The NBA continues the NBA Together Virtual Roundtable Series tonight with its fifth discussion centered on the pandemic’s effects on young people of color. Participants include Boston Celtics forward and NBPA Executive Committee VP Jaylen Brown, pioneering CEO of the Dallas Mavericks Cynthia Marshall and licensed clinical and sports psychologist Dr. Kensa Gunter.
After originally streaming Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on the official NBA Twitter account, the roundtable will air on NBA TV at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.
NBA Champion and Vera Institute of Justice board member Caron Butler will continue to moderate the discussions. Addressing the unique challenges the virus has presented for younger generations, conversation topics will include disruptions to the educational system, suspensions, and cancellations of youth programs and graduations, the impact of trauma and the mental health of young people, the digital divide and the importance of mentoring and staying connected.
Jr. NBA Live has also been a leader in addressing youth issues through its platform.
The panelists will share their perspectives on the root causes of issues young people of color face and discuss potential solutions.
Brown, an advocate for education reform to combat systemic inequalities that impact youth at an early age, recently wrote an op-ed regarding inequities highlighted by the pandemic and urged Americans to come together.
Marshall has been an outstanding leader and advocate for domestic violence prevention and support, highlighted by the Mavericks’ recent aid for family- and youth-serving organizations in Dallas during the pandemic.
Dr. Gunter is a licensed clinical and sports psychologist and works regularly with athletes, including adolescents, having recently hosted a Jr. NBA webinar that explored the mental health impacts of the pandemic on youth.
Last week’s discussion explored COVID-19’s impact on Black America and featured Valerie Jarrett, Grant Hill and Marc H. Morial.
