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Michael Jordan’s Big Give ‘The First Dance’

Published

5 years ago

June 26, 2020

Updated July 2, 2020

The rebranding of Michael Jordan’s Legacy was launched recently on ESPN as a 10 part mini-series, entitled The Last Dance. The highly anticipated docuseries premiered to high ratings. The series focuses on Jordan’s heroic performances on the court and in the locker room, as a Chicago Bull.

However, little has been spoken about Jordan’s “giving.” Often criticized during his playing days, for not advocating publicly for causes and concerns affecting the African American community. One person locally has a different perspective. Emmy Award-winning television producer/social impact adviser, Gary Reeves. Reeves’ credits Jordan’s quiet philanthropy for his philanthropic drive today. Gary Reeves, the creator NBC’s hit show GIVE, hosted by Jenna Bush and Blair Underwood. Reeves, who served as the Golden State Warriors Spiritual advisor for twelve years starting in the ’80s, approached Jordan to get his blessing to tell the story of Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team. Reeves felt the story was socially relevant for kids of color. Jordan graciously approved the request. Reeves went on to approach NBA Entertainment to finance the production “Michael Jordan’s Playground.” It was the first request of its kind at the time.

This launched Reeves’ social impact content production company. Reeves has produced for the likes of Jammie Foxx, TD Jakes, Blair Underwood, Shaquille O’Neal, Jenna Bush and currently in talks to secure a first of its kind content distribution deal with 2 celebrity icons.

Reeves, to this day, deeply respects Jordan’s empathy for people often overlooked, and how his under-celebrated giving has impacted underserved communities. I’m a result of his “butterfly effect,” which provided me the confidence and empathy to tackle what seemed impossible. We have a Blair Underwood Medical Center in D.C. and a tech lab in Oakland, Ca, Magic Johnson HIV/AIDS Medical Centers in San Francisco and Out of Closet retail stores, grants for students and nonprofits, on the back of his belief in one person. Truly making the “impossible” possible.

Jordan’s drive and spirit show people what is possible. “In my own fight against all odds, Michael’s belief and trust in me, has impacted my confidence in tackling hurdles that I’ve been able to overcome. Most importantly my personal health and children’s health. In addition, believing “giving” provides emotional strength to sustain one’s healthy being.”

Jordan’s giving attitude has contributed millions of dollars to charities, but his spirit has transformed hope in many communities. Reeves thanks Jordan for confirming, “Anything is possible.”

Tanya Dennis

Posts by Tanya Dennis | Website

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Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025

Published

1 week ago

November 28, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

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IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94

Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2025

Oakland Post

William "Bill" Patterson, 94. Photo courtesy of the Patterson family.

William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.

He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.

He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.

Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.

Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.

Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.

He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.

A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.

His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.