A Decatur, Georgia high school was surprised by one of their Alumni, rapper Future.
Columbia High School now has a brand new weight room thanks to the rapper, his Freewishes Foundation, and Foot Locker.
The FreeWishes Foundation, a nonprofit started by the rapper, partnered with the sportswear company to renovate the weight room at Columbia High School for the athletes and students. Future, born Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, has been giving back to the school through events, scholarships, and workshops.
Greg Barnett, head football coach, says he appreciates the gift from Future and his organization. He believes this new renovation will motivate his team for the upcoming season.
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Tia Wilburn, Future’s sister and Community Engagement Director of the FreeWishes Foundation, is also a former student from the school. According to Wilburn, the weight room hasn’t changed since she was a student at the school.
“Columbia has had the same weight room,” Wilburn said. “since I was attending there.”
Wilburn also noted the foundation’s focus on health and wellness and the importance of creating a conducive environment for students.
“Since our foundation is very big on health and wellness, it was important for us to help create an environment for students in which they could be comfortable, have pride, and perform their best,” Wilburn said. “Also, research shows that students who are physically active tend to excel academically and have better attendance. They are less likely to struggle with depression and other mental health issues.”
Wilburn posted a photo of Columbia High’s weight room on her Instagram account last month. Wilburn shared her excitement for the project in the caption, revealing she holds the school near and dear to her.
“I’m so excited about this project. Columbia is very near and dear to the hearts of my family and I,” Wilburn wrote. “My mom, brother and I all attended high school here. Every time we are able to come back and do something amazing for the school and families of this community, we are thankful.”
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Wilburn reflected on who she was and who she had grown up to be while working on the school’s project.
“As I walk these halls, I reflect on who I was when I was here, who I’ve grown to be and the brightest future that still awaits me. Humbled and grateful by every opportunity to bless others,” Wilburn wrote. “Many are called, but few will choose. God has called us and we will always walk in obedience to his will for our family and what we have been instructed to do for others.”
The FreeWishes foundation shared a video of the school’s press conference and the reveal of the new weight room on its official Instagram account.
“This past weekend we head to Columbia High School to set forth on one of our passion projects,” the caption read. “Our founder, Future, attended Columbia as a student so being able to give back in this way amongst our Columbia High School family and with our community was special. We had a goal in mind to renovate the Eagle’s weight room and in teaming up with @footlockeratlanta .. that’s exactly what we did.”
The caption concludes with thanking everyone who played a role in making the renovation happen.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this come together,” the caption reads. “We can’t wait to see all the magic that takes place here. There really is nothing bigger than the bird.”
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“Foot Locker is a universal brand,” Future said. “It’s a great thing to be a part of Foot Locker and come back to Columbia to give back.”
This isn’t the first time Foot Locker Atlanta has worked alongside an Atlanta-bred artist to give back.
In December of 2021, the team assisted 2Chainz in restoring the gym at his alma mater, North Clayton High School.
