Coach Jeffrey Turned Initial Racism into Love and Gratitude While Teaching Kids Basketball, Soccer in New York

An inspiring story!

December 14, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 10, 2026

Lennox Jeffrey, a youth sports coach, recently shared a heartfelt story on Facebook about his racism experiences while teaching young children in New York.

His post reflects on the challenges he faced as the only Black coach in an organization and how he was able to turn initial negative reactions into love and gratitude.

Multi-Sports Coach Reflects on Teaching Kids in NY and Overcoming Racism!

In his post, Jeffrey mentioned that he worked with children aged 5 to 8 during his time in NY.

He used to teach them basketball, soccer, football, and other games to develop their motor skills and teamwork.

Jeffery would pick the kids up on a bus and take them to Randle’s Island for practice and play.

At first, he noticed the children giving him “racist energy.” One example he shared was when a young boy reacted with disgust when Jeffrey touched his backpack.

Instead of responding negatively, Jeffrey focused on creating positive experiences.

On the bus, he sang camp songs and shared laughter, while on the field, he encouraged the kids, making the games fun and supportive.

Over time, his patience and consistent positivity helped the children see him in a new light.

By the last day of camp, the same kids who had initially been distant approached him with tears in their eyes, hugging him and expressing their love.

Jeffrey’s post emphasizes that children are not born to hate. Their early behaviors are shaped by exposure and learning.

He says that with proper guidance, childrens can grow to appreciate and respect others.

Following Jeffrey’s post, many have shared their experiences and thoughts on children’s behavior and how it is shaped, reflecting similar ideas, one user in the comments wrote;

This is a learned behavior no one is born a racist they are taught this behavior.. I can say this most of those kids will still be racist but like the housekeeper the nanny whatever they call them they loved on her, but still look at her at just that nothing more. Those children grew up and use the fact that they had a black mammi who breast they had to use to eat as babies made them not racist yet they would make they same mammi kids their play slaves. Times don’t change people do and many will never change the mind of the family teachings. While we are teaching our children to love they are teaching hate. Just by what is being done to government contracting is showing it.

In sharing his experience, Coach Jeffrey reminds everyone that most people ultimately seek the same things: life, love, and happiness.

By contributing positively to the lives of others, we can help create a more understanding and compassionate world.

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Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

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