Goal: Transform 52 Cities Inspired by Ray Lewis’ Iconic Jersey Number
(BALTIMORE – January 19, 2025) – On a brisk evening at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, a transformative announcement reverberated across the city and beyond. Joined by local leaders, investors, and notable figures like NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a coalition revealed a groundbreaking $600 million investment into the Choo Smith Communiversity brand, paving the way for national expansion across 52 cities.
Choo Smith, a former Harlem Globetrotter and Baltimore City College alumnus, has spent 16 years turning his vision into reality. After overcoming challenges, including the pandemic, Smith celebrated this milestone as a testament to perseverance. “They told us they were ready to fund us after hearing what people said about Choo Smith Youth Empowerment,” he shared. “What started in Baltimore now has a national agenda for 52 cities. God has an assignment, and we’re ready to make it happen.”
Ray Lewis, whose iconic Ravens jersey number 52, is instrumental to the project’s success and symbolizes the initiative’s scope. “Ray helped bring influential figures to the table,” said team member Karyn Bullock. “We’ve gone from one city to twelve and now to 52. This moment proves that faith, focus, and perseverance pay off.”
At the banquet. Gov. Wes Moore celebrated Lewis. “Let me tell you something. He’s one of us because he is a person who has always fought for us. He’s a person who has always believed in us.”
The inaugural Choo Smith Communiversity will anchor in Baltimore on an 18.5-acre site in Cold Spring. Envisioned as a hub of community revitalization, the development will resemble a college campus, offering youth programs, community services, sports facilities, retail spaces, and residential amenities. The state-of-the-art project aims to foster education, wellness, and economic empowerment in underserved neighborhoods.
Key Features of the Baltimore Site:
- Size: 18.5 acres with 347,800 sq. ft. of existing structures
- Location: Mixed-use zoning, 5 minutes from I-83
- Proximity: Sinai Hospital, top universities, Maryland Zoo, and Pimlico Race Track
Visionary Leadership Driving the Initiative:
- Victor Vazquez, Founder & CEO of Futurewell: With 30 years of expertise in large-scale investments and human-centered innovation, Vazquez brings unmatched skill in structuring deals and aligning global stakeholders to create transformative opportunities.
- Ray Lewis, NFL Legend and Motivational Leader: A two-time Super Bowl champion and celebrated motivational speaker, Lewis’s dedication to leadership and community impact inspires the initiative’s broader mission.
Rooted in Baltimore, the Choo Smith Communiversity symbolizes hope, resilience, and collaboration. With plans to transform 52 cities nationwide, this flagship project serves as a bold blueprint for revitalizing communities across America.
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