City on a Hill is a nonprofit organization working tirelessly to end generational poverty in households of the urban poor. For 22 years, we have provided resources and support to families in need, helping them break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their children.

But we cannot do it alone. We need the help of the entire community, and that's where the Honoring Legends, Empowering Futures: A Benefit Auction Celebrating Black Leadership comes in. This online auction, taking place during Black History Month, is our opportunity to shine a light on the incredible achievements of black leaders and empower the next generation to carry on their legacy.

The premium item for this online auction is a signed basketball by none other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an American former professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the NBA. He was instrumental in the Bucks winning the NBA Finals in 1971 and was named the NBA's MVP three times in the next four years. The basketball is a true collector's item, and bidders from all over should be eager to get their hands on it. But more than just a basketball, it is a symbol of the strength, resilience, and determination of black leaders everywhere.

In addition to the basketball, the auction features digital prints created by black youth at our Youth Center of Excellence. These vibrant, colorful works of art are available for just $22, a nod to the 22 years our organization has been working in Milwaukee. These prints are more than just art - they are a celebration of the voices of black youth, the future leaders of tomorrow.

As the auction gets ready to launch, we are overjoyed to see the outpouring of support from the community. The funds raised will help us continue our important work, breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering families to build a better future. And as the next generation of black leaders takes the stage, we know that the legacy of leaders like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a prominent civil rights advocate, is in good hands and that the future is brighter than ever.

Martin Luther King Jr Portrait