Meek talks basketball and her HOPE Foundation

Media_http3bpblogspot_ritya
Here are just a few excerpts from a wonderful interview with Temeka Johnson. Make sure you click on the link: http://bit.ly/da6dfj to read it in it's entirety to see what Meek has to say about returning as a WNBA champion, playing overseas, her pro history, her time at LSU and her dedicated work to her HOPE Foundation.


You have started basketball very young, what made you try and love this sport?
Yes, I loved the game of basketball. Since the age of 6 I’ve been playing the sport. Both of my parents played it, so it was a game that really came natural to me.

From 2002 to 2005 you attended the Louisiana State University, how was this period for you? Is your Assist Pass Record still relevant?
My time at LSU was great. It started off with me sitting out my 1st year, but that allowed me to concentrate on my studies and also become a smarter player by observing the game. I still hold the LSU assist record.

You have a lot of websites such as Meek2.com , and MeeksHOPE.org , Meek Moments without to forget Facebook and Twitter why do so many websites? Family, friends, fans?
At first, I only had my Meek2.com site, but once I started my foundation, I wanted to have a separate presence on the web. We are relaunching the MeeksHOPE.org site during the WNBA season, so that will be a central place for fans to find out about me. The blog site was based on having a more current place where I could let my friends, family and fans know about what I was doing daily.

You also created your own foundation (MeeksHOPE.org) can you introduce it?
Yes, my foundation is called the HOPE Foundation, which stands for Heaven Opens People’s Eyes. It is a dream come true, as I get to help so many in need.

Why did you create this foundation?
My foundation has always been a goal of mine. I am where I am now, due to the support of my family and friends. Without them, I would not be here, so I want to give back and help out as many people as possible. Many people have stated that I give them hope to reach their dreams, so I want to actually assist them in their dreams and goals. Sometimes it’s a small thing that can help push or position a person for greatness. I love being able to help othersin need!

Did you have some great moments in your foundation? What is your next step, expectation?
Setting up the Jewel Johnson Scholarship fund in honor of my grandmother was one of my greatest moments with the HOPE Foundation. She meant so much to me and the students she taught, that I was proud to make this happen. In October I also had the Temeka Johnson Weekend in Baton Rouge, Kenner and New Orleans, where we hosted a number of charity events for the community. I was so proud to be able to do that. For next steps, we have a lot in store. We have a children’s book coming out, a charity basketball game, adopting more schools, and just growing the foundation. I am truly blessed.

Do you have teammates who come to help you?
Yes, I have teammates such as Ketia Swanier that have joined me with certain foundation events, but also other players. Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) actually presented me with a $5,000 USD check to start the Jewel Johnson Scholarship fund. We all help each other, and also give signed items that help each of our foundations to raise the money needed to create more programs for those in need.

Posted by Bill Martin