An adoring crowd of young people, parents, community members and basketball lovers filled the auditorium at the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian Schools to greet NBA star and alumni Allen Crabbe on March 20.
The audience gathered to witness the official naming of the Youth Activity Center court after Crabbe, who attended FKCP from the age of 12-weeks-old to his high school graduation. In addition, the Brooklyn Nets player donated a significant amount last year to keep the institution operating in South Los Angeles.
FKCP was established in 1986 by Crabbe’s grandparents, Apostle Frederick and Dr. Betty Price, founders of Crenshaw Christian Center, and his aunt, Angela Price Evans. The fully accredited facility has maintained a 100 percent graduation rate among its students and 100 percent acceptance rate into four-year universities. Crabbe’s contribution ensures that FKCP will continue to open for years into the future.
“This is a time of rejoicing. We are all here on one accord to celebrate this young man and his accomplishments. I thank you, Lord, for his dedication, his hard work and his commitment to excellence,” said Crabbe’s uncle, Pastor Fred K. Price, Jr., during his opening prayer.
Offering more insight about Crabbe’s actions, Evans noted, “The back story is quite amazing. Last June 29, this hometown hero saved his alma mater on the same day I was about to give the dreaded news [of the schools’ closing] to our parents and teachers. It would have been the last Christian school open in this area.
“Then a miracle happened and Allen said he would provide the funding to keep the schools open for years. That was an awesome day in the life of Price Schools,” declared Evans. “So, Allen, my darling nephew, thank you a million times over for saving the schools!”
Crabbe’s mother, Cheryl Price said, she didn’t think her son “knew the import of what he had done until parents, students and different people started thanking him.”
Agreeing that the impact of his donation was unexpected, Crabbe remarked that it was simply his love of God and his family that influenced him to contribute the finances.
“I did this out of the goodness of my heart for God, my family and my grandparents and aunt who founded this school. The legacy that they have built over the years has been amazing,” said Crabbe.
“Just knowing that the school was going to close, I didn’t have a second thought [about helping] and continuing to generate ways to keep the schools open. I just couldn’t let it close.
“It’s always been dream of mine to play in the NBA. I got there and I’ve been blessed to do things like this – to give back. I never want to take that for granted,” he shared. “The platform that I have is about giving back and letting the younger generation know that it’s not about the fame or money, but what you do with all you have.”
The attendees at the ceremony included Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and Crabbe’s teammates, D’Angelo Russell, Shabazz Napier and Caris Levert.
Frederick K.C. Price III Schools is located on the campus of Crenshaw Christian Center, 7901 S. Vermont Ave., in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit priceschools.org.
