As Native American Heritage Month continues, Converge reflects on Native American and First Nations night at a University of Washington (UW) volleyball game in November 2022 with non-profit Rise Above. Dedicated to uplifting Native youth, Rise Above helped connect kids with the inspiring talent and athleticism of the UW volleyball team, including player Emoni Bush. 

Bush expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inspire the next generation. “My whole goal with playing volleyball was to give back to the youth,” she said. “They are the future of our world and we can’t do it without them.”

Former Seattle Supersonics Head Coach Lenny Wilkens, who passed away earlier this month, attended the event and shared his perspective. “No question about it, it’s impactful, especially for young people,” he said. “It lets them know they have a voice, they should be a part of what’s going on, and, to me, they’re the future.”

Learn more about Rise Above at nativeyouthriseabove.org.