How to Make a Positive Impact: Tracy Abrams Jr.

Tracy Abrams' journey from the basketball courts of Chicago's South Side to becoming a dedicated mentor and community leader is a story of passion, perseverance, and giving back. His early love for basketball laid the foundation for a remarkable career as both an athlete and a role model to countless young people in his hometown. Abrams' experiences on and off the court have shaped his vision for helping the next generation succeed. In this episode of Clubhouse Talks, we explore how his upbringing, education, and basketball career led him to create Chicago Positive Impact, an organization focused on mentoring and empowering Chicago's youth. We'll also dive into his thoughts on leadership, networking, and overcoming challenges, providing insights into the principles that drive his work today.

Background

Abrams founded Chicago Positive Impact to combine his love for basketball, his city, and his commitment to supporting its youth. Growing up in the Woodlawn community, not far from where he attended Mount Carmel High School, basketball became a central part of his life at the age of nine. During his formative years on Chicago’s South Side, Abrams faced pivotal decisions that would shape his future and connected with a mentor who recognized both his basketball talent and strong character. After playing for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on a student-athlete scholarship, Abrams earned three degrees and was celebrated for his community outreach. Today, he remains dedicated to mentoring and empowering the city's youth through his nonprofit organization, Chicago Positive Impact.

Transitioning from Basketball

After battling injuries during his college basketball career at the University of Illinois,  Abrams realized his NBA dreams were fading. He then shifted his focus to academics, earning two master's degrees—one in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, and another in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism. Prior to that, Abrams had completed a bachelor's degree in Communication, which helped prepare him for a successful career beyond basketball.

Launching a Nonprofit

As a kid from Chicago, Abrams came full circle with a strong desire to give back to the community that shaped him. During his childhood, he was fortunate to have a mentor who left a lasting impact on his life. When his basketball career ended, Abrams combined his passion for the game with his commitment to supporting Chicago's youth, just as his mentor had done for him. This led him to found Chicago Positive Impact, an organization dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation.

Motivating the Youth

Chicago Positive Impact uses basketball as a powerful tool to motivate and inspire youth, offering growth opportunities both on and off the court. As an inclusive organization, it provides basketball training, competitive tournaments, and organized leagues, giving kids a chance to improve their skills in a supportive, structured environment. Led by Abrams, the program emphasizes teaching important life lessons—such as leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—through the sport, empowering young people to succeed in both basketball and life.

Overcoming Doubt

Starting a nonprofit like Chicago Positive Impact requires perseverance and the ability to overcome numerous challenges. Throughout the ups and downs, Abrams has stayed grounded by adapting to obstacles while remaining focused on his goals. Rather than getting overwhelmed by setbacks, he consistently reconnects with the core mission of the organization. By keeping his focus on the positive impact he aims to make in the community, Abrams ensures that every step forward stays true to his original vision of supporting Chicago’s youth.