Honestly with Bari Weiss The Man Who Helped Michael Jordan Win
53 snips
May 8, 2025 
George Raveling, a pioneering former basketball coach and mentor to Michael Jordan, shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated D.C. to becoming a respected force in sports. He recounts pivotal moments in his career, including standing next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. Raveling emphasizes the power of mentorship and education, while also discussing the evolving landscape of athlete empowerment and the need for a balance between sports and personal growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Life and Racial Barriers
- George Raveling was born in 1937 in segregated Washington, D.C., and faced early life tragedies including losing his father and his mother’s institutionalization.
- Despite these hardships, he became a pioneering African-American basketball player and coach, breaking racial barriers at several universities.
Grandmother's Support and Resilience
- George’s grandmother, Dear, was his strong pillar, raising him after his mother’s mental breakdown.
- She insisted on love and care for his mother despite her condition, providing George stability and teaching resilience.
Catholic School’s Positive Impact
- At Catholic boarding school St. Michael's, George experienced love, positive self-esteem, and encouragement from nuns and teachers.
- His basketball talent was nurtured by his homeroom teacher's sister who tutored him weekly, fueling his development.
