As I sat in the stands last night at the Peterson Event Center, it felt surreal.  The venue spoke of an elite level of competition.  The lights were bright, the court shimmered, and you could feel the intensity.  I looked around at a sea of familiar faces.  The mother who drops her son off at school in the morning.  The grandmother who delivers her grandson’s lunch. I saw Imani alumni decked out in Imani swag with beaming broad smiles.  They were there although it was a weeknight, and they had jobs to return to in the morning.  They were there with their families, from young children to seasoned grandparents. 

I saw the receptionist with the big smile and warm welcome in her voice.  I saw the towering dean of students, and the thoughtful face of the school’s chaplain.  I saw the community that surrounds an inner- city school nestled in a neighborhood yet to see the economic transformation that has touched other parts of this city.  I saw the faithfully devoted fans of a team that has again achieved the improbable.

Last night, the young men of Imani Christian Academy captured the WPIAL Championship for a second time and the hearts and minds of their East End Community.  With another spectacular display of unity, collaboration, hard-work and skill, they exemplified excellence.  Their victory is not only one of competitive athletics, but a victory of the heart.  It speaks to the unyielding resolve that whispers, “I am more than my zip code”, “I am more than my income-level”, and “I am more than the statistical norm.”  It is that quiet voice that whispers, “I have dared to dream one of my greatest dreams and lived to see it realized.” 

Congratulations to the Imani Saints! You have inspired us yet again.  We will see you in the State playoffs as you look to defend your State Championship.  God bless you!