International Basketball Star Monet Izumi to Host Black & Gold Youth Workshop in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
(PCDC) Candice Lombardi, Communications & Development Manager
215-922-6156 clombardi@chinatown-pcdc.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International Basketball Star Monet Izumi to Host Youth Workshop in Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA, PA — September 5, 2025 —
On Wednesday, September 10th, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) will welcome Japanese women’s international basketball player Monet Izumi to lead a basketball workshop for local youth at the Crane Community Center. This exclusive U.S. stop will be Monet’s only stateside workshop before she heads to Europe to begin her next professional basketball contract. The event is part of Black & Gold 2.0, a cross-cultural youth empowerment initiative that brings together Asian and African American youth from Chinatown and North Philadelphia.
Izumi, who previously connected with Black & Gold 2.0 participants through a virtual conversation, was so inspired by their energy and enthusiasm that she is coming to Philadelphia to meet them. She will lead an after-school basketball camp focused on teamwork, discipline, and personal growth through sport. COO of SuperBig Media Jimmy Raiford said, “We’re proud to host this inspiring day for our youth, showing them that relentless pursuit of a dream and how the power of diverse teamwork can lead to meaningful success.”
Black & Gold 2.0, presented by PCDC in partnership with All in the Family, is a dynamic program designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and leadership among middle and high school students. Through hands-on workshops in media production, audio engineering, career centered arts and various industries exposure, our youth gain technical skills while exploring identity, communication, and career pathways. The youth basketball workshop will take place from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM following a VIP reception at 3:30 PM and opening remarks at 4 PM on the 2nd Floor of Crane Community Center, located at 1001 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
This basketball workshop with Monet Izumi is generously supported in part by Comcast Spectacor, Ascend Cares through the Dupont and Ascend partnership, CIG Asia, and Luna Hospitality. About Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) Founded in 1966, PCDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Chinatown as a vibrant ethnic, residential, and business community. PCDC’s programs include affordable housing development, neighborhood planning and advocacy, commercial corridor revitalization, and youth and family support services.
About All in the Family Founded in 1995, All In The Family is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) organization that strengthens the Strawberry Mansion and North Central communities. Through partnerships, community engagement, and support for existing housing, we enhance quality of life across five pillars: social services, housing renovation, economic development, safety, and land use redevelopment.
About SuperBig Media Formed through the merger of Independent Broadcast Company and Zeal PRA, SuperBig is a parent company overseeing a network of creative and entertainment ventures, e.g., SuperBig Media. Its unique partnership model supports international collaboration, in-house development, and independent operations across subsidiaries, helping creative projects and businesses grow through its strategic management and specialty resources.
Contact: Please contact Candice Lombardi, Communications and Development Manager, clombardi@chinatown-pcdc.org with any inquiries. ###