,” said Rodney, “so when you think about what we have experienced in our lifetime, to allow us to be successful individuals in its own separate way. My route was through sports. Erika’s route was through academics. We found that we need to find ways to create the sorts of opportunities for kids of our communities.”
The program is set out to help youth graduate on time and be a pillar of their community.
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“Take another young man by the hand when they’re going through a tough time or need somebody to talk to and … get them on a straight and narrow path, whatever it might be,” Rodney added.
The annual Sneaker Ball has become their staple event. It’s a time to kick back and raise funds and tangible resources for Philadelphia youth.
Last year, they raised more than $150,000. This year, the goal is to double that.
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Along with a ticket and being dressed to impress, guests are also asked to bring school supplies and new or lightly used sneakers for students in the community.
“Sneaker Ball gives us this chance to really create an interactive experience,” Erika added, “but also really just highlight how we can work together to make this change, because there is a huge call to action that our kids need us now more than ever.”
The third annual Sneaker Ball will take place on June 22 at Vie by Cescaphe in Center City. Find more information here.
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