Cleveland Charge Community Program Earns League Honor

CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, have been recognized with the 2022-23 NBA G League Social Responsibility Award for the team’s Barbershop Banter program.  The award, selected by a committee of team and league executives, recognizes a team that has demonstrated excellence in business and social responsibility. 

The program recreated the barbershop environment, offering local youth a space to build social/emotional confidence and leadership, as well as the opportunity to develop positive mentoring skills while receiving free haircuts from local barbers. In partnership with Boys Hope Girls Hope, 13 middle school scholars attended sessions with different Charge players, discussing topics like accountability and goal setting.  Attendees were then recognized on the court during the team’s Black Heritage Celebration game on February 24^th. 

"As an agency, we are dedicated to empowering our young people through opportunities and relationships,” remarked Tim Grady, Director at BHGH. “Not only did our Scholars receive memories of a lifetime by engaging with players in this program, they took away valuable character building messages of resilience and perseverance. We salute the Charge on this award and look forward to continuing our 'Banter' with the Charge for years to come!" 

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the NBA G League for a program that has been many seasons in the making,” said Cleveland Charge Manager of Community Relations and Corporate Communications, Joanna Radov. “We have worked hard to develop meaningful and impactful relationships in our Cleveland community through these kinds of programs and are excited to continue to grow in the future.”