Football Great Jim Brown brings program to help at-risk youth to State Capitol
Is guest of Senator Jim Tracy

(NASHVILLE, TN), April 25, 2008–  Football great Jim Brown took his Amer-I-Can program to state’s capitol on Thursday where he met with Governor Phil Bredesen and addressed the Tennessee State Senate.  Brown was the guest of local State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), who is a supporter of the Amer-I-Can program.
 
“It is an honor and privilege today to have with us Jim Brown, in my opinion, the greatest football player of all time, the greatest running back of all time, and probably the most intelligent football player of all time,” said Sen. Tracy.  “Amer-I-Can is a great program that is making a huge impact to improve education, and we are glad to have him and his organization here in our area.”

In 1988, Jim Brown founded and became President of the Amer-I-Can Program, Inc.
The core of the program is a self-esteem/life management skill curriculum that teaches responsibility and self-determination. The Amer-I-Can Program is considered a premier prevention-and-intervention tool in reaching the at-risk population.

“I would like to thank Senator Tracy,” said Brown.  “He has been the point guard of yours truly being in your great state.  Let me start by saying I have not in a long time had this kind of reception from some very wonderful and kind people -- powerful and important people.  So I am very impressed with what is going on here in your state.”

Brown told State Senators Amer-I-Can focuses on curbing violence among young people and improving education.  He said the program, which offers a 60-hour course to students, is working in 16 states with a curriculum that is scientifically developed.  He said Florida, the last state to implement the program, has seen tremendous results in recent test scores.

“What you can expect when a kid goes through those 60 hours is that their grades point averages will come up, their attendance will come up, and their disciplinary actions will go down,” Brown added. 

Brown said he is looking forward to a bill being passed in the General Assembly next year.  “I know you have budget problems but we feel you can’t put too much money or too much time in the development of our young people.  In regards to what you hear, love and caring is a great ingredient and when you combine that with education, you will have success,” he said. 

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) said, “On behalf of all the State Senate, we are honored to have you here.  You are a great man, you are a great American, you are a role model, and we thank you for what you have done.”

Pictured with Jim Brown are Senator Bill Ketron and Senator Jim Tracy.

###