08/20/2026
As we celebrate 80 years of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, we are proud to recognize the Club Kids who are part of our story and continue to make an impact in our community and beyond.
Today, we are shining the spotlight on Kareem White, a proud alum of the Bradenton, Palmetto, and Desoto Boys & Girls Clubs!
Kareem, attended the Clubs from 1981 - 1993. One of his favorite Club memories was the time he played with the Greyhound Bus baseball team as a young child. He also enjoyed going on field trips to places like Disney World, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and Sea World.
Kareem has worked in sports for the past 26 years (over half his life), including the last 19 years at ESPN. He is currently working as the Director of Talent Production. He has won 5 Sports Emmy Awards, 3 Telly Awards and 2 New York International Film and Television Awards.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County helped Kareem develop and nurture lifelong friendships and taught him skills that he still uses today in his personal and professional life.
Kareem is a member of several organizations including the (NABJ) National Association of Black Journalists, Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists, Tampa Bay Black Sports Professionals, FSU Black Alumni Association and the FAMU Alumni Association.
“Being a Club kid has shaped my entire life. I will always cherish my time at the Club. After I was old enough to work, my first job was at the Bradenton Boys Club. I worked at the Palmetto Club while in high school and the Desoto Club while in college. I am very grateful for my time spent there. The Club taught me life skills, how to interact with people from different backgrounds, and to value teamwork. I learned how to play multiple sports at the Club and took those skills and sports knowledge to launch and sustain my career.”
We cannot wait to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate 80 years of impact with our alumni!
Want to be our next Alumni Spotlight—or know a Club alum whose story should be shared? We want to hear from you! Submit your information or nominate a fellow Club alum here:
👉 https://bit.ly/4fleExI
