Community
May 16 Declared Armand Carr Day in Oakland
NBA legend Adonal Foyle presented Carr with an honorary basketball and thanked him for his dedication to the youth and community. “Armand is an all-around great guy who is very committed,” said Foyle. He was happy to be able to gather since the pandemic, and have a brief break from fundraising to support his home island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines both damaged by a recent volcano eruption. “There’s a lot to be done back home, but I had to come and support a great friend.”
All Tied Up founder and radio personality Armand Carr’sdidn’t know that Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf had declared May 16, his birthday, Armand Carr Day.
Carr thought he was attending an All Tied Up Event and basketball tournament on the campus of AIMS College Prep High School in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood. The festivities on Sunday included a five-on-five basketball competition, pool table, red carpet, and complimentary gourmet taco stand.
When Carr arrived, driven by his life partner, Eileen Gazaway, he had no idea his children, friends, fans, and celebrities were in attendance. Through hugs and laughter, Carr took in the moment as HipHopTV photographers and network videographers snapped shots and recorded the scene. The couple’s colleagues congratulated Gazaway, founder of Service N Motion, for coordinating the surprise.
A representative of Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley’s office presented a commendation to Carr. But when the representative of Schaaf’s office declared May 16 Armand CarrDay the honoree was floored. Through tears, Carr, almost speechless, thanked everyone and vowed to continue his work in the community. “I want to leave a legacy and I will have my children continue my tradition of trying to make a difference in the community,” said Carr.
NBA legend Adonal Foyle presented Carr with an honorary basketball and thanked him for his dedication to the youth and community. “Armand is an all-around great guy who is very committed,” said Foyle. He was happy to be able to gather since the pandemic, and have a brief break from fundraising tosupport his home island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines both damaged by a recent volcano eruption. “There’s a lot to be done back home, but I had to come and support a great friend.”
“All Tied Up is five years old and Armand has been a consistent force for our youth – we are partnering with AIMS to host this annually,” said Gazaway. Shawn Granberry, CEO of HipHopTV, played basketball with the kids. “This is real town business, honoring those who are for and about community,” said Granberry.
Oaklander Lynette Jones attended with her son Luke, a new graduate of Bay Tech (Bay Area Technical High School). “It’s great to see what Mr. Carr has done in the community and it was nice to meet Adonal Foyle,” he said. “When I graduate from Cal State East Bay in Psychology, I want to give back to the community, too.”
“Living through a pandemic, it is really nice to come out, enjoy a community event and honor Armand,” said Jones. “My son is having a great time today. All of our young people need an organization like All Tied Up to let children know that they can reach their goals.”
For more information on how to support Armand Carr’s mission of uplifting youth, visit AllTiedUp.org
