ABOUT US

Launching in 2021, The Starting Block: A Fielkow-Chase Youth Education Initiative is designed to build impactful relationships between multicultural and multifaith communities in Greater New Orleans through the lens of practical learning and career building for high school students interested in pursuing professions within the sports industry.

This innovative program was jointly created by the Arnie D. Fielkow Family and the Edgar "Dooky" Jr. & Leah Chase Family Foundation. Those in New Orleans know these names well - this initiative combines the primary passions of Arnie Fielkow's nearly 30-year professional career: sports, Judaism, and fostering relationship building among the diverse subsets of diverse communities. The iconic Leah Chase devoted her entire life to social justice and change, and education, and utilized her unprecedented culinary talents to bring diverse New Orleanians together.

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We're excited to partner with leaders and experts in multiple fields. The Center for Sport at Tulane University, under the direction of Dr. Gabe Feldman, will serve as The Starting Block's primary educational partner, and will be responsible for creating the 18-month curriculum and scheduling of classes. In addition, St. Augustine High School, Touro Synagogue, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, ADL, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana will assist Tulane with the creation of historical and religious education modules. This initiative is made possible through the generosity of the Chase Family, the Fielkow Family, and the Melinda and Morris Mintz Family. Additional partners include the Major League Baseball New Orleans Youth Academy and Each One Save One.

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Questions? Contact Caitrin Gladow at info@thestartingblocknola.com.