Garland resident Ike Diogu will be recognized in June as a finalist at the Immigrant Journey Awards event sponsored by the Scheef and Stone Law Firm.
In its fifth year, the Immigrant Journey Awards will recognize the most important contributions from the immigrant community to the civic and economic vitality of North Texas.
Diogu said that it is always nice to be recognized for the work you do.
“It’s a humbling experience,” he said. “I’m grateful to be nominated for the award.”
Diogu, the youngest song of Nigerian immigrant parents, grew up in Garland where he made his mark on the basketball courts at Austin Academy and Garland high School. Diogu was in middle school when his family moved to North America from Nigeria. He joined the Austin Academy Eagles basketball team and then became a stand-out player at Garland High School. He then played basketball while attending Arizona State University.
He went on to play for the Golden State Warriors as the ninth pick overall, the Indiana Pacers, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Sacramento Kings. He has also played in Puerto Rico and China and was a member of the 2012 Nigerian Olympic Basketball Team.
Because of the role that Garland ISD played in his success, Diogu created the Ikandy Foundation through which he could give back to the community. The foundation is a nonprofit entity designed to carry on philanthropic activities to benefit underprivileged children.
As explained on the website, The Ikandy Foundation “is dedicated to improving the quality of life of underprivileged children with a special focus on promoting academic and athletic excellence.”
Two of the largest events sponsored by the foundation are an annual back to school rally in August and a festive Christmas party. The children attending both events enjoy lunch and activities along with gifts at the Christmas event and backpacks loaded with school supplies at the August event.
The Ikandy Foundation has also helped thousands of students in Garland and other cities by holding basketball camps to promote physical fitness and by working with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club to provide after school tutoring.
Ike’s mother Jane runs the foundation and said that the idea to establish the organization came from her son who wanted to give back after he turned pro.
“The goal of this foundation is to help underprivileged kids be productive citizens that will help the community. We wish for them to stay in school and to get an education because education is the key to everything,” Jane said.
Other awards received by Diogu include being presented the Key to the City of Garland by former Garland Mayor Ronald E. Jones in 2007.
Details:
Dr. Vistasp M. Karbhari, University of Texas at Arlington President will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Summit and Awards ceremony which will be held Friday, June 10 at Prestonwood Country Club 15909 Preston Rd. in Dallas. The event starts at 8:30 a.m.