A few words
About Us
History
Our story starts was born in the struggle that starts way back in April of 1992 during the "L.A Riots".
Born and raised on the East Side of Los Angeles California during a time where gangbanging and hustling ruled the streets, day in and day out. I would never imagine the day where so-called enemies, rivals, and territorial issues can be overlooked to address the cause. I was kicked out of Los Angeles County schools in junior high, in and out of trouble, and my single mother met a US Marine Veteran that put down his life on the line to raise me. As gang culture along with crack cocaine took over the streets of Los Angeles my parents decided to move out of the Los Angeles area to get me away from the East Side culture that I was born into.
During April 1992 a verdict was reached that changed my perspectives forever. It was my senior year in High School, the LA Riots broke out and while the riots were going on, I seen a different course of action (unity within the community) in a community where I used to watch the police, corruption, and unethical behaviors had forced my community to do. Burn down their own community, but, where I lived in Whittier there were no evidence of the rage and disdain for the system that I had been accustomed to.
Although my parents did not support me going to Los Angeles to avoid me getting into trouble, I went anyway. I had a vision of unity when I seen Cholos, Bloods and Crips rolling together, demonstrating brotherhood, and representing our cause to show the world, that LA culture was beyond stereotypes. I made a vow that if my soul was spared to make it to a greater height in life that I would pour out my spirit back into the hood, use every viable resource and dedicate my energy to a cause that is greater than me.
While the city was on fire and being destroyed ,It was me, Solomon Harris (RIP ), Sampson Harris (RIP), Booker (RIP) , Jermaine ”Jug-Head” Williams (RIP) , CAPP, Playa Ray, De Aundré, Boo, D.C., D-Train, Big Ed, Robert Lee Woods (RIP)and a few friends were playing dominos in the streets on a make shift table at my Auntie Bobbie Jean’s house. I coined the phrase “Ivory League” to convey the idea that we can use domino’s, chess, dice that we touch to rebuild our community and establish a brand that resembles what we do in the hood!
Although the destruction was ugly, horrific, and devastating none of us had fear in our hearts. I saw so much confidence in the brothers and sisters to demonstrate peace and unity but it still goes on today. Although it was a short lived period of peace, it is realistic to say that Ivory League was born in the struggle and was designed to represent a unique culture that has been known to set trends around the globe.
20 years later, after I have served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, obtained the rank of Sergeant of Marines; I exited the military to return back to LA. As I relive those moments I had an epiphany that the need for Ivory League should be used to heal my community, serve as an icon and actually take my hobby to another level by establishing a business to manufacture gear for Ivory Sports, develop a league, and help promote vitality in my community. I ran into the darkness of depression, procrastination and struggles of the curses of life.
I have educated myself and believe that we can share the dream. I have used my Marine Corps training to help me provide the leadership, courage and commitment to pursue my dream to give back to my community or make a contribution to show the youth that anything is possible when you believe in the Most High, yourself and the cause of brother/sisterhood.
My goal is to bring Ivory League to communities across the globe and to my brother and sisters in the Armed forces wherever, USA or World/ Through Ivory Sports such as Chess, Dominos, Backgammon, and Checkers I plan to teach financial literacy, strategy and engagement to the youth, and develop a brand that is respected for its originality! Get like me!