The Emerald Gems Story
The question is not “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” But, “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” - Martin Luther King Jr.
It was during Milt Newton’s teenage years that he was exposed to two people, his mom and dad Carmen and Kent Amos, who personified this mindset. His mom and dad instilled in him the responsibility of being a positive contributing member to society and have been very instrumental in his development as a person who believes in giving to help others achieve. Because of his experiences as an adolescent, this mindset too has been ingrained in his being.
Recently, Bill No. 30-0415 unanimously passed on the senate floor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This bill bestowed the honor on Milt of having the recreation park and basketball court in Estate Bordeaux, which is located on the west end of St. Thomas, named after him. Milt grew up in Estate Bordeaux prior to moving to the U.S. at the age of 14. It was on this playground that his initial hunger to play and learn the sport of basketball was born. The sport of basketball has exposed him to many different people and opportunities. Because of the opportunities basketball has presented, he has traveled the world over.
While it has always been Milt’s intent to give back, the honor he received has accelerated the timetable to establish an annual basketball program of coaching seminars and youth camps and clinics. The goal of these programs is to educate the coaches and youths of the Virgin Islands, and develop their talents. Through the partnership of his wife and co-founder of Emerald Gems, Shalaun Newton, the ultimate vision is to start with basketball camps and gradually grow the foundation to include other charitable programs and contributions.
Emerald Gems is the name that was chosen for the foundation due to its significance. The US Virgin Islands are said to be the “Emeralds of the Sea” and Gems represents how Milt views the youths.
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