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          Saints' Keenan Lewis holds free camp for his 'pride and joy' New Orleans

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          Keenan Lewis: We can make change (0:47)

          NEW ORLEANS -- As promised, New Orleans Saints cornerback and West Bank native Keenan Lewis turned his passion into action Saturday, hosting a free “peace camp and rally” for kids in New Orleans' City Park.

          “I’m from here, born and raised. This is my pride and joy,” said Lewis, who has been preaching the need to stop the violence in his hometown since well before his former teammate Will Smith was shot and killed in the city last Saturday night.

          Lewis has challenged others from the New Orleans community to reach out directly to the youth and show them there are other paths that don’t lead to violence. He said he’d like to see a movement start, similar to the ALS ice bucket challenge.

          “It’s time for us to step in and take control of our city,” said Lewis, who said he grew up going to camps and listening to NFL players from the area, like Reggie Wayne and Kordell Stewart. “So that’s why it’s important for guys like myself, Tyrann (Mathieu), Odell (Beckham Jr.), Mike Wallace, Kendrick (Lewis, who is Keenan’s cousin) and those type of guys, basketball players as well, and people who don’t even play sports, to get out in the community and take these youth by the hand and lead their way.

          “Let’s get out in our communities, and hopefully they could touch even guys like Li'l Wayne, Master P, Tyler Perry, some of the guys that are from here. I challenge y’all to get out in our community and make a difference.”

          An estimated 300 kids registered for Lewis’ event, which was thrown together in a matter of days this week -- though a steady rain might have kept the number of attendees below that total. Some local businesses and charitable organizations turned up, and several individuals made donations. The U.S. Army National Guard came out. Alvianne Brule', who helps manage Lewis' charitable foundation for Zakhii Sports, also credited New Orleans city councilwoman Nadine Ramsey for her support.

          Some of Lewis' friends and college teammates were among those who helped him run drills for the kids in attendance, including timed 40-yard dashes. The event ended with some inspirational speeches, a march for peace and the release of hundreds of white balloons.



          “A lot of people in our city have been going through a lot, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to come out and just give back to the community,” Lewis said. “It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to get it going. I’m just excited to see the kids out here enjoying themselves and becoming one. That’s what it means, that’s what it’s about.”