Ep. 60 - Omari Crawford: Leading the Charge for Youth Sports & the Y
Release Date: 03/12/2025
ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we're thrilled to talk with two remarkable women who have dubbed themselves the Mermaids. From morning swims to community events, the Mermaids demonstrate how engagement, community, and belonging shape lifelong health and wellness. Get ready to laugh, enjoy, and discover how this group of swimmers makes every splash count, proving that age is just a number when you’re young at heart. IN THIS EPISODE: (01:08) Introduction of guests and description of The Mermaids (03:22) Chris describes what the Mermaids are to her (05:17) Carolyn shares how she was introduced to the Mermaids...
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Ep. 60 - Omari Crawford: Leading the Charge for Youth Sports & the Y
(Y) Connect
On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts welcome Omari Crawford, State Representative for Georgia’s 89th House District and East Lake Family Y Board member, who shares his deep-rooted connection to the YMCA and his passion for running. Omari reflects on how his early experiences with Y athletic programs shaped his commitment to fitness and mental well-being, drawing parallels between marathon training and the discipline needed in sports and life. He also discusses how the legislature addresses mental health for athletes, the valuable lessons the Y instills in youth, and how he prepares for...
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Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia’s Youngest Farmer
(Y) Connect
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Ep. 58 - Growing the Y’s Reach through Early Learning
(Y) Connect
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta's commitment to early learning, exemplified through its Head Start programs, significantly impacts children and families in the community. Dr. Andria McMichael, a dedicated leader within the organization, shares her excitement about the recent expansion of these programs, designed to provide children with the foundation they need to succeed. From inspiring personal stories, like a nonverbal child beginning to speak after just days in the program, to the call for volunteers and community partnerships, the YMCA is creating lasting community connections that nurture both...
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Ep. 57 - Sweet Auburn & the Y: Preservation & Community Impact
(Y) Connect
Y Connect is thrilled to welcome Gene Kansas—a cultural developer, historic preservationist, and now the author of the powerful new book, Civil Sights: Sweet Auburn, A Journey Through Atlanta’s National Treasure. After meeting Gene a few months ago, we quickly realized there’s a tremendous connection between the work he’s been doing through Constellations in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the vision of his book, and the YMCA’s mission to empower youth and build stronger communities. Civil Sights isn’t just a history of Sweet Auburn—it’s a call to action to preserve the places...
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Ep. 56 - Empowering Boys and Young Men of Color: The Y and Morehouse College Partnership
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re diving into an incredible initiative that’s changing lives: the Y’s Boys and Young Men of Color strategy and the impact of the REACH program. Joining us are two extraordinary leaders making this work possible. Monteil Weeks, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, and Michael Levesque, Executive Director of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association, have combined their expertise and passion to create the REACH program. This program connects young men of color at the Y with mentors from Morehouse College, providing...
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Ep. 55 - The Hosts Reflect on Two Years of (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
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Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action: Veronica Squires at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest leaders in our organization, Veronica Squires, our Chief Philanthropy Officer. Veronica joined the Y in June, bringing her nearly two decades of experience in Atlanta’s nonprofit community. She has held leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Her extensive background, combined with her Executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, equips her to advance the Y’s mission significantly. As Chief Philanthropy...
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Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to...
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Ep. 52 - Hope and Opportunity: The Y & The Ansley School Alliance
(Y) Connect
Today on the Y Connect Podcast, we are discussing a powerful story of community partnership between the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family YMCA and the Boyce L. Ansley School, an afterschool enrichment program designed to support students facing challenging life circumstances, including homelessness, economic hardship, or unforeseen setbacks. Joining us are three key figures in this initiative: Jared Guyer, Executive Director of the Buckhead Y; Ray James, Head of School at Boyce Ansley; and Rachael Barron, a Y board member and CEO of Effective Students, to share insights on the program's...
info_outlineOn this episode of Y Connect, the hosts welcome Omari Crawford, State Representative for Georgia’s 89th House District and East Lake Family Y Board member, who shares his deep-rooted connection to the YMCA and his passion for running. Omari reflects on how his early experiences with Y athletic programs shaped his commitment to fitness and mental well-being, drawing parallels between marathon training and the discipline needed in sports and life. He also discusses how the legislature addresses mental health for athletes, the valuable lessons the Y instills in youth, and how he prepares for races with a focus on consistency.. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, balance, and the power of community at the Y!
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Intro
(03:15) Omari’s history of participation at YMCA athletic programs
(07:44) Legislature's approach to mental health for athletes
(10:32) Omari on marathons and what the Y teaches youth
(16:16) Preparing for races
(24:08) Omar’s journey of marathons and information on his next run
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Omari Crawford's experiences as a student athlete shaped his advocacy for mental health support in sports. He emphasizes athletes' challenges, such as performing under pressure while dealing with personal struggles. He has worked on legislation to support their well-being, which received strong bipartisan support.
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The YMCA played a significant role in Crawford's early development, from sports to community building. Now, as an adult, he remains actively involved, serving on the Eastlake YMCA board and advocating for the organization. His dedication extends to a personal goal of running half marathons across the country, aligning with the YMCA's mission of promoting health and community engagement.
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Omari Crawford shares how running has shaped his mental well-being since childhood. He emphasizes the power of consistency in long-distance running and challenges himself through disciplined habits.
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BIOGRAPHY:
Omari Crawford was raised in DeKalb County, Georgia and currently serves as the State Representative for Georgia’s 89th House District. After graduating from Southwest DeKalb High School, Omari attended Florida A&M University (FAMU) on a track and field scholarship. During his collegiate career, he was a member of the all-academic conference team for three consecutive years. Omari received his Bachelor of Science in political science and Master of Public Administration (MPA) from FAMU in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Omari earned his law degree and Master of Business Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2013. Omari serves on the East Lake Family YMCA boards and the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. He is an active member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc., DeKalb Lawyers Association, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia—serving as the Grand Attorney and serves as a member of the Clark Atlanta University Athletic Director Advisory Council. Omari uses his athletic experiences as a former Georgia High School Association Track and Field Champion to mentor DeKalb County high school student-athletes. Omari participates in races and cycling events around the country in his spare time.