Carlos T. Vinson (Coach V), has been a parent/volunteer and head coach for the St. Louis Public Schools for the past 8 years. Coach V's passion is measured from 2004 through 2012. His record follows:
2004 through 2007-Faragut, Girls basketball coach,
2007 through 2008-Blewett, Girls basketball coach,
2008 through 2011-L'Ouverture, Girls basketball coach,
2011 through 2012-Yeatman, Girls basketball coach and was also awarded "Outstanding Coach" for perserverence.
As a result of his hard work and dedication, he garnered numerous trophies and awards for the disadvantaged, low to moderate income children in the Saint Louis Public School System. For many of these children he was the only positive male influence in their afterschool lives. Now, after 8 years of measurable participation in the lives of disadvantaged children, as a St. Louis Public Schools volunteer basketball coach, the SLPS has decided to revoke the eligibility of all volunteers to coach within their jurisdiction. It is a grave injustice, not only for the many children who benefitted from the sincere effort and mentorship of Coach V, but also for the community and neighborhoods in which these children lived. We need African-American male role-models such as Mr. Carlos Vinson in the lives of our children for the survival of our families as functioning contributors to the fabric of American life.
