Because Of Them We Can
https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/
By BOTWC Staff
The referee veteran purchased a private institution in Inglewood, CA and renamed it after his mother, Dolores T. Richardson, AfroTech reports.
Derek Richardson spent 26 years as a referee for the NBA. He officiated 1,362 regular-season games and one playoff game in 25 seasons. Prior to the NBA, he spent eight years officiating in the Continental Basketball Association. Aside from refereeing, Richardson was a Group Supervisor for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. He co-founded and became the Executive Director of Why Can’t We Make A Difference Foundation (WCWMAD), an organization that assists families facing unforeseen circumstances. In 2012, they changed the mission to providing academic and social enrichment programs to students in underserved and disenfranchised schools. Through classes like Art, Chess, Choir, Coding, and Performing Arts, WCWMAD has helped thousands of children and families.
Now he’s reaching new heights with the recent acquisition of a former private school, K. Anthony School, in Inglewood, CA. He’s naming the 150-student facility after his mother, Dolores T. Richardson, who he credits for being the first and most important teacher in his life. The K. Anthony School was once a fire station and nightclub. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that it became a private institution dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in the area. With the new school, Richard preserves the legacy of the building and can connect directly with his community. He intends to instill the former school’s principles while making sure kids are provided the same opportunities as students in other communities.
A reopening will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2022. For enrollment and donations, you can contact (323) 758-1960 or email kanthonyschool@yahoo.com.
