In 2019, third-generation wood floor pro Izaiah Barrow of New York City-based iSandNewYork teamed up with friends to organize a basketball tournament for kids in their neighborhood, Kingsbridge, in the West Bronx. After seeing how much the event brought the community together, Barrow and his friend Shakir Seagers launched Theory 9, a nonprofit that has quickly become a fixture in Kingsbridge and beyond. The nonprofit has been involved in everything from monthly food drives to school supply drives to toy drives, accumulating over 3,500 toys last Christmas. It’s been awarded sponsorships by Gatorade and been lauded by city council members, and last summer the group led a community cleanup that removed over 4,000 pounds of trash. Running a successful wood flooring business made Barrow a well-known pillar in his community, and he saw it as an opportunity to give back. “I love knowing that my community is not going without,” Barrow says. “In tough times, every place needs a shimmer—a glimmer of light.” Barrow’s woodworking skills have also come in handy for Theory 9’s annual refurbishing of the community’s 150-plus benches, which had been deteriorating. Barrow and Seagers have big plans for Theory 9’s future, including initiating a trade education program for inner city kids called “A Floorman’s Dream,” as well as launching a home renovation work program for adults to learn a trade. They’ve also continued to sponsor their youth basketball team, the Rising Kings. “Our main goal is, of course, to leave a legacy, but also to leave a foundation that can be followed,” Barrow says. “The elderly leading and the young following, but also the young taking charge as the elderly let go.”
Theory 9 has also put up new rims for its youth basketball team, the Rising Kings.
Barrow (left) helps to refurbish benches in Old Fort Four Park.
Barrow (left) with some of the teens involved in Theory 9's program.
Barrow (left) with some of the children involved in Theory 9's program.
Theory 9's toy drive accumulated over 3,500 toys last Christmas.
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