The NBA mothers are coming to Lansing, and they won't be playing basketball like their all-star sons.
This Saturday, they'll be scoring a slam dunk with gospel music at the Immanuel's Temple Community Church, 5400 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Lucille O'Neal — Shaquille O'Neal's mother — and Christine Johnson — Earvin "Magic" Johnson's mother — will be the mistresses of ceremony. And if that isn't enough, Jolinda Wade — Dwyane Wade's mother — is scheduled to be attending and participating in the concert, too.
The show begins at 6 p.m. and is aimed to lift the spirits of anyone who is struggling or just needs a pick-me-up. Tickets can be purchased at
Shanora's Beauty Supply & Gospel Connection at either one of its two locations in Lansing — 829 W. Saginaw St. or 635 S. Waverly Road — for $16. Tickets also will be available at Immanuel's Temple Community Church the day of the concert for $18.
The NBA mothers actually started their bond together on Trinity Broadcasting Network's television program "Praise the Lord," hosted by Pastor Paula White. Christine Johnson was joined by Lucille O'Neil, Jolinda Wade, Delores Jordan — Michael Jordan's mother — and Paulette Smith — Josh Smith's mother.
The mothers immediately bonded on the television show as they discussed the hardships in their lives before their sons made it into the NBA. From there, the five women came together to raise money for charity groups.
The only NBA mother who will not be at the concert will be Delores Jordan.
The newest member of the group is Elaine Richardson-Cook, who will also be joining in the concert. She's the mother of former MSU basketball star Jason Richardson, current professional player on the Golden State Warriors.
Elaine Richardson-Cook said she wanted audience members to walk away from the concert with a sense of optimism.
"I want them to experience the excitement of knowing that God is there for you, no matter what your difficulties are. Concerning the hardships of everyday life, we're letting people know there's a way out," Elaine Richardson-Cook said.
Some of the proceeds from the concert will be going toward Jason Richardson's basketball camp for boys and girls ages 7-17 this summer from July 31 to Aug. 4 in the Saginaw area.
Elaine Richardson-Cook also will be raising money for her growing organization, Diamonds in the Rough, a group aimed to help single mothers who are struggling.
The gospel performance is not only about the NBA mothers and their charity organizations — it also is about helping out independent musicians who aren't mainstream or signed to major labels.
Jackie Day is the chief officer of operations at D&J Promotions/Management Inc. and said it's tough to break into the music scene so her company is working to provide exposure for these artists.
Gospel groups from all over the country are coming to Lansing to perform. The Electrified Woods Brothers will be coming from Atlanta, Ga., Reverand Al & Pashion Lewis are straight from Birmingham, Ala., and Lansing's own Tabernacle Voices of Praise also will be performing among many other gospel groups.
Day said the main goal of the concert is to encourage people and let them know there is hope. The NBA mothers are there to let people know about the silver lining in every dark cloud and they haven't forgotten the hard times.
"You can't just get up and say that I'm past that point, but we're reaching out to the people that are still in a bad position," Day said.
Day said gospel music is important to people in all walks of life, but can be especially helpful to college students who may be at the end of their rope.
"We have something for everyone. There are students that feel like giving up because young people get discouraged and may be struggling in school, but we're here to say just hang on," Day said.
