Blake Bozeman Foundation’s inaugural Basketball Clinic

In an event highlighting the DMV area’s sense of pride and strong basketball tradition, The Blake Bozeman Foundation is hosting the inaugural Twenty2 Basketball Coaches Clinic & Networking Brunch on Sept. 14 at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., to connect young athletes with mentors. 

Featuring NBA executive Ed Tapscott, sports commentator Lawrencia Moten, and several NBA and college coaches, the Blake Bozeman Foundation is promising to support the development of all those in attendance – from student-athletes to coaches, educators, and people working to grow in all areas of life.

“While we’ll certainly talk X’s and O’s, the clinic is really about life skills and leadership. I want attendees to walk away with a deeper understanding of how relationships, communication, and character can shape their careers and their impact on others,” said Todd Bozeman, the foundation’s founder. “I also want to highlight the incredible talent from the DMV in the industry. Basketball teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance but those same qualities are what make you successful in business, in family, and in community.”

For Bozeman, this event not only helps build others, but furthers the work and mission of his son — the foundation’s namesake, a celebrated local athlete and community leader who was shot and killed in September 2023 on H Street NE.

“Blake was a connector at heart, with a gift for bringing people together across basketball, business, and community, and The TWENTY2 is a platform built for connection,” Bozeman continued. 

The late Bozeman played at St. Albans and Bullis Prep before attending Morgan State University on a basketball scholarship to play for his father, who was the head coach at the historically Black institution from 2006-2019.  While at the Baltimore school, the young athlete had an outstanding career and also received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university.

He then ventured into real estate and entrepreneurship – owning 10 vending machines and starting his own organization, Pivot Group, which provided counseling and guidance to former athletes as they transitioned from sports and athletics to other careers, allowing him to tap into his commitment to helping others. 

“Blake was the type of person that strived to make everyone around him better. He was more than an athlete, he was a leader, a mentor, and a loyal friend,” the father and celebrated coach explained. “He cared deeply about people, about community, and about helping others find their path.”

Since his death, his family and those who knew him have worked to keep the young athlete, father and entrepreneur’s legacy alive, particularly using basketball as a way to combat gun violence and promote positivity in the community.

“We have to all do our best to address this problem,” said American University Head Coach Duane Simpkins during a 2023 basketball game held in Bozeman’s honor. “We are glad to be a part of establishing this legacy for Blake.”

Nearly two years after his death on Sept. 23, 2023, the foundation continues to work to inspire through basketball, such as the HBCU in DC Tip-Off Experience in November and the Blake Bozeman Classic in December.

Further, the foundation furthers his legacy by building programs that reflect his values: resilience, generosity, and the belief that you can use your gifts to uplift others. 

“At the end of the day, Blake’s story is about living with purpose,” his father told The Informer, “and we want to honor that by giving back to the community he loved so much.”

Tickets for the brunch and clinic are available at theblakebozemanfoundation.org