Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel sits down with NBA Hall of Famer Alex English to discuss his journey from the playgrounds of Columbia, South Carolina to a legendary pro career and his ongoing impact off the court. Alex shares the story behind founding the Let’s Share Foundation, which began with delivering Thanksgiving baskets and has grown into a nonprofit supporting families facing homelessness, funding after-school STEM programs, and creating opportunities for underserved youth. He also previews his annual celebrity golf tournament and offers his vision for advancing women’s basketball and strengthening the WNBA.
Alex English
Alexander “Alex” English Sr. is a respected leader, philanthropist, and advocate, best known as the founder of the Let’s Share Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families in need through youth mentorship, STEM education, and improved access to food resources. His commitment to community empowerment is rooted in decades of public service and entrepreneurship. Prior to establishing his foundation, English built a reputation as an influential voice across education, civic engagement, and social impact channels, with a focus on uplifting underserved communities.
Before turning his attention full-time to nonprofit work, English leveraged his professional and personal networks to foster sustainable community impact. Though detailed professional history is limited in the public domain, his vision for Let’s Share reflects a strategic, mission-driven mindset that balances compassion with structure and accountability. English has positioned the foundation not just as a charity, but as a platform for long-term, systemic change, bridging gaps in opportunity and fostering generational growth.
As a leader, Alex English Sr. brings both heart and purpose to his endeavors. His work with Let’s Share has earned recognition for creating pathways for youth and families to thrive. He continues to build partnerships across sectors — including business, education, and local government — to expand the reach and efficacy of his foundation’s programming. His legacy is shaped by a belief that collective effort, guided by clear strategy and inclusive engagement, can transform lives and strengthen communities.
Let's Share Foundation
Let’s Share Foundation is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting children, families, and communities through mentorship, access to nutrition, and empowering STEM education. Founded by community leader Alex English Sr., the foundation operates with a vision of equity and opportunity — working to make sure that underserved youth can reach their highest potential, regardless of their circumstances.
At its core, Let’s Share emphasizes sustainable impact over short-term fixes. Its programs combine direct services — such as food distribution and educational support — with long-term capacity building. The foundation partners with schools, community groups, corporate supporters, and volunteers to create multi-layered initiatives that address root causes of inequality, rather than just symptoms.
Let’s Share Foundation is recognized not just for what it gives, but how it gives. It strives for accountability, transparency, and inclusive engagement in every project. By fostering collaborative networks and focusing on systemic change, the organization seeks to build empowered communities where every child and family has the resources, mentorship, and pathways needed to thrive.
0:10 – Alex reflects on growing up in Columbia, South Carolina with 12 siblings, where playing sports of all kinds was the family’s main entertainment.
1:00 – He explains why basketball stood out to him as an “art form,” offering more creativity and individuality compared to football or baseball.
2:50 – By sixth grade, Alex began focusing more on basketball, putting in hours to master fundamentals despite limited resources.
4:50 – In high school, he realized basketball could be his ticket to college, fueling his drive to work harder and refine his skills.
6:40 – Choosing the University of South Carolina, he broke barriers for African-American athletes and inspired other local players to follow.
9:00 – Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1976, Alex recounts early struggles, nearly being cut, and then establishing himself as a reliable contributor.
13:40 – After stints with Milwaukee and Indiana, his career blossomed with the Denver Nuggets, where he became one of the NBA’s most consistent scorers.
15:40 – Alex shares the origins of the Let’s Share Foundation, which began with delivering Thanksgiving food baskets to disadvantaged families.
17:50 – Today, the foundation partners with organizations like Family Promise, supports after-school STEM programs, and hosts youth basketball camps.
19:30 – He previews his annual celebrity golf tournament in South Carolina, which raises funds for the foundation and brings together stars like Artis Gilmore, Ralph Sampson, Mugsy Bogues, and Nancy Lieberman.
