“Let me be great” basketball tournament supports local youth

SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) –After the unsolved murder of her son, Rasheed Baker, was left in the dark.

“God let me know like, you’re not going to stress about it, you’re not going to worry,” said Caldwell. “I know your going to miss him but you have an assignment. A mission.”

That mission was turned into “Let Me Be Great,” an organization, inspired by Caldwell’s son. The organization was aimed to support young people within the community. The “Let Me Be Great” Basketball Tournament gave boys and girls ranging from 3rd to 12th grade the opportunity to see that support on another level.

“We want our kids to have relationships with each other we don’t want them to fight,” said Caldwell. “We want them to realize that on the court we play hard, but off the court, we are family and friends.”

Family and friends of Caldwell were in attendance too, including Syracuse women’s basketball coach, Felisha Legette-Jack. Legette-Jack and Caldwell are both alumni of Nottingham High School. They both share the same values when it comes to supporting the kids.

“I’m just here to support and be a part of what Rasheada has grown into something bigger than life,” said Legette Jack.

Legette-Jack shares her encouraging message with those growing up in the same community she did.

“Now it’s my time to let these young people know, I see you,” said Legette-Jack. “I believe in you. I need you to get beyond where I’ve come from.”

With the help of volunteers and others in the community, Caldwell’s message is being heard.

“We gotta give them a way out and say, listen, There are things we could do better,” said Caldwell. “You don’t have to pick up the gun. You don’t have to use drugs and if there’s an issue come call one of us. We’re here for you”

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