[Newark, NJ] Superintendent Leόn, President Hasani Council and members of the Newark Board of Education, along with representatives of the New York Giants, the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, and Greater Newark Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) joined students, staff, and parents from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly renovated football field and stadium. Treated to a rousing performance by the Malcolm X Shabazz High School marching band and dance team, attendees had the opportunity to view the manifestation of the collaborative effort to upgrade the stadium for the Malcolm X Shabazz High School students.

The Newark Public Schools received a grant of $250,000 from the New York Giants through the National Football League Foundation Grassroots Program in partnership with LISC, towards the installation of a new synthetic turf field and track at Malcolm X Shabazz/South Side High School Stadium. The grant received by the Newark Public Schools is part of an overall $3 million in field refurbishment awards allocated this year to community organizations, schools, and parks in 16 cities and towns across the country.

The state-of-the-art facility at Malcolm X Shabazz High School was built by the collective efforts of CTS Design Group, Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc., and the Land-Tek Group who partnered with the Newark Public Schools’ Office of Facilities, Department of Health & Physical Education, as well as school-based and central office staff.

"This grant from the New York Giants through the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program will provide endless opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive through athletics and recreation. The stadium and field have always been a staple in our community; receiving brand-new turf will make a difference like no other. I am deeply grateful for this investment into our community and our young people," said Superintendent León.

“I continue to stand in awe at the accomplishments of this school and our district. While the work we do in every school is important to me, this project in the South Ward, where I was born gives me great joy,” said President Council.

“We are thrilled that our longstanding partnership with the NFL Foundation and LISC has continued to create long-lasting change through the Grassroots Program”, said Allison Stangeby, Vice President of Community Relations for the New York Giants. “This grant has helped to support the construction of the new playing surface at Shabazz Stadium which will provide more athletic opportunities for our Newark community.”

“Greater Newark LISC is proud of our joint efforts with the NFL Foundation and the Giants to provide an improved recreational experience for young people in the Newark community. We are committed to supporting opportunities that will foster positive changes in young lives,” said Judith Thompson-Morris, Deputy Executive Director of Greater Newark LISC.

This celebration comes on the heels of many other accomplishments for Malcolm X Shabazz High School, showcasing a trajectory of success.  Notably, the school has increased enrollment, improved attendance, reduced chronic absenteeism, increased graduation rates, and historic achievement on the NJGPA last year due to the dedication and commitment of the administration, teachers, staff, parents, and students.