On August 7, 2025, over 150 community leaders and sports professionals gathered in Cleveland for an event called “A Seat at the Table: Voices of Tomorrow.” Hosted by the Cavs and the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition (SJC), the event celebrated the connection between basketball and community action. It was held near the site of the famous 1967 Cleveland Summit, where legendary Black athletes came together to support social change. This gathering served as the perfect setting to announce two exciting new programs designed to support the next generation of community leaders.
These new initiatives, the JUMP Leadership Accelerator (JLA) and the Cavs Social Impact Academy, aim to guide and empower young changemakers. They will offer special opportunities for young people, including those who have been affected by the justice system, to grow their skills in sports, policy, and community work. Kevin Clayton, an executive with the Cavs, said the goal is to “create a platform for students that didn’t feel like they had a voice but are in tune with what’s happening.”
🤝 A National Program for Young Leaders
The JUMP Leadership Accelerator is a new program starting in the 2025-26 NBA season. It’s a partnership between the SJC, the Justice & Upward Mobility Project (JUMP), and Jobs for the Future. The program will select up to eight young adults, aged 18-25, from different NBA cities. Each participant will work with both an NBA team and a local community organization. This will give them valuable experience in both corporate and community settings. “Doing impact work in the basketball context is always going to be unique,” said James Cadogan, Executive Director of the SJC, who hopes participants will see the wide range of possibilities available to them.
🌟 Inspiration from Personal Experience
A key figure behind this initiative is Larry Miller, the Chairman of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board. Miller founded JUMP to help people who have been through the justice system find good jobs and opportunities. Having spent time in prison during his youth, his personal story is a powerful inspiration. He believes the program will be a big deal for young participants. “When I was young… I couldn’t even conceive of myself being in a room with NBA executives,” he said. “For these kids to be able to actually be in contact with owners, players, officials from the league, that’s going to be a big deal for them.” Participants will receive a competitive stipend and mentorship from leaders in sports and business.
🏀 Cleveland Leads the Way
Cleveland was the ideal city to launch these programs because of its history. Larry Miller and former Mavericks CEO Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall both felt it was emotional and meaningful to be at the site of the 1967 Summit. “It was special to know that we haven’t forgotten the significance of what happened,” said Marshall. Alongside the national JUMP program, the Cavs also introduced their own Social Impact Academy. This nine-month program for local high school students will continue the region’s tradition of using sports to promote social leadership.
🌱 Carrying the Legacy Forward
The focus now is on making a lasting impact. Former Cavs player Daniel Gibson, who runs a nonprofit for youth, is deeply involved. He sees these programs as a way to help young people from communities that often go unheard. “I come from a community that is desperate to be heard,” he explained. “I always said that I was going to carry that flag and use my voice to make an impact.” Gibson promised to be actively involved, saying, “I’ll be standing right next to them, boots on the ground.” The ultimate hope is that every young person who completes the program will feel more empowered to shape their own future and career.
