South Carolina Gamecock guard Raven Johnson gives back to community with school supply drive

EAST POINT- The DTLR East Point location was packed from wall to wall, camera’s flashing, music blasting, and kids screaming in excitement.

On Saturday, August 3, DTLR staff transformed their store into a home-away-from home for NCAA basketball champion and Atlanta native Raven Johnson. The event, a back-to-school supplies giveaway designed to support local students, offered not only backpacks, but mindfulness journals to prepare students for the upcoming school year.

Antonio Gray, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at DTLR, highlighted the extensive planning involved. “The planning began months ago when we learned of Raven’s desire to give back to her community,” Gray stated. “With our strong infrastructure for hosting in-store events and bringing in athletes, we handled the logistics seamlessly.”

Gray emphasized the event’s primary goal: providing a memorable experience for the kids. “I hope they got a picture with an athlete they admire and a backpack for school. It’s about giving back to the community,”  he said.

Johnson’s return to her community seemed personal. “It’s a blessing,” Johnson said. “When I was young, people gave back to me for school. Seeing these kids now makes me smile.” 

The joy on the children’s faces resonated deeply with Johnson. “It just makes my day,” she shared. “I’ve been in their shoes, and I know they’re happy to go back to school. Why not help them get ready?” Johnson continued.

The event drew a significant crowd with kids and their parents lining up to meet Johnson. Among the attendees was George Middlebrook, originally from Detroit, Michigan, now residing in the Atlanta area for his work in the film and entertainment industry. Middlebrook brought his two young daughters to see Johnson. 

“We live in the area, so I saw that it was being publicized,” Middlebrook said. “Plus, I’m a fan of South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball. For her to be from Atlanta and to give back to the community is a great thing. It’s important that my daughters see successful Black women doing great things and giving back to the community. Raven is a great example for young Black women, and it’s a great opportunity for them to see this.” 

Johnson’s hope for the children was simple, “I want them to leave with a smile, be happy, and be themselves. School is important and will take them far. Just keep going and have fun,” she stated.

The event met Middlebrook’s expectations. “They filled up their book bags, and we’re happy. The items were high quality, and it was a great experience.” Middlebrook’s daughters were particularly thrilled with the clear Under Armour bookbags they received, which met the requirements for their school. The event was open to the public while supplies lasted. 

“It’s an honor to bring Raven back to her community to give back to kids who admire her and could possibly be like her one day,” Gray said.

Johnson emphasized one message for the children who attended, “Be yourself. Don’t let anyone change you.”

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