A Morning of Leadership, Legacy & Community in Downtown Raleigh
The Men of Southeast Raleigh showed up strong today in support of the DW Foundation’s Brackets & Breakfast event, held at the Downtown Raleigh Marriott. The event brought together community leaders, sports legends, and business voices for a powerful morning of conversation, connection, and inspiration.
With March Madness energy in the air, this event blended basketball culture with meaningful dialogue around leadership, community impact, and legacy-building right here in Raleigh.
Star-Studded Panel Featuring NC Basketball Legends
One of the highlights of the morning was an engaging panel discussion featuring some of North Carolina’s most respected figures in sports and business:
Dereck Whittenburg (NC State) – NCAA Champion and Raleigh leader Phil Ford (UNC-Chapel Hill) – College basketball legend and former NBA player Gene Banks (Duke University) – Former Blue Devils standout and NBA veteran Greg Hatem (Empire Properties CEO) – Influential developer and downtown Raleigh visionary
The panel offered a unique blend of perspectives—from championship-level athletics to entrepreneurship and urban development—giving attendees valuable insights into discipline, teamwork, and building lasting impact.
Men of Southeast Raleigh: Showing Up for the Community
The presence of the Men of Southeast Raleigh at the event reflects their ongoing commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and leadership development. Known for their work supporting youth, families, and local initiatives across Southeast Raleigh, the group continues to be a consistent force at impactful events throughout the city.
Their attendance at Brackets & Breakfast reinforces a core mission:
to connect, uplift, and invest in the future of Raleigh’s communities.
DW Foundation Creating Spaces for Impact
The DW Foundation continues to create meaningful opportunities for connection through events like Brackets & Breakfast. By bringing together leaders from different sectors—sports, business, and community—the foundation fosters conversations that inspire action and collaboration.
Events like this not only celebrate basketball culture during tournament season but also highlight the importance of leadership, mentorship, and community-driven growth.
Why Events Like This Matter in Raleigh
Raleigh continues to grow rapidly, and events like Brackets & Breakfast serve as a reminder of the importance of staying connected to the community. When leaders, organizations, and residents come together, it strengthens the city’s foundation and creates pathways for future generations.
A collaboration between organizations like the DW Foundation and groups like the Men of Southeast Raleigh is exactly what keeps the city moving forward—together.
